Windows 10: Can you get the upgrade but not install it for a year or more?

The Dev's will HAVE TO get on board in 2023 at the latest, if they want to make any money, because that's Windows 8.1 updates end of life.

Client operating systems Latest update or service pack End of mainstream support End of extended support Client operating systems
Windows XP
Latest update or service pack
Service Pack 3
End of mainstream support
April 14, 2009
End of extended support
April 8, 2014
Client operating systems
Windows Vista
Latest update or service pack
Service Pack 2
End of mainstream support
April 10, 2012
End of extended support
April 11, 2017
Client operating systems
Windows 7 *
Latest update or service pack
Service Pack 1
End of mainstream support
January 13, 2015
End of extended support
January 14, 2020
Client operating systems
Windows 8
Latest update or service pack
Windows 8.1
End of mainstream support
January 9, 2018
End of extended support
January 10, 2023

 

Or stay on Android.LOL

 

AS it stands today ....

You have up to one year (between July 29 2015 and July 28 2016) to take advantage of the free UPGRADE offer. You could wait until the last day if you need to wait. After the free offer expires, you will have to purchase a Retail license.

The information I've read indicates that you have to upgrade the machine first. Once everything has been validated and updated on the machine THEN you can download an ISO. The actual mechanism to obtain the Win10 ISO is still unknown.

Things might change over the next year and there might be some heavy promotional offers to boost sales if necessary. Lots of things are still up-in-the-air. Visit TenForums over the next year and see what the gurus cook up - they're really smart folks and find new information fast.

Unless you wake on July 29 2016 and think "I knew I should have logged on yesterday", there's no reason to worry about waiting to upgrade. I plan on waiting until Q1 2016 to update my machine, simply because in my experience, Windows is always much better after the first major update (Win 7 SP1 / Win 8.1).

 

Thanks all, so installing it and then downgrading back to win8.1 with an image or whatever should be fine or do you have to stay on win10 after installing?

 

I think that remains to be seen. But I don't see why not. Post above had good advice you still have over a year to decide. Lots can change in that time.

 

Yep and lots of really smart people on here.

Thanks all.

 

Once installed within 1 year of release, it's yours forever. The 1 year time frame is when you can get a free for life copy. After that it's back to $109 for Home and $199 for Pro, etc.

See here: The Free Windows 10 Will Support Unlimited Clean Installs

 

Just the FAQs Jack

Windows 10 FAQ & Tips - Microsoft

 

I'm not sure I'm reading you right, Bear, but it looks like you are saying that the free upgrade to Windows 10 is a trial? And that that trial will end on July 29, 2016 (start date of July 29, 2015)?

The free Windows 10 upgrade is not a trial! It is yours to use for the supported life of the device you put it on.

If I'm wrong in my interpretation of what you said, I apologize. The facts are as follows:

1. Everyone who qualifies with Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 (except for Enterprise customers) will get a free upgrade from their current OS to Windows 10.

2. Everyone qualifying for the upgrade will have one year to get that upgrade. We will have from July 29, 2015 to July 29, 2016 to upgrade our computers.

3. Once those who qualify get the upgrade, it is theirs to use forever, or until the computer it's on bites the dust. It is my understanding that every upgrade will be treated as an OEM; IOW, once installed, it cannot be used on another computer.

4. If the computer you're using with Windows 10 dies, you may be able to have the computer repaired and go on with Windows 10. If it cannot be repaired, Windows 10 on that computer is no longer valid.

5. If your computer dies and has to be replaced, the new one will come with Windows 10 installed, so you don't actually have to buy a new copy of Windows 10.

As I said, if I've misinterpreted what you actually said, I apologize.

 

Well, drat, Bill. Ya beat me to it; I should have scrolled down a bit farther.

 

I think he meant that the free offer is a limited offer. You have 365 days from it's release to qualify for the free upgrade. If you wait 366 days you will have to purchase a license.

 

Following is why I wasn't sure he was right. He said "the free trial period" and I don't believe the upgrade has ever been referred to as a trial. Also, "install 1 month before ending date . . . 1 month free use."

And I did apologize just in case I got it wrong. *Smile

 

Yeah, I don't think Microsoft will skip the activation process. I would think that once Windows 10 is installed, you will have to activate it within so many days.

 

I'm not so sure, Jeff. How will we prove we qualify? Will we be able to download an ISO before we upgrade? And if so, will we get a key?

I just don't believe it can work the way you're saying. I think we will definitely have to upgrade before the year is out.

 

One month free is only true if you device dies in one month after installing. *Smile It's free for the life of the device.