quick question about windows 10

[ExcitezR]

so i will more than likely upgrade to windows 10 from 8.1. so lets say i have been using windows 10 for a while and want to fresh install will i have to install 8.1 and update to 10 or will i be able to download a win 10 iso and use my windows 8.1 key for it?

[Jade]

We don't know yet, but you should be able to just install 10.

[ExcitezR]

We don't know yet, but you should be able to just install 10.

i hope so 

[creatureofthecave]

so i will more than likely upgrade to windows 10 from 8.1. so lets say i have been using windows 10 for a while and want to fresh install will i have to install 8.1 and update to 10 or will i be able to download a win 10 iso and use my windows 8.1 key for it?

 

that would be a good question for the windows 10 technical preview forum, never really thought of that

[Beltboy]

Most news sites refer to is being a free upgrade, I interpreted that to mean the upgrade edition will be free so you'll be able to do in-place upgrades but not necessarily clean builds.

 

A lot of the press quotes Microsoft as saying "Windows 10 should be free to consumers just not to OEM manufacturers" though which does imply that if you have a windows machine that has compatible hardware then you should get it free. They have specifically said that Enterprise editions and volume licences will not be getting the free upgrade though.

[Bonesy]

I can try and find a source link to confirm it for you, but when I watched a video(cant remember which as I watched quite a few), it was outlined as such: Windows 10 is free to UPGRADE, but will have the normal subscription cost for the standalone version. Also, Windows 10 is only free during the 1st year, after that; whether it's upgrade or standalone, you will be paying.

[TheGamingBarrel]

I can try and find a source link to confirm it for you, but when I watched a video(cant remember which as I watched quite a few), it was outlined as such: Windows 10 is free to UPGRADE, but will have the normal subscription cost for the standalone version. Also, Windows 10 is only free during the 1st year, after that; whether it's upgrade or standalone, you will be paying.

No, that is wrong, you have one year to upgrade after re4lease and then it is your forever

[ionbasa]

You will be able to use your key in all likelihood. People have been able to use their Windows 8.1 keys to test activation of the Windows 10 TP via slmgr (Software Licensing Management Tool).

[Bonesy]

No, that is wrong, you have one year to upgrade after re4lease and then it is your forever

I think you misunderstood me. If you upgrade during the 1st year, it is free. If you do not, you will have to pay. I was not saying that if you've upgraded, after 1 year you have to start paying.

[TheGamingBarrel]

I think you misunderstood me. If you upgrade during the 1st year, it is free. If you do not, you will have to pay. I was not saying that if you've upgraded, after 1 year you have to start paying.

"Also, Windows 10 is only free during the 1st year" that is what confused me

[ionbasa]

I can try and find a source link to confirm it for you, but when I watched a video(cant remember which as I watched quite a few), it was outlined as such: Windows 10 is free to UPGRADE, but will have the normal subscription cost for the standalone version. Also, Windows 10 is only free during the 1st year, after that; whether it's upgrade or standalone, you will be paying.

This is technically wrong.

 

The standalone is also free for one year. You can clean install from a previous version using the same license key or the UEFI's SLIC data.

 

Also your statement is a bit confusing to read  .

It would have been better to say: "Windows 10 is free if you migrate your licence within the first year of release." (regardless if it is a clean install or upgrade).

[Bonesy]

This is technically wrong.

 

The standalone is also free for one year. You can clean install from a previous version using the same license key or the UEFI's SLIC data.

 

Also your statement is a bit confusing to read  .

It would have been better to say: "Windows 10 is free if you migrate your licence within the first year of release." (regardless if it is a clean install or upgrade).

Do you have a source link that confirms standalone is free also? If not, it's just an assumption; and I wouldn't be telling people "YOU'RE WRONG".

Here is the information I keep finding: http://forums.afterdawn.com/threads/upgrading-to-windows-10-from-xp-or-vista-prepare-for-a-clean-install.753370/ - http://wccftech.com/windows-10-direct-upgrade-full-price-windows-xp-users/

Several different sites all say the same information: For Windows UPGRADE, it is free, for Windows standalone(iso), it is NOT free.

[ionbasa]

Do you have a source link that confirms standalone is free also? If not, it's just an assumption; and I wouldn't be telling people "YOU'RE WRONG".

Here is the information I keep finding: http://forums.afterdawn.com/threads/upgrading-to-windows-10-from-xp-or-vista-prepare-for-a-clean-install.753370/ - http://wccftech.com/windows-10-direct-upgrade-full-price-windows-xp-users/

Several different sites all say the same information: For Windows UPGRADE, it is free, for Windows standalone(iso), it is NOT free.

My source is that it works with SLMGR (software licensing management tool). Go try it if you want.

SLMGR is the tool that activate Windows OSs. I can input my Windows 8.1 key and have Windows 10 activated from a clean install via the ISO.

 

I also never said you were flat out wrong. At this point in time, your comment was technically wrong. 

 

Which site says that the RTM Windows 10 ISO will not be free with licence migration with a year? Neither the links you posted mention that.

PS: The fact that you linked to WCCF is hilarious  :lol: . 

---

EDIT:

And to appease those who are too lazy or lack the technical knowhow of how of SLIC and reading through Windows 10 activation file structure, here is a screenshot of an excel spreadsheet that was compiled using PKey Config Reader:

[Bonesy]

So, your source is yourself, based on a preview version of Win10; using a business-class utility...riiiiiight.

 

From the links I already provided:

"Windows XP and Windows Vista users will have to upgrade to the operating system using the standalone ISOs provided by Microsoft. Mr. Aul confirmed this on twitter."

"..while Windows Vista and XP users will be required to pay the full cost"

 

As Vista/XP users require the standalone ISO to upgrade to Win10, therefore; it costs.

You can look up the information on a site of your preference.

 

PS: The fact that you linked nothing is hilarious.

[ionbasa]

So, your source is yourself, based on a preview version of Win10; using a business-class utility...riiiiiight.

 

"Windows XP and Windows Vista users will have to upgrade to the operating system using the standalone ISOs provided by Microsoft. Mr. Aul confirmed this on twitter."

.."while Windows Vista and XP users will be required to pay the full cost"

 

As Vista/XP users require the standalone ISO to upgrade to Win10, therefore; it costs.

You can look up the information on a site of your preference.

 

PS: The fact that you linked nothing is hilarious.

SLMGR is a business class utility? Someone doesn't know how windows is activated when you type a product key in the installer .

 

By the way, the quote you are quoting is referring to in place upgrades (saving files). You can still migrate the key for Vista and XP, but it requires a clean install. Nowhere does it say that the ISO will cost money to download if you have an valid license key.

 

And to appease those who are too lazy or lack the technical knowhow of how of SLIC/SLMGR and reading through Windows 10 activation file structure, here is a screenshot of an excel spreadsheet that was compiled using PKey Config Reader:

 

[Bonesy]

Ok ok, you got me; I will stop feeding the troll. Since you ignore any valid comments that disagree with your own point-of-view, and instead attempt to demean the comment/individual as a way to justify your own beliefs - I can see arguing facts with you is quite meaningless. So thanks for the screenshot that proves literally nothing, other than a vain attempt to prove your own competence to people who don't care. Enjoy your day.

[ionbasa]

Ok ok, you got me; I will stop feeding the troll. Since you ignore any valid comments that disagree with your own point-of-view, and instead attempt to demean the comment/individual as a way to justify your own beliefs - I can see arguing facts with you is quite meaningless. So thanks for the screenshot that proves literally nothing, other than a vain attempt to prove your own competence to people who don't care. Enjoy your day.

By the way, the quote you are quoting is referring to in place upgrade. You can still migrate the key for Vista and XP, but it requires a clean install. Nowhere does it say that the ISO will cost money to download if you have an valid license key.

 

You misconstrued information or misinterpreted the article form WCCF.

This is a quote from the WCCF article you posted:

What this means is that Windows XP and Windows 7 users will have to upgrade to Windows 10 through a fresh installation, resulting in all settings and existing data being erased. While news about Windows XP requiring a fresh installation surfaced a while back, looks like Windows Vista users are in for a similar predicament. Users of Windows 7 and above will be able to keep all their existing settings and apps courtesy of Microsoft.

 

On a personal note. I use facts and have never trolled on this forum. Feel free to look at my other posts on this forum.

 

Yes, its a bit hard to link to an article regarding the compiled Excel spreadsheet of upgrade/clean install paths at is compiled from users on another forum I frequent. But, I have used the PKey Config Tool, and what I have posted so far is true. If you have the Windows 10 TP installed, you too can use the PKeyConfig Tool for yourself. Thats how science works, you can double check the data for yourself.

[Bonesy]

By the way, the quote you are quoting is referring to in place upgrade. You can still migrate the key for Vista and XP, but it requires a clean install. Nowhere does it say that the ISO will cost money to download if you have an valid license key.

It CLEARLY states it: "Windows Vista and XP users will be required to pay the full cost."  If you were able to migrate your license for use with a standalone ISO, it wouldn't be REQUIRED now would it? The average consumer does not know anything about SLIC, KMS, SLMGR, etc. Are there technical workarounds? Sure, there always are. For the average consumer however, the information provided above is applicable.

[ionbasa]

It CLEARLY states it: "Windows Vista and XP users will be required to pay the full cost."  If you were able to migrate your license for use with a standalone ISO, it wouldn't be REQUIRED now would it? The average consumer does not know anything about SLIC, KMS, SLMGR, etc. Are there technical workarounds? Sure, there always are. For the average consumer however, the information provided above is applicable.

That is why WCCF is full of BS:

In fact, if several reports of sources close to the matter are to be believed then the Windows 10 upgrade could very well be free for users of Windows 8.1 Windows 7 users will have to pay a small amount, while Windows Vista and XP users will be required to pay the full cost.

 

The average consumer doesn't need to know anything about SLIC or SLMGR. (I never mentioned KMS by the way)

I'm using SLMGR as a reference for my argument and Windows 10 XrML Digital License. The XrML included in Windows 10 currently reads that Windows XP and up can all clean install using their perspective key. It also shows that Windows 7 and up can do in in place upgrade without losing files (but can still clean install). All people have to do is insert the key during the install and be done.

 

The bottom line comes down to:

I'd trust the data present by the pkeyconfig utility rather than WCCF.

[Bonesy]

That is why WCCF is full of BS:

 

The average consumer doesn't need to know anything about SLIC or SLMGR. (I never mentioned KMS by the way)

I'm using SLMGR as a reference for my argument and Windows 10 XrML Digital License. The XrML included in Windows 10 currently reads that Windows XP and up can all clean install using their perspective key. It also shows that Windows 7 and up can do in in place upgrade without losing files (but can still clean install). All people have to do is insert the key during the install and be done.

 

The bottom line comes down to:

I'd trust the data present by the pkeyconfig utility rather than WCCF.

 

Firstly, I stated several times(you just chose to ignore) that this information is available on MANY sites. If you don't like WCCF for whatever reason...pull up the information on any of the other hundreds of sites that say the same thing. Secondly, you are basing all your "knowledge" of the situation on a TP/CP version of win10 - which IS NOT retail. The same licensing structure doesn't apply - it would defeat the whole purpose of even having a TP/CP. Thirdly, and most importantly - you have proved my point for me: You have provided zero evidence from any source other than yourself, using methods the average consumer wouldn't even know about; on a version of windows that is NOT retail. Spit out all the technical mumbo jumbo you want to - you have evaded every definitive comment with nothing more than "you're wrong; they're wrong." 

 

This is not a pissing contest - grow up.

[IndaLight]

That's yet to be decided.