update to retail version

I dont recall seeing this anywhere; but pardon me if it was posted and I just never noticed; but; will we be able to get a free upgrade to the full retail version of 10 once that becomes available?

BunnyJ said:

The free upgrade is the same as the retail version.

bunny; what about the fact that i coulda sworn I recall reading somewhere that it will be free for 1 year; after which time we would have to "buy" a retail key in order to keep the upgrade version fully functioning?

Matt Siegel said:

bunny; what about the fact that i coulda sworn I recall reading somewhere that it will be free for 1 year; after which time we would have to "buy" a retail key in order to keep the upgrade version fully functioning?

That is not the case the free upgrade is available to install for 1 year meaning if you don't upgrade within that time you will then have to purchase.

Matt Siegel said:

bunny; what about the fact that i coulda sworn I recall reading somewhere that it will be free for 1 year; after which time we would have to "buy" a retail key in order to keep the upgrade version fully functioning?

What is free is the ability to upgrade a computer already running Windows 7/8/8.1 to Windows 10 for 1 year. Once the computer is upgraded, Windows 10 will be free to install on that same computer for the life of that same computer - via clean install of Windows 10, if you choose to. During future installs of Windows 10 just skip entering a product key when it asks for one and it will activate based up information stored previously on Microsoft activation servers.

BunnyJ said:

Yes.. after one year you would have to purchase the retail copy. But right now the upgrade version and the retail will be the same.

No, he won't. Unless he wants to install Windows 10 on a new computer or does a major change to hardware such as change the motherboard. Even then he might be able to call Microsoft for activation.

BunnyJ said:

Did you read the OP?

So how about this for the answer - with the free upgrade you get the full retail version with the single exception of being able to transfer it to a new computer or major hardware change after 28 July 2016. In essence, even though it is supposed to be a retail license (which Microsoft has shown they will honor when pressed to do so), it is actually an OEM license - but the version and functionality of Windows 10 is full and complete - just not transferability.

LCDR is correct. The free upgrade is exactly the same as the retail version. The only difference is the licensing. That's it.