Windows 10: Do I actually need to upgrade from 8.1 Pro to 10 Pro

Actually looks like it's permanently activated, running that command.





These were all upgrades starting at around build 10162.

 

I'm in a similar position thinking about upgrading from 8.1 to 10, so, I've been reading everything I can find on Gabe's posts and tweets -- and, have to admit, nowhere did I find where he said specifically that the 10240 build will eventually expire. Instead, he said that "future insider builds" will expire.

So, I have a situation in which I originally installed in the Insider program by cloning my Win8.1 install and then installing Win10 TP over that. I had problems, so I then did a clean install, with a later build, over that. After that, I did Updates for each of the builds, up to, and including 10240 -- which, last time I checked, said it was activated.

Thus, if I now do another clean install, on this same PC, from an ISO downloaded from MS with the Release version, does that mean that my PC will remain activated permanently?

Or, if I already have the RTM build, leave the Insider program, and do NOT do another clean-install from the Release version, will that trigger an expiration date for the current (RTM) version?

 

And if you do slmgr /dlv, I'll bet you see this. RETAIL channel activation. So... RETAIL channel activation + permanently activated = final release build that will stay that way regardless of if you stay in the insider program or not.

 

Yep, it does say retail.

Your other point will have to be confirmed by time and Microsoft.

 

Actually, that's what I did earlier (use the commands you suggested) and my system says basically the same as yours. I didn't compare every letter of every line, but mine says RETAIL channel, Key: 3V66T, and permanently activated.

So, this means I can leave the Insider program NOW (before future builds get installed), and my machine will remain permanently activated?

NOTE: Sorry to keep pressing this, but this simply seems "too good to be true" -- and I've grown cynical in my "old age"!

 

Yes. You have exactly the same build, activation channel, and product key as people who upgraded after 7/29 who were never in the insider program.

 

I understand your skepticism Mark, but I doubt a clear precise answer to that has been found yet.

I would like to know too, but I want to see it from Microsoft before I feel comfortable confirming anything just because we all have the same build number.

 

And the same product key, and the same activation channel and Microsoft is already telling you it is permanently activated. But to each their own.

 

Like I said, time and Microsoft will have to confirm that.

 

*Ditto Is that command even valid for Windows 10? What does it really mean? All it means to me is that they have not backed a count down timer into this build. All my PC's show permanently activated but we all know if Microsoft wants to they can un activate you. 10240 was released as an insider build, insiders are still running it and still opted into receiving new builds. The watermark etc is gone but I think that was just a oops, by somebody at Microsoft. If you are convinced its the final and you are free and clear, go for it. I'm not so convinced. Not enough to tell people they are good to go if they clean installed the Insider Preview. Time will tell IMHO. If it is true, that's great and it won't bother me in the least if somebody tells me I told you so. I just don't want somebody pointing a finger at me saying, "You told me this, and you lied." if they opt out and activation expires down the road.

 

Hi there

While I don't believe in "The Evil Empire" theory about Ms - it's all about "Monetisation" - hideous word !! these days.
What I suspect is the same will eventually happen as does with Banks, Internet / ISP's, Energy / Utility companies etc etc is that they "Sucker" new customers in - and once they are hooked all those nice cheap / free deals suddenly vanish.

Ms is definitely working on a subscription model for a lot of its products. I rather fear for example Office 2016 will be the last non subscription version to be available. - Look at even innocent things like Solitaire --they want you to pay - not a one off charge but a SUBSCRIPTION to remove the ads. (You can still load the old W7 versions though - just search the Forum on how to do that).

Once the great majority have been on W10 for a while so going back to the earlier OS is too much of a hassle --you'll start to see a whole slew of PAID FOR stuff appearing.

For once - unlike Corporate America which has a definition of "Long Term" that's about 5 micro secs in the future Ms is playing this one Long.

The strategy is working so far -- W10 is getting generally a decent reception, Surface Pro 3 is doing well, surface 4 Pro probably will do even better and sales of laptops and PC's are actually OFF THE BOTTOM. Tablet mania seems to have passed its prime and desktop CAN co-exist with Smart phones.

BTW as an exercise -- just sit down and put on a spread sheet ALL your Monthly / annual subscriptions -- be ruthless --EVERYTHING.
You'll be amazed at how much it mounts up !!!!

Cheers
jimbo

 

Windows 10 is Skynet and July 29, 2016 will be Judgement Day. *Wink