Windows 10: Free upgrade license type requirements

Hello this is my first post so "Hi!".

I've read on Wikipedia that the Windows 10 free upgrade will offered to all users of "consumer editions" of Windows 7 and 8.1. I'm currently at a stage where I need to do a fresh install of Windows 7 but do not have a recovery disc. Does the "consumer edition" bit mean that if I buy a cheap OEM copy of Windows 7 off of EBay I won't be entitled the free upgrade? Am I right in thinking that the same would apply to discs/licences "intended for distribution with a refurbished PC"?

Thanks in advance

:)

 

Regarding the Windows 10 Update Reservation...are OEM licenses also covered? (KB3035583 issue)

Both OEM and retail license qualify for the free upgrade to Windows 10.

When I upgrade a preinstalled (OEM) version of Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 license to Windows 10, does that license remain OEM or become a retail license?

If you upgrade from a OEM version of Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 to the free Windows 10 upgrade this summer, the license is consumed into it. Because the free upgrade is derived from an OEM base qualifying license, Windows 10 will carry this type of licensing
too.

If you upgrade from a retail version, it carries the rights of a retail version.

Full version (Retail):

- Includes transfer rights to another computer.

- Doesn't require a previous qualifying version of Windows.

- Expensive

Upgrade version (Retail):

- Includes transfer rights to another computer.

- require a previous qualifying version of Windows.

- Expensive, but cheaper than full version

OEM :

OEM versions of Windows are identical to Full License Retail versions except for the following:

- OEM versions do not offer any free Microsoft direct support from Microsoft support personnel

- OEM licenses are tied to the very first computer you install and activate it on

- OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different model motherboard

- OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system

What happens if I change my motherboard?

This will invalidate the Windows 10 upgrade license because it will no longer have a previous based qualifying license which is required for the free upgrade. You will then have to purchase a full retail Windows 10 license.

 

windows 10

When I upgrade a preinstalled (OEM) version of Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 license to Windows 10, does that license remain OEM or become a retail license?

If you upgrade from a OEM version of Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 to the free Windows 10 upgrade this summer, the license is consumed into it. Because the free upgrade is derived from an OEM base qualifying license, Windows 10 will carry this type of licensing
too.

If you upgrade from a retail version, it carries the rights of a retail version.

Full version (Retail):

- Includes transfer rights to another computer.

- Doesn't require a previous qualifying version of Windows.

- Expensive

Upgrade version (Retail):

- Includes transfer rights to another computer.

- require a previous qualifying version of Windows.

- Expensive, but cheaper than full version

OEM :

OEM versions of Windows are identical to Full License Retail versions except for the following:

- OEM versions do not offer any free Microsoft direct support from Microsoft support personnel

- OEM licenses are tied to the very first computer you install and activate it on

- OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different model motherboard

- OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system

What happens if I change my motherboard?

This will invalidate the Windows 10 upgrade license because it will no longer have a previous based qualifying license which is required for the free upgrade. You will then have to purchase a full retail Windows 10 license.

 

It's not clear yet, but I guess that any legal copy of Windows 7/8/8.1 will be eligible.

*Smile

 

Haha I suppose MS is unlikely to be too clear about ways to save money*Wink.
Thanks for the reply

 

If you currently have a license to run Windows 7, you don't need to buy a copy - you can download one for free from Digital River.

 

Awesome thanks, you saved me £££!

 

You'll be able to upgrade to Win10 from the Windows Store.

 

I think the digital river downloads are no longer available.

 

Yeah, they got yanked a while back.

 

I agree.. the only way to get a valid copy is via MS.

 

Oh well. Thanks for the advice,

 

If you have the key, try this.... *Cool


Microsoft Software Recovery

 

That's too bad. There's got to be somewhere to get a legitimate iso file if you have a valid license/product key.

 

Did that work? You got an ISO down? Burn it to something, quick!*Cool