Windows 10: Initial Windows 10 Install Question

I am currently running Windows 10 insider preview on a new computer build. When the initial version is released at the end of July will I have to purchase an EOM version for install since I don't have a prior version to upgrade from? I am assuming that there won't be a downloadable version available. I am trying to figure this out so I know to pre-order a copy, if necessary.

:)

 

USB media formatting recquirerments, FAT32 or NTFS?

Robelene,

Let me re-frame my question. If I have created a USB media to install windows 10, it makes no difference whether that USB media is formatted in FAT32 or NTFS? When I initiate the installation with that USB media the result is a installed NFTS Windows
10?.

 

Windows 10 reinstall

Glad you have installed OK. Your initial description of a reset made me think you were using Windows 10 Reset facility and that is why I asked the question.

 

That's being heavily debated. I think you will have to buy a License to keep using it, others don't. I believe you'll be able to update to the official version when it comes out but you won't be fully activated. I think there will be ISO's available. Clean installs are allowed after the free upgrade so you have to be able to get install media some where? Are you running Home or Pro? If your running Pro you'll need a Pro license/key to activate and keep going without reinstalling.

 

There's no rush to do anything. If you're using a recent preview build, it'll run normally into October.

If you're in the Insider program, you can continue to run Insider builds indefinitely. Such builds have end dates, but supposedly Microsoft will release new builds often enough to avoid any gaps in service.

If you wish to go with a regular license, the least expensive way may be to obtain a Win 7 or 8 license and do the free upgrade on that. MS has stated that offer will continue for one year.

It may be a good idea to wait until the licensing terms for Win 10 become clear. For example: MS has stated that people who take advantage of the free upgrade will be permitted to do Win 10 installs on a blank HD (in the same PC) in the future, but it's not known how that will work. It's not even clear that the free Win 10 upgrade will include a new license key. (With past paid upgrades, the new product key held all of the value of what you bought. The installation media were available for free download.)

 

I will be running Pro. I think that is the insider version I am running. I am fine paying for it as long as I don't have to go through the entire install process again since I have it installed on a Samsung SM951 M.2 SSD which require a bit of work.

So maybe the worst case scenario is that I have to buy it just to get a key?

 

I did an upgrade from Windows 7 to the Preview and got a new key in the process. It's a Windows 10 Pre-release key and not the same key Microsoft lists on the Insider Page. That's why I think new Windows 10 keys will be issued to genuine authorized installs.

 

Yes, but as mentioned, may be best to just wait it out and see what actually transpires. Unless you see a really good deal, I'd wait.

 

Good advice. I haven't loaded most of my software onto this new build and wanted to wait until the OS situation was resolved. So, I am a little anxious to get going but I don't want to have to repeat a lot of work if I have to reinstall the OS.

 

Interesting. MS sent you the key?

 

No, I checked the key with showkey before and after, https://www.tenforums.com/software-ap...7-showkey.html. I got another new key after build 10130. I don't know if it happened with 10158, 10159 or 10162. I didn't check it again until 10162.