Microsoft wants users to know that the upcoming Windows 10 will be available as a genuinely licensed free upgrade to those with Genuine Windows devices. Users who are already running Genuine Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 will automatically receive Windows 10 on their devices.
Microsoft had put up a blog post on Friday, advising users about possible scenarios in getting the upgrade. The company then tried to clarify the confusion that ensued by updating the post on Monday.
It appears that much of the confusion is about Windows Insiders. These are users with a Microsoft account who have downloaded a preview build of Windows 10. They have signed up for Microsoft's Windows Insiders Program, to be first in line for trying out some of the Windows 10 features and providing feedback.
Microsoft tried to make it easier for Windows Insiders to get the whole idea with two simple yes-or-no questions.
Question 1: "Do you want to continue as a Windows Insider and keep getting preview builds after July 29?"
Question 2: "Or do you want to upgrade your Genuine Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 system that has been getting Windows 10 Insider Preview builds to the July 29 release and stop being an Insider?
Those who answer "yes" to the first question can relax — they don't have to do anything at all, even when Windows 10 is released on July 29. Microsoft explained that it's continuing the Windows Insider Program and that Windows Insiders will continue getting builds, which will still be activated according to the program's terms.
For Windows Insiders who answer "yes" to the second question, Microsoft said they will have to deal with the same terms and conditions that were extended to all users of Genuine Windows 7 and 8.1 devices.
Microsoft's Gabe Aul reiterated that the Windows Insider Program should not mislead users into thinking that they could get a license for Windows Vista or Windows XP.
As long as Windows Insiders have upgraded their Windows 7 or 8.1 PC to the pre-release Windows 10 build, their PC will remain activated — even if they decide to exit the program.
If, for instance, a Windows Insider has been running Windows 10 from a clean install, he or she is then advised to roll back to an earlier OS version or get a new Windows 10 license. Otherwise, the build will eventually expire.
Hopefully, Microsoft has been able to make things more clear. The magic word that summarizes everything in the blog post is the word GENUINE. So long as users have installed Genuine Windows 7 or 8.1, they're ready for the upgrade — whether they like it or not.
Photo: Kiewic I Flickr
