Over the weekend, Microsoft had announced that they will be providing free upgrades to all users with MSA (Microsoft Account) and enrolled in Insiders program. But the company was quick to edit this clause of getting the Windows 10 version activated and this caused a major embarrassment for the company. This offer also caused a big issue of pirated version users enrolling into Insiders getting hold of full version.
But now the company has clarified on how they are going forward with the Insiders program. Windows Insider head Gabriel Aul made a clarification on this issue.
So here there are scenarios, if you want to continue as an Insider or quit the program.
1. “I want to continue as a Windows Insider!” If you want to continue as a Windows Insider past 7/29 there is nothing you need to do. You’re already opted in and receiving builds in the Fast or Slow ring depending upon your selection. This is pre release software and is activated with a pre release key. Each individual build will expire after a time, but you’ll continue to receive new builds so by the time an older pre release build expires you’ll have received a new one. Since the company is continuing the Windows Insider Program you’ll be able to continue receiving builds and those builds will continue to be activated under the terms of the Windows Insider Program. Microsoft provide ISOs for these builds for recovery from any significant problems, but they are still pre-release software. As part of the program they will upgrade Insiders to what is for all intents and purposes the same build as what other customers will get on 7/29, but that will be just another build for Insiders, and those who stay in the program will simply get the next build after as well.
2. “I want to opt out of the Windows Insider Program on 7/29.” If you decide to opt-out of the program and upgrade to the 7/29 build you will be subject to exactly the same terms and conditions that govern the offer that was extended to all Genuine Windows 7 and 8.1 customers. This is not a path to attain a license for Windows XP or Windows Vista systems. If your system upgraded from a Genuine Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 license it will remain activated, but if not, you will be required to roll back to your previous OS version or acquire a new Windows 10 license. If you do not roll back or acquire a new license the build will eventually expire.
This brings in clarity to the program, so in short,
- If you have genuine Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, you get Windows 10 for FREE (if upgraded in first year)
- If you continue as an Insider, you do not have to do anything, Microsoft will give latest builds
- If you opt out of Insiders and had clean installed Windows 10 Preview and do not have genuine license, you will need to buy a license.
- If you opt out of Insiders, but had upgraded from a genuine Windows 7 or 8.1, you can continue to use it without any issues
- If you are using a pirated version of Windows, you might be able to upgrade, but will have a pay for the license.
