Microsoft spent the weekend thoroughly confusing beta testers of Windows 10 over whether they were going to get the final version for free. It actually seemed like Redmond was confused themselves for a moment. On Friday, they announced that any registered users of its Insiders beta version of 10 would get a free upgrade to the full version when it comes out in July. Then the company updated its blog post, making it seem like only people upgrading from Windows 7 or 8 would get a free upgrade. To add to the confusion, Microsoft executive tweeted that “anyone running a pre-release build connected with registered MSA [Microsoft Account]” would remain activated on the final build of Windows 10.
Thankfully, the company has released a, what is, hopefully, final clarification on the issue yesterday. Here’s the headline: Windows 10 will be available for free for the users who run genuine version of Windows 7 and Windows 8 and users who are already part of Windows Insider Program irrespective of whether they run genuine version of previous Windows or pirated copies.
The thing is that Microsoft, understandably, don’t want to be seen offering its new OS to people who are running pirated versions of Windows. Not only can that be construed as condoning piracy but it will cause some dissent among those who have parted with their cash for the OS.
Meanwhile, Microsoft’s Windows 10 Insider program, where new beta versions of Windows 10 are issued, will continue after the release of Windows 10 RTM. By any luck, if you’re still registered as a Windows Insider, you won’t need to buy a copy of 10 when it comes out on July 29. Instead, you’ll continue to receive new, pre-release builds of 10 from Microsoft — builds that will remain activated until the release of the next beta version.
So here’s how it all boils down: you can perform a clean install of the Windows 10 preview copy now and continue to opt-in to future updates to get your free copy of Windows 10. That will mean putting up with potential pre-release software bugs and continued updates in the future. Or you can just pony up the cash for a new license key like everyone else.
