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Free Windows 10 (Preview Builds), Even without Win 7 or Win 8

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Free Windows 10 (Preview Builds), Even without Win 7 or Win 8
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mrmarkau67 on 20/06/2015 - 14:48 insider.windows.com (13018 clicks)
Last edited 29/06/2015 - 03:05 by 1 other user

Apparently the Windows Insider programme will continue even after July 29.

This means that if you have a PC around without Windows 7 or 8, you can still avail yourself of a free copy of Windows 10 Windows 10 preview builds via the insider programme, which will probably run better than Vista and is certainly safer than XP.

Join the Insider programme, download and install build 10130 on your old PC and enjoy Windows 10 Windows 10 preview builds via the insider programmee for free.

I wonder if this is a good opportunity for Mac users to grab a copy of Windows for VM use.

Mod 23/6: It has been clarified that those without Windows 7 or 8 must remain on the Windows 10 insider program and continue to receive preview builds of Windows 10. Leaving the program will cause Windows to revert to your previously installed version on your machine. See comments for more information. Title & details updated.

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  • theBestBastion on 20/06/2015 - 14:51
    +4

    It is an insider preview… Like beta… How can you confirm it will work after RTM is available?

    The information I got from a friend in Microsoft is unlike Windows 8 preview, you won't have to wipe the 10 beta and install the RTM. It can be done through an update, so you can keep all the data and apps and activate the RTM on 29 July.

    • NeoM on 20/06/2015 - 15:41

      There is no "RTM", the first stable version of Windows 10 will be released on 29 July. You will continue to receive preview builds after that date unless you opt out from the Insider program.

      • theBestBastion on 20/06/2015 - 15:46
        +2

        You can choose to upgrade to RTM or you can stay with insider.

      • [Deactivated] on 20/06/2015 - 15:52
        +5

        there IS RTM, do you even know what RTM is? how do you expect all these manufacturers gonna get it preinstalled on the computers they sell if there is no such thing as RTM?

        • NeoM on 20/06/2015 - 15:59

          July 29 is GA, General Availability.

          People can buy Windows 10 if they wanted to.

        • [Deactivated] on 20/06/2015 - 16:03
          +4

          @NeoM: that means bugger all. there will be RTM before july 29

        • NeoM on 20/06/2015 - 16:08

          @ShinjukuJR: If there is, people on the Insider Program won't get RTM.

        • [Deactivated] on 20/06/2015 - 16:10
          +1

          @NeoM: so how do manufacturers get the final build to pre load on computers before they sell it genius ?

        • theBestBastion on 20/06/2015 - 16:49
          +1

          @NeoM:

          They will,

          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.

        • [Deactivated] on 20/06/2015 - 20:28

          @NeoM:
          Read…the….bloody…website!
          ON 29th July, the W10 installation files will download automatically and all you have to do is install the bloody thing and opt-out of the insider program.

        • NeoM on 21/06/2015 - 00:27
          -1

          What I've been trying to say is that there is no "RTM" in the traditional sense of Windows 8.1, 7 etc.

          Windows Insiders won't receive the RTM, but the GA along with everyone else on July 29.

          Insiders will continue to recieve preview releases afterwards unless they opt out of the Insider program.

          Manufacturers will recieve the same GA copy on July 29, maybe a few days earlier than the public. But it is NOT an RTM version in the traditional meaning of Windows RTM. More like 'special access' so they can image a few PCs for display or shipping on July 29.

          The shortest RTM period, 2 months, was for Windows 8.1 (a relatively minor OS update). It is now only about 40 days to Win 10 GA and there is no stable RTM version in sight.

          Current Windows 8.1 devices are guaranteed to work with 10, so there is no need for Micrososft to release an RTM anyway.

        • lostn on 21/06/2015 - 12:17

          @NeoM: So if you need to reinstall W10 at a later date, will you have access to the newest (non-preview) ISO to download? And will you have a valid key for it?

          If you join the insiders program do you get a key that will be legit to use on any build after July 29?

        • geordie on 21/06/2015 - 13:02

          no I dont know !!!!! WTF is RTM and GA

        • lostn on 21/06/2015 - 13:50
          +3

          @geordie:

          RTM = Read The Manual or Released To Manufacturer
          GA = Gay Ass or General Availability

        • raybies on 21/06/2015 - 14:24
          +3

          @lostn:
          It's RTFM.

        • theBestBastion on 24/06/2015 - 23:37

          @NeoM:

          Do you know what is RTM? If there is no RTM, how to produce the GA?

          Manufactures usually received the OEM discs a week or two earlier, so they can release the devices pre-loaded with the latest software on the release date.

          People sometimes call the final build "RTM" or "GM", which is not exactly correct, but all others can understand. In this case, on 29 July Insiders will receive a "RTW" copy as it will be delivered over the Internet and no product key will be provided (technically, it is not GA). I hope you can understand what we are talking about.

        • theBestBastion on 24/06/2015 - 23:38

          @lostn:

          I don't think there will be a product key, you MSA will be the "key".

    • IVI on 20/06/2015 - 20:27
      -2

      Is there any REASON to pivot to Win 10, for Users?

      If NOT, Why help dopey Old Microsoft?

      • FabMan on 21/06/2015 - 22:38

        If you are not paying for it, how is it is helping them and not helping yourself? Having yourself and more of the worlds computers on a more secure OS is better for everyone.

        • kipps on 27/06/2015 - 15:23

          Microsoft would otherwise have to pay for people to test their buggy software. They also seek, and receive, valuable feedback from users as to what they can do better and what is crashing. Their insider builds are constantly reporting to Microsoft. The value proposition is certainly in favour of Microsoft, hence why they're doing it. They are desperately trying regain the lost market share to OS X. BTW, I'm currently running latest build of Windows 10 Preview, and it is buggy (amongst other things, the UI really needs work and I receive errors reporting of an explorer.exe crash every time when shutting down).

        • FabMan on 27/06/2015 - 21:39

          @kipps:

          I was referring to the transitioning to Windows 10 in general, not specifically the Windows 10 preview. IVI post was regarding why go to (pivot?) to Windows 10 and help out Microsoft.

          If you think about it, if in 11 months of the release, when multiple updates are out for Windows 10, getting Windows 10 for free isn't a bad deal. Since Windows is the third biggest earner for Microsoft, them giving it out free is a nice gesture to users who maybe burnt by Windows 8. Free upgrades will not increase the number of users using Windows, it just reduces fragmentation, as they are moving from Windows 7 or Windows 8 to Windows 10. That would be help the IT world if more systems are resistant to certain security flaws inherent in older systems.

          Microsoft also do pay for people to test their software.

    • sim36 on 24/06/2015 - 15:00

      Are there privacy concerns with the Beta? All your info belong to MS? Nuthin free at end of day - give up your data and get software. May not matter to some, to other it's a concern.

  • fruit on 20/06/2015 - 14:52

    Have you tried this?

  • trinest on 20/06/2015 - 14:55

    Insider builds have timelimits on them like any other inactivated install.

    • Jesmond on 20/06/2015 - 16:54

      Does this one

      • trinest on 24/06/2015 - 09:18
        -2

        Those who downvoted me can you apologize now?

        • PlagueistheCheap on 24/06/2015 - 16:45

          It's sheep bargain. Expect no apologies or independent thought.

  • Chimpus on 20/06/2015 - 14:55
    +15

    Further information from Arstechnica:

    Here’s how to get Windows 10 for free even if you don’t have Windows 7 or 8
    http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/06/heres-…

    Upgrading to Windows 10 from Windows 7 and 8 will be free, but buying boxed copies of the operating system—for installing onto newly built PCs, for upgrading from Windows Vista or Windows XP, or for running inside virtual machines—will not be free. It will cost up to $199, depending on whether you buy the Home edition or the somewhat more capable Pro edition.

    Or alternatively, it will cost nothing at all, according to a process outlined by Microsoft in a new blog post. If you're running the Insider Preview release of Windows 10, currently build 10130, you'll be able to upgrade to the final build (and all subsequent releases) on July 29. This version will be genuine, which is to say "not pirate."

    Update

    Seems legit - from Microsoft themselves:

    Getting the final release on July 29th
    http://blogs.windows.com/bloggingwindows/2015/06/19/upcoming…

    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 July 29th. This will come as just another flight. I’ve gotten a lot of questions from Windows Insiders about how this will work if they clean installed from ISO. 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.

    Stay with us as a Windows Insider

    As we’ve announced before, the Windows Insider Program will continue even after we release Windows 10 on July 29th. Windows Insiders will continue to receive future flights as we begin to work on the next release immediately after Windows 10 ships. You’ll get to see the latest Windows fixes, features, and updates and give us feedback. So stay with us! Of course, we’ll provide you an option to leave the program and stay on the final build if you choose: but we hope that we’ll continue to provide you great reasons to remain a Windows Insider.

    • [Deactivated] on 20/06/2015 - 16:52
      +3

      I wouldn't exactly call it crystal clear. It sounds like if you stay in the insider program (which means using Insider builds) you can continue using it for free, but if you opt out of doing that and stay on the final build, then you would be expected to have a valid license.

      • llama on 21/06/2015 - 00:44
        +2

        I wouldn't exactly call it crystal clear. It sounds like,,,

        Ummmm, it REALLY couldn't be any clearer that this, surely:

        Of course, we’ll provide you an option to leave the program and stay on the final build if you choose: but we hope that we’ll continue to provide you great reasons to remain a Windows Insider.

        • [Deactivated] on 21/06/2015 - 08:22

          They'll leave you on the build, and then what is the deal for licensing?

          Lets say worse case scenario you do this for your work PC and your company gets audited by MS, will it count as legally licensed?

    • Certified Angus on 22/06/2015 - 16:51
      +2

      Further information from Arstechnica:

      Microsoft stealthily backs away from free Windows 10 promise: We thought this would happen
      http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/06/micros…

      We wrote at the time that we expected the company to do a volte-face and back away from this promise. Lo and behold, it has come to pass.

      Since Friday, the blog post describing the changes to the Windows Insider preview program has been silently updated. Previously it said that signed up members of the Insider Program running a preview version would "receive the Windows 10 final release build and remain activated." Now it says only that they will "receive the Windows 10 final release build." The activation wording has been removed. The company has also added a "clarifying" sentence: "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."

      • CVonC on 22/06/2015 - 18:34

        GG

    • zzymurgy on 23/06/2015 - 13:06

      Why on earth would anyone spend $199 on Windows 10 when you can buy a laptop with a Win8 license for $126?

  • wtfnodeal on 20/06/2015 - 14:56
    +2

    ? Serious? I just wasted $70 on W8!

    • krisspy on 20/06/2015 - 15:01
      +2

      W8 upgrade cost like $15-30… and it can be used to install fresh

      • [Deactivated] on 20/06/2015 - 15:07
        +1

        How do you get it for that price

        • krisspy on 20/06/2015 - 15:13
          +1

          it was $15 for about a year after release… otherwise g2a or reddit has reliable sources for USD$15 (volume licenses)

        • sween64 on 20/06/2015 - 16:13
          +1

          @krisspy: I purchased Win8 for $US17 from a reddit seller named Joe about six months ago.

        • krisspy on 20/06/2015 - 17:04
          +22

          @hahaboy: why not? Sub 5 second boots, secure boot, lighter overall.

          The startscreen? You press win key and the first 2 letters of the prog you wanna launch… it's the same regardless of what the start screen looks like. L2computers pls

        • 51722 on 20/06/2015 - 18:07
          +8

          @hahaboy:

          Incredible frigging stable. An extra 5-10 fps on most games that I have tried with the same settings as it was on 7. Very secure. Lightweight. 5 sec boot on SSD. Replace start screen with startisback or classic shell. Buying win 8 at $15 has been one of the best decisions I have made for my computer.

        • RefusdClassification on 20/06/2015 - 20:05

          Win 8 isn't very good if you want to run older games. Games are less likely to run than on Win 7 x64. But only a small portion of users fit into this category. Generally even 2nd MS OS release is a dud, and Win8 falls into the dud category like Vista and WindowsME. But Windows 10 will probably entice users of Windows 7 to upgrade.

        • lostn on 21/06/2015 - 12:23

          @Thaal Sinestro: If it's an old game on GOG or Steam will it work on Win 8?

        • joeflacco on 21/06/2015 - 15:35

          go back to reddit, cancer

        • peteru on 21/06/2015 - 17:40

          @krisspy:

          secure boot

          That in itself is reason to not go there. Locked ARM hardware? No thanks! Locked UEFI or jumping through hoops on x86/x64? No thanks!

          I still want to have a choice as to which OS to boot and when.

  • AlmightyGaz on 20/06/2015 - 15:41
    +9

    Sounded good until I read their data collection statement. Wonder if I can install on the 28th or 29th and opt-out of this?

    Data We Collect

    Microsoft collects many kinds of information in a variety of ways to operate effectively and provide you the best products, services and experiences. We may combine this data with information that is linked to your user ID, such as information associated with your Microsoft account.

    When you acquire, install and use the Program software and services, Microsoft collects information about your use of the software and services as well as about the devices and networks on which they operate. Examples of data we may collect include your name, email address, preferences and interests; location, browsing, search and file history; phone call and SMS data; device configuration and sensor data; voice, text and writing input; and application usage. For example, when you:

    install or use Program software and services, we may collect information about your device and applications and use it for purposes such as determining or improving compatibility (e.g., to help devices and apps work together),

    when you use voice input features like speech-to-text, we may collect voice information and use it for purposes such as improving speech processing (e.g., to help the service better translate speech into text),

    when you open a file, we may collect information about the file, the application used to open the file, and how long it takes to use it for purposes such as improving performance (e.g., to help retrieve documents more quickly), or

    when you input text, handwrite notes, or ink comments, we may collect samples of your input to improve these input features, (e.g., to help improve the accuracy of autocomplete and spellcheck).

    The Program software and services may contain internet-enabled features and social functionality. When these features are used, they transmit certain standard computer information ("Standard Computer Data") to Microsoft. Standard Computer Data may include information about your computing environment such as IP address, network status, operating conditions and information about devices and software used with the Program software and services.

    The Program software and services contain internet-enabled features that transmit performance or usage information to Microsoft (“Experience Data”). Experience Data may include information about performance and reliability, such as how quickly the software and services respond when you click a button or how many problems you experience with a given software or service. Experience Data may also include information about your use of software and services, such as the features used most often or how frequently you launch programs. Experience Data may be collected through the use of cookies or similar technologies; learn more below.

    Microsoft automatically collects data from the devices you use with the Program software and services. This may include information about all aspects of the Program software and services, such as device performance, user interface interactions, and feature and application usage, including third party applications.

    • NeoM on 20/06/2015 - 15:43
      +5

      That only applies if you are on the Insider Program.

      You can opt out of the Insider Program when stable releases are made available (i.e. when July 29 comes around)

      • JH100 on 20/06/2015 - 16:38

        After Snowden's revelations do you still believe any IT company gives up collecting user, ever?

        JH100 on 20/06/2015 - 16:38 (Collapsed - Offtopic. Show)
        • JH100 on 20/06/2015 - 16:48
          +2

          @PainToad:

          Grow up? … get real.

        • Kaboda on 20/06/2015 - 17:18
          +1

          Traitor to?

        • jonathonsunshine on 20/06/2015 - 17:18
          +6

          @PainToad:
          Maybe a traitor in the eyes of the USA but for people in the countries America spies on,I think he did us a pretty big favour…

        • jonathonsunshine on 20/06/2015 - 17:35
          -1

          @PainToad: I hope you get scooped up by a van with no windows. Besides, MS is not the US govt.

        • terrys on 20/06/2015 - 17:56

          @jonathonsunshine:

          "Microsoft is not the US govt"

          Now you're being paranoid - next you'll be saying there is no conspiracy :-p

        • jonathonsunshine on 20/06/2015 - 18:03
          +2

          @terrys:

          What I meant is that the govt collecting data is SLIGHTLY more acceptable than private companies doing it.

    • [Deactivated] on 20/06/2015 - 15:49
      +4

      Get the full version on the 29th July then op-out of the insider program. It's just like google's collection of your location and browsing history. Just uncheck the box and you're done. No more eavesdropping from MS.

    • lostn on 21/06/2015 - 12:25

      So basically like spyware?

  • raydragon on 20/06/2015 - 15:47

    Ha, that's awesome, i was wondering if going from technical preview to full would be possible and to get it for free is even better…

  • [Deactivated] on 20/06/2015 - 15:49

    I have an old Laptop that runs vista so I am definitely gonna do this. Thanks a lot!

    • chinaman on 20/06/2015 - 18:06

      your old laptop may struggle

      • [Deactivated] on 20/06/2015 - 18:24

        Hahaha…I have installed it and the fan speed is quite high on idle. I quite like the layout and the icons looks really nice.

      • McFly on 20/06/2015 - 20:26

        Yeah, tried it on an old Dell laptop I had lying around. Kept blue-screening, had to put it back to what it came with… Vista.

      • lostn on 21/06/2015 - 12:27

        I thought it was meant to be the lightest on resources? And I do recall Vista being very heavy on resources.

        • McFly on 21/06/2015 - 15:44

          Yes, but drivers are/can be a big issue.

    • theBestBastion on 20/06/2015 - 15:54
      +2

      Free Windows, not a deal? What is your definition of a deal?

      • Click_It on 20/06/2015 - 16:40
        +5

        He peobably runs a Mac

    • mrmarkau67 on 20/06/2015 - 15:58

      Why not a deal?

    • illumination on 20/06/2015 - 16:23
      +1

      Yea you probably need a better explanation than that…

  • Dennis3003 on 20/06/2015 - 15:58

    I would do it on my old Vista laptop but worried something will go wrong. I have Acronis installed with system backups and am wondering if I can restore them if something goes wrong.

    • [Deactivated] on 20/06/2015 - 16:07

      I am doing it with my old Vista laptop. I am about 1 minute from finishing the installation for Windows 10 Pro Insider Preview 10074. If something stuffs up just reinstall windows using a DVD or USB Drive.

      • Dennis3003 on 20/06/2015 - 16:13

        Any insight on how to do this? No reinstall discs were provided as it is only possible to factory reset it using the hidden partition. My worry is Windows will overwrite the MBR, preventing access to the hidden partition.

        • [Deactivated] on 20/06/2015 - 16:26

          Try doing this perhaps?
          http://blog.pluralsight.com/creating-backup-image-in-vista-a…

          As long as your Hard Disk is free of errors, there shouldn't be any problems installing Windows 10 Preview. I say just try it. The only reason I am doing it is because I hardly use this laptop and have nothing to lose.

        • Dennis3003 on 20/06/2015 - 16:28

          @tendollar:

          Thanks for the info, but still wondering if Windows 10 will over-write the MBR hence blocking access to the hidden recovery partition.

        • [Deactivated] on 20/06/2015 - 17:10

          @Dennis3003:

          I am not sure about that.

        • casval on 20/06/2015 - 23:53

          From the Important Notes section…

          After you've installed Windows 10 Insider Preview, you won't be able to use the recovery partition on your PC to go back to your previous version of Windows.

          So it must wipe the disk by the sounds of it.

        • McFly on 21/06/2015 - 00:54

          @casval: I've already done that (although had to use command line.)

        • Dennis3003 on 21/06/2015 - 00:58

          @casval:

          Thanks alot :) Will install in Virtual Box and have a play with it. With a laptop with 3gb of ram, is it safe to allocate 2024 (2gb) of ram?

        • Minotaur on 21/06/2015 - 11:13

          @Dennis3003:
          I doubt it, most laptops that have inbuilt recovery features have the recovery program coded into BIOS - you might need to press F9 or Ctrl-Space or something when the BIOS screen is up. Obviously the partition holding the recovery image itself needs to be present, but overwriting the MBR won't remove any recovery partitions. The only thing that might be an issue is running a 3rd-party recovery program like Acronis or something like that, but you should have the option in that program to create a bootable CD/USB to launch the recovery program from anyway

        • Dennis3003 on 21/06/2015 - 12:45

          @Minotaur:

          Yes, pressing a combination of keys work. However there is a problem when for instance you dual boot Ubuntu and Windows, Grub over writes the MBR and removes access to the partition through that key combination. The question is if installing Windows 10 will prevent access into that partition.

    • mrmarkau67 on 20/06/2015 - 17:40
      +2

      Do what Baldy is doing. Grab a new SSD and install Win 10 on that.

      • Dennis3003 on 21/06/2015 - 01:01

        Will have a think. I'll wait for RTM builds as this laptop is the a computer I have to fall back on if the desktop fails (I do have backups). Other laptop is used for school so Virtual machine is only option. I don't want to purchase the un-needed as this is Ozbargain :)

    • andrewchk on 21/06/2015 - 01:18

      When downloading the preview, it gave you an option (default) to do an upgrate - This would be the safest way as suggested by Microsoft as it will take care of things, like applications you already have, etc., and if there's anything wrong, I think you still can do a restore from previous backups, if the upgrade process didn't revert the upgrade to the original.

      Cheers.

  • indium on 20/06/2015 - 16:16

    Thanks OP!

  • albertlt on 20/06/2015 - 16:25
    +1

    Can I use single MS Account with multiple computers ( installations ) ?

    • AlmightyGaz on 20/06/2015 - 17:50

      The insider program does mention that you can, but I would like to know if you get upgrades for them all.

    • XeKToReX on 20/06/2015 - 17:52

      Yep, got a few myself!

    • [Deactivated] on 20/06/2015 - 18:25

      I just made a new Outlook account, because I don't want MS spying on my main MS account.

  • Hiphopopotamus on 20/06/2015 - 16:28
    +1

    this seems interesting enough and i just happened to be upgrading from hdd to an old ssd for my laptop :)

    i'll put my hdd aside in case i don't like windows 10.

    • mrmarkau67 on 20/06/2015 - 17:39

      The ultimate luxury. Way to go.

  • edfoo on 20/06/2015 - 16:32
    +1

    I'm running Win 7 Pro here and very happy with it. Didn't get Win 8 as I don't like the idea of its revamped UI. Is there any point of upgrading to Win 10? I don't own touchscreen laptop, just desktop with normal monitor.

    • nfr on 20/06/2015 - 16:44

      I'm happy with Win 7 pro too, but Win 8.1's USB 3.0 compatibility and speed enhancement is too good to ignore. Now most of my computers run Win 8.1 in pretty much Win 7 style. I think I'll do the same with Win 10.

      • Peace Maker on 20/06/2015 - 16:48

        Same here. Best of both worlds.

      • edfoo on 20/06/2015 - 16:56

        What do you mean by USB 3.0 compatibility? My 2010-built desktop has a couple of the USB ports labelled USB 3.0 compatible but I can never figure out how to work it, so all my USB ports are limited to 2.0 speed :/

        • c0balt on 20/06/2015 - 17:15
          +4

          Just find the right drivers for your host controller. Most likely they will be on the motherboard driver CD.

          There's no additional USB 3 compatibility that Windows 8 has over Windows 7 as nfr said in his post but there is a slight performance increase.

          http://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/window…
          The above graph was taken from here.
          http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2012/10/gentle…

        • edfoo on 20/06/2015 - 18:57

          @c0balt: Cheers.

        • nfr on 20/06/2015 - 19:42

          With Win 7 sometimes my external devices do not run at USB 3.0 speeds unless I reboot. With Win 8 I don't get any of the quirks, and speed is at least 20MB/s faster on my NEC USB 3.0 cards. I back up large media files often so the time saved is quite meaningful.

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