Microsoft U-turns on 'free' Windows 10 upgrade promise for ALL previewers

The Register ^ | June 21, 2015 | Kelly Fiveash

[dayglored]

Microsoft backtracks blog post containing apparent "Free" Windows 10 upgrade promise for all preview testers

Microsoft has been forced to quietly edit a misleading blog post that seemed to suggest that anyone could get their mitts on Windows 10 for free – if they first installed a test version of Redmond's upcoming operating system for PCs.

The only caveat appeared to be that folk had to use a Microsoft Account (MSA) that's connected to the firm's Windows Insider program.

Microsoft had said that a freebie upgrade would then be applied for anyone who has installed its latest Windows 10 preview (build 10130). And that promise seemed to stand even for users who didn't have Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 previously installed on their PCs.

Windows boss Gabe Aul had said in a blog post on Friday:

Windows Insiders running the Windows 10 Insider Preview (Home and Pro editions) with their registered MSA connected to their PC will receive the final release build of Windows 10 starting on 29 July ...

As long as you are running an Insider Preview build and connected with the MSA you used to register, you will receive the Windows 10 final release build and remain activated.

Once you have successfully installed this build and activated, you will also be able to clean install on that PC from final media if you want to start over fresh.

However, that apparent slip of the tongue (use of the word "activated") has now been removed from the post.

And Aul has since added this clarification: "It’s important to note that only people running Genuine Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 can upgrade to Windows 10 as part of the free upgrade offer."

[tacticalogic]

Apple is laughing all the way to the bank.

Apple is going to miss Widows 8/8.1.

[for-q-clinton]

So you had a special free upgrade that others didn’t get for many years. You never did answer that.

[dayglored]

>> Apple is laughing all the way to the bank.

> Apple is going to miss Widows 8/8.1.

Apple had a wonderful time with Vista (remember the "I'm a PC / I'm a Mac" ads?) but eventually Win7 saved the day.

Apple didn't have to bring out an ad series for Win8x. Microsoft did it for them.

I think Apple will see Win 10 as good competition. So yeah, they're gonna miss 8.