So, I have a Win8.1 key that I have not yet activated (waiting for a new computer). Thing is, I now see that Microsoft says that the upgrade from a previous version of Windows is a "limited time upgrade" and I was kinda wondering what does that mean.

Is it like I have to have Win8.1 already installed and to activate this offer before Win10 launches or what? Because that would suck...

9 years ago

Comment has been collapsed.

Well I think the offer only lasts a year. So July 2016 the free upgrade expires. But yes you need to have it installed, unless there is another option I'm unaware of.

9 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

If you have a valid legal installation of Windows on your PC, you get a free upgrade to the new OS coming out at the end of July Windows 10.

It's like signing up for the digital download of a game on release.

What operating system are you using now?

9 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

I'm using Win7 (not a legit one though - i know, cheap fuck).

The thing I want to understand is if I will be able to install Win 8.1 in, say, August, and then upgrade to 10, or do I need to install win 8.1 before the win10 launch to be able to freely upgrade.

9 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

You can upgrade from win 7 to 10 directly, even from non legal 7 (it was the same with win 8, when it comes you can upgrade pirated win 7 for $15)... You don't need to upgrade to 8.1 first.

9 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

Link
"..Free upgrades will be available to users running those systems for the first year of Windows 10, and users will get updates for the supported lifetime of their device..."

So basically you need to upgrade first year from launch of the Windows 10 and you'll have it free forever on that device, along with normal updates.

also here
"...

Will Windows 10 expire?

I read somewhere that the free upgrade to Windows 10 will expire after one year and that the user will then have to pay for the upgrade. Is this so? Alasdair

No, that’s completely wrong. Once you have installed Windows 10 and made a note of your product key, it’s yours forever. Well, you can use it until Microsoft stops supporting it, which is usually 10 years. ... "

9 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

So if I want to reinstall my Windows after a year, I'll have to buy a new copy of it? Oh well, I guess it's decent considering they're giving us a free upgrade.

9 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

that depends how microsoft will handle things, if they give a serial key to each user you should be able to install it again by using the same key but i think that there is a limit of times that the same serial key can be used
if no key is provided, well... microsoft accepts credit card!
but i know nothing about this so i might be wrong

9 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

You will have a key and use it for reinstall. You may have to get it re-armed over the web or via a phone call, but that is all.
(Sorry about the late reply, I opened the tab, and have not seen it for 2 days...)

9 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

As far as i'm concerned:
1-Limited time means if you don't catch the upgrading offer and sign up,You'll have to pay for windows 10 later.
2-Windows 10 copy is a life-time upgrade not 1 year free trial.However,They didn't make everything clear what if something happen to my computer such as a virus destroying my windows will i be able to re-install it for free?.I believe anyone who use computer/laptop need to re-install his windows at least twice a year for various reasosns.

9 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

Sign in through Steam to add a comment.