14 DAY TRIAL // Windows 10 will be free only for users with a genuine Windows 7 or 8.1 license, so there’s no such thing as free lunch for Windows Insiders who hoped to get the new operating system free of charge as a reward for helping Microsoft develop it.
But despite the fact that they will need a license to go genuine and use an activated copy of Windows 10, there’s still another way to continue running the new operating system without paying for it: remain an insider.
As Microsoft’s Gabriel Aul detailed today, insiders will have two options when Windows 10 RTM arrives on July 29: opt out of the Windows Insider program or remain part of the effort and continue receiving new builds and updates just like before.
“As part of the program we’ll upgrade Insiders to what is for all intents and purposes the same build as what other customers will get on 7/29, but that will be just another build for Insiders, and those who stay in the program will simply get the next build after as well,” Aul explained.
Keep an eye on bugs!
Microsoft’s decision to continue the Windows Insider program basically means that you can run the new operating system on your PC even after RTM, obviously with the risk of getting buggy builds and features that won’t work as expected.
Needless to say, this isn’t an option for your main PC and if productivity is a priority for you, sticking to the stable build of the operating system and buying a license is a much better idea.
After the release of Windows 10 on July 29, Microsoft can focus more on the very first update for the operating system which, according to some sources, should ship in late 2015. This update is also said to be in the works right now and could bring a plethora of new features, including extension support for Microsoft Edge browser, Internet Explorer’s replacement in Windows 10.