Upcoming changes to Windows 10 Insider Preview builds [UPDATED 6/22] Insider

sgage said:

Now I'm confused again.

So am I. :)

Mystere said:

You will have to upgrade your Windows 7, and once upgraded, you can go back to Windows 7, then reinstall Windows 10 whenever you want. But, the upgrade to 10 must be done within the first year after release or you won't get the free upgrade.

That sounds reasonable. Thanks for the clarification.

sgage said:

OK, here's my case:

My main daily driver is Windows 7. I have 'reserved' a copy of Windows 10, but I have no intention of upgrading my Windows 7 installation. Will I be able to clean install my copy of Windows 10 on another partition on the same HD in the same machine, and dual-boot 7 and 10?

I am currently dual-booting 7 and 10 preview. Let's say I stay in the Insiders program after RTM, for at least a little while. Let's say I quit Insiders by and by - will I be able to install my Windows 10 that I got through reserving it on my Windows 7 system on the partition currently containing the Preview?

Sorry @sgage

Whoops, I misunderstood you. Yes as long as you remove windows 10 preview & upgrade windows 7 partition within a year.

Wynona said:

Short answer is no. You have to upgrade Windows 7 to Windows 10 in order to get the free copy.

I might add that since you've reserved your copy of Win 10 on Win 7, you might want to "take it back", although I've read that the upgrade won't take place without your permission. Question I'd ask is, "Did I give my permission to upgrade when I reserved my copy?" Yep, I reserved mine too.



I think this is the very reason Microsoft posted their blog and revised it twice.

1.You get to keep Windows 10 if you continue with the Insiders Program. Once you drop out of that program, Windows 10 is no longer valid, despite what was published in the multiply revised blog.

2. At this point, the only way to get Windows 10 free is to upgrade Windows 7 to Windows 10.

My understanding is that if you reserve a copy, the RTM bits will be downloaded in the background prior to 7/29, but the actual update process will not go forward until you give the OK.

sgage said:

My understanding is that if you reserve a copy, the RTM bits will be downloaded in the background prior to 7/29, but the actual update process will not go forward until you give the OK.

Yeah, that's what I kinda think too. Thing is, what if I decide not to upgrade after all? Am I in limbo?

Wynona said:

Yeah, that's what I kinda think too. Thing is, what if I decide not to upgrade after all? Am I in limbo?

Not for a year :) Presumably, too, we'll be able to make an iso from the downloaded bits to burn to DVD/USB for use within that year.

Wynona said:

Yeah, that's what I kinda think too. Thing is, what if I decide not to upgrade after all? Am I in limbo?

Limbo is only a state of mind. Purgatory or the hotter place is where you'll be Only time will tell for sure, but guessing games are a great diversion.

I think I'll use one of my old Technet W7 keys to upgrade to W10, but also stay on the Insider Program. I figure that way I'm good either way.

blackroseMD1 said:

I think I'll use one of my old Technet W7 keys to upgrade to W10, but also stay on the Insider Program. I figure that way I'm good either way.

Smart move . . . I could do that too, and may.

Boozad said:

This was my question.



This was your answer.



I don't see how that answers it.

Oh Comp World is supposedly the authority on everything. I heard that on The Radio. Sorry you right I goofed up.