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Windows 10 free for all Windows 8.1 and 7 users for first year after release

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Is there any going back from this if it doesn't play nicely with your hardware?
I've got a fairly old win 7 craptop that I'd like to install it on but not if it's going to break it.
 
AFAIK you just wipe and reload with your original OS/license.

If the laptop didn't come with recovery discs, use its utility to burn some if you haven't already.
 
SparkyJJO said:
AFAIK you just wipe and reload with your original OS/license.

If the laptop didn't come with recovery discs, use its utility to burn some if you haven't already.
Click to expand...
I can make an Acronis backup but I was worried about the license being linked to Windows 10 not windows 7.
 
taisingera said:
I have Win 7 Pro on a Dell Vostro and I got the Upgrade to Win 10 icon. I haven't clicked on it though as I too have the same questions and concerns as others have in the thread.
Click to expand...

Thanks. I had to update to IE11 (had to back it off a while back to get Microsoft Update to work properly), then I was able to get the update to get the notification.
 
On Reddit a long thread emerged of users that suddenly received the “Reserve your FREE Windows upgrade, yes FREE”. Due to the phrasing and the fact that the offer for some users sound too good to be true, the user suspected the notification was caused by spam or a virus. Also on Twitter many users are wondering whether the notification is real or a virus.
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lmao
 
Yet still no answer about the retail Windows licenses and how that upgrade works.

Better not "convert" to OEM. I want to remain able to move the install/license from one set of hardware to the next as I upgrade my PC. My Win7 Pro install has been so nice and easy to do this with, just a quick push of "reactivate" and boom done. I've never had to call MS on my Windows 7 install.
 
SparkyJJO said:
Yet still no answer about the retail Windows licenses and how that upgrade works.

Better not "convert" to OEM. I want to remain able to move the install/license from one set of hardware to the next as I upgrade my PC. My Win7 Pro install has been so nice and easy to do this with, just a quick push of "reactivate" and boom done. I've never had to call MS on my Windows 7 install.
Click to expand...

I just recently bought a Win8.1 retail license from someone at Hardforum, and it is not an OEM copy based on the serial number. I also would not want it to turn into an OEM license. As for my Dell Vostro laptop, it has OEM copy so I can't move that, so I wouldn't mind so much about losing that license.
 
So you can re-install 10, and re-install your original OS. But I am sure the paranoia will continue.

Edit: funny, I just mentioned that in another thread (because I hadn't tried that yet), and then saw your update Chief. Nothing amazing, just interesting timing.
 
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It's Not Lupus said:
Extended support for Windows 8.1 is until January 10, 2023.

Can someone explain how long Windows 10 will be supported?
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Forever. It's the last Windows OS.
(This is what Microsoft is saying now. It will be interesting to see how this plays out).

But Microsoft has stated that anyone who upgrades to 10 will have support "for the life of the device."
 
ketchup79 said:
Forever. It's the last Windows OS.
(This is what Microsoft is saying now. It will be interesting to see how this plays out).

But Microsoft has stated that anyone who upgrades to 10 will have support "for the life of the device."
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What happens if the motherboard dies? I have a copy of 8.1 that I can deactivate and transfer to another system. Can I do that with this upgrade? Still need that bit of info. I think this Windows 10 free upgrade is best for people with OEM versions of windows on devices like, laptops, tablets, USFF PCs (like the Compute Stick or Compute Plug).
 
taisingera said:
What happens if the motherboard dies? I have a copy of 8.1 that I can deactivate and transfer to another system. Can I do that with this upgrade? Still need that bit of info. I think this Windows 10 free upgrade is best for people with OEM versions of windows on devices like, laptops, tablets, USFF PCs (like the Compute Stick or Compute Plug).
Click to expand...

Gabriel Aul hasn't responded to that yet, sadly. Ask him on Twitter?
 
From what I have read, the free version on 10 is OEM, which coincides with their statement 'for the life of the device.' So no, it will not transfer. You would need to buy a copy of 10 for the different computer.

Now, it should be like current OEM, meaning that if you replaced a dead motherboard with a new one of the same chipset, you should be fine.
 
ketchup, according to Microsoft, the licensing terms on a Windows 10 upgrade install is the same as on the 7/8.x install that was upgraded. OEM keeps OEM terms. Retail keeps Retail terms. You can transfer the Windows 10 license to another computer if you upgraded a Retail install.
 
Have been using the Tech Preview, but will wait to see what happens for a couple of months after it hits on July 29.
 
In case someone doesn't want to weed through the very long Q&A page (I have), here is the info.

Microsoft FAQ said:
When I upgrade a preinstalled (OEM) or retail version of Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 license to Windows 10, does that license remain OEM or become a retail license?

If you upgrade from a OEM or retail version of Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 to the free Windows 10 upgrade this summer, the license is consumed into it. Because the free upgrade is derived from the base qualifying license, Windows 10 will carry that licensing too.

If you upgrade from a retail version, it carries the rights of a retail version.

If you upgrade from a OEM version, it carries the rights of a OEM version.

Full version (Retail):

- Includes transfer rights to another computer.

- Doesn't require a previous qualifying version of Windows.

- Expensive

Upgrade version (Retail):

- Includes transfer rights to another computer.

- require a previous qualifying version of Windows.

- Expensive, but cheaper than full version

OEM :

OEM versions of Windows are identical to Full License Retail versions except for the following:

- OEM versions do not offer any free Microsoft direct support from Microsoft support personnel

- OEM licenses are tied to the very first computer you install and activate it on

- OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different model motherboard

- OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system

What happens if I change my motherboard?

As it pertains to the OEM licenses this will invalidate the Windows 10 upgrade license because it will no longer have a previous base qualifying license which is required for the free upgrade. You will then have to purchase a full retail Windows 10 license. If the base qualifying license (Windows 7 or Windows 8.1) was a full retail version, then yes, you can transfer it.

15. UPGRADES. To use upgrade software, you must first be licensed for the software that is eligible for the upgrade. Upon upgrade, this agreement takes the place of the agreement for the software you upgraded from. After you upgrade, you may no longer use the software you upgraded from.
Click to expand...
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...ndows-10/5c0b9368-a9e8-4238-b1e4-45f4b7ed2fb9

So, to get Windows 10 for free, I have to do the direct upgrade from 7 to 10. However, after I do that I can reload 10 directly, particularly if I change hardware and rebuild the PC. OK.
 
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That long quote is from Andre Da Costa, a Microsoft MVP and "Community Moderator".

I don't know that he necessarily speaks as authoritatively as Gabe Aul. How many thousands of MVPs are there?

If taken literally, "If you upgrade from a retail version, it carries the rights of a retail version" would imply that a "free upgrade" from retail 7 or 8.1 would give you the right to install retail Win 10 on a succession of motherboards indefinitely into the future. That's what is allowed by a retail Win 7 or 8.1 license.

I'll wait for word from someone other than a "Community Moderator".

Then there's the issue of Win 10 Pro having more control over Win 10 updates than Win 10 Home. I don't know if that is a disaster-in-waiting for Win 10 Home users---or not.
 
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