Monday, June 1st 2015

Windows 10 Release Date Announced

Jun 1st, 2015 11:31 Discuss (52 Comments)

Microsoft Windows 10 will launch on the 29th of July, 2015. This is when existing users of Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 will be able to upgrade to their applicable variant of Windows 10 for free; PC makers ship desktops and notebooks with the OS pre-installed; and when you will be able to buy Windows 10 copies off the shelf.

Microsoft is expecting at least 350 million users of Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 to freely upgrade to Windows 10 by the end of the year, many of which could upgrade on day-one, clogging Microsoft Update. To mitigate that, Microsoft launched a "reservation" system. Current users of Windows 7 and Windows 8.1, woke up to a curious Windows logo in their system-tray, which launches a tiny app that lets you "reserve" your upgrade (a position in the queue to upgrade). When your time comes, Windows will fetch the Windows 10 upgrade image from Microsoft Update. The actual upgrade process will be similar to that of Windows 7 to Windows 8. You can choose a clean install, or upgrade over an existing installation. Once installed, your Windows 10 license is tied to the machine forever.

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52 Comments on Windows 10 Release Date Announced

#26

GreiverBlade

james888I have been moving my OEM windows 7 license from motherboard to motherboard for years. Not once have I ever had a problem doing this. I expect it to be a non issue still.

so do i... 3 OEM 7 Pro license and they saw more hardware than my Xp Pro licenses

Prima.VeraThis is crap. I am planning to change my mobo in a couple of years, together with the GPU, CPU, RAM, etc. How would the genius know?

oohhh stop complaining ... it's free ... (hmmm greedy? ;) joke ;) )

#27

rtwjunkie

PC Gaming Enthusiast

buggalugsIm not sure this is so clear yet, what about this:

What happens if I change my motherboard?

This will invalidate the Windows 10 upgrade license because it will no longer have a previous based qualifying license which is required for the free upgrade. You will then have to purchase a full retail Windows 10 license.

It seems to me that you can install the upgrade to windows 10 and it will last as long as your computer lasts. But if you upgrade motherboards and SSD's After the first year, you're screwed and need to buy a new licence.

All of which brings us back to the beginning and needing newer hardware to get the most out of this. I think Pill Monster owes bta an apology.

I swear, do people really think he makes this stuff up? Did it say editorial?! No, it didn't.

#28

Prima.Vera

buggalugsIm not sure this is so clear yet, what about this:

What happens if I change my motherboard?

This will invalidate the Windows 10 upgrade license because it will no longer have a previous based qualifying license which is required for the free upgrade. You will then have to purchase a full retail Windows 10 license.

It seems to me that you can install the upgrade to windows 10 and it will last as long as your computer lasts. But if you upgrade motherboards and SSD's After the first year, you're screwed and need to buy a new licence.

What happen if I buy a brand new retail version of Win 10 Pro, then after some time I change the mobo/ssd??

#29

64K

Prima.VeraWhat happen if I buy a brand new retail version of Win 10 Pro, then after some time I change the mobo/ssd??

If they sell a retail version of Win 10 then no problem.

I have swapped out a mobo while running a OEM version of Windows 7 and had to do a voice activation and told them my mobo died and they gave me another key to enter. The whole thing took about 5 minutes. No big deal. I have seen over the years where people have posted that they did this as well. Sometimes they were told they would have to buy another key and they called back a couple of hours later and spoke to a different operator and were given a key.

MS may of course have changed this policy.

#30

Uplink10

64KI have swapped out a mobo while running a OEM version of Windows 7 and had to do a voice activation and told them my mobo died and they gave me another key to enter. The whole thing took about 5 minutes.

This is not as seamless as just installing new Windows and then activating it with a key.

#31

rtwjunkie

PC Gaming Enthusiast

64KIf they sell a retail version of Win 10 then no problem.

I have swapped out a mobo while running a OEM version of Windows 7 and had to do a voice activation and told them my mobo died and they gave me another key to enter. The whole thing took about 5 minutes. No big deal. I have seen over the years where people have posted that they did this as well. Sometimes they were told they would have to buy another key and they called back a couple of hours later and spoke to a different operator and were given a key.

MS may of course have changed this policy.

That's OEM vs Upgrade version. Upgrade versions have always had many fewer rights, and that statement by MS makes it pretty clear. You've got a free operating system till your system dies. "Then you're OURS!" :laugh:

#32

64K

Yeah I know guys. I was just answering Prima Vera's question about buying a retail copy and even if they only sell OEM versions in the future then there's a chance that he wouldn't have to buy a new key on a mobo swap.

#33

Frick

Fishfaced Nincompoop

Most Windows 8.1 licenses were "retail" (I don't think they use that term anymore). Here most OEM licenses cost more than the full one, so I'm assuming the same will be true for Windows 10. If it doesn't explicitly say it's an OEM license it's probably a "retail" license.

EDIT: More on the upgrade:

www.thurrott.com/windows/windows-10/3898/a-few-more-answers-about-windows-10-upgrades

Microsoft tells me that it will be possible to do so. And that a key part of this process is that it will save a product key tied to the previously upgraded PC or device in Windows Store. This is how Windows 10 will later know that the install is allowed: It’s “one of the benefits of the new delivery system,” a Microsoft representative told me.

It doesn't answer what happens to the full licenses if we change hardware though, but that'll come.

#34

erixx

If you keep your legit previous Windows version "n" in the worst case on upgrading it asks you to install it first then upgrade to W(n+1)

#35

buggalugs

erixxIf you keep your legit previous Windows version "n" in the worst case on upgrading it asks you to install it first then upgrade to W(n+1)

Hell no, I'd rather fork out the $199 for windows 10 pro than go through that bs. I guess for average users its OK, but I reinstall windows a few times a year for various reasons, new hardware or whatever.

BTW, I've always had a OEM version of windows , which is much cheaper than retail where I live( like half price), but I've always been able to activate after hardware changes, even complete system changes.....Just by ringing the automated activation line at Microsoft. They ask you a few questions like "have you uninstalled windows from the previous device" Yes, Then they give you a new number.

Its usually fine for 3 or so activations automatically, but when I get up to 4+ activations it says a I need a new key which they give you after answering a few questions on the automated phone line.

I'm just worried because this is part of the "free" upgrade thingy, they wont be as flexible, they might just say screw you buy a new windows??

#36

Caring1

buggalugsIt seems to me that you can install the upgrade to windows 10 and it will last as long as your computer lasts. But if you upgrade motherboards and SSD's After the first year, you're screwed and need to buy a new licence.

Where does it mention SSD's?
Obviously if you change the Motherboard which is tied to the key, then the free version is no longer valid.
If you have the retail version then you are in possession of the activation key and can reinstall.

#37

64K

That's the question that was brought up in post #29. Not everyone is going to be upgrading. Some will be wanting to buy a Retail copy of Win 10 so that they can reuse it in later rigs. I'm one of them. I will keep my Win 7 rig as a backup and do a Skylake build this year for my main rig so I will buy Win 10. I just had a look on Newegg and they sell a Win 8.1 OEM version and a "Full" version which the specs say is Retail. They may not do this with Win 10 though.

#38

erixx

The level of FAIL of this thread is epic. We mix every thing up in every possible way.

OEM-1: can mean preinstalled OS, like a laptop (I have been through that one: you will not be given a "key" but a restore system tied to the laptop. Lose it and you are Fubar.
OEM-2: can also mean you buy a OEM DVD, I also have that one. Here, you receive a key so reinstalling on other hardware is easy.
Upgrade: in one way or another it will /might check you are legit owner of previous version. You will have a new key.
Retail: no comment needed.

#39

Caring1

erixxThe level of FAIL of this thread is epic. We mix every thing up in every possible way.

OEM-1: can mean preinstalled OS, like a laptop (I have been through that one: you will not be given a "key" but a restore system tied to the laptop. Lose it and you are Fubar.

The only way you can lose the key for a laptop is if the motherboard and hard drive totally fail.

#40

erixx

Xactly, thanks for developing what I said, of course there are means to save the build-in key, but that's not the thread. ;)

#41

GreiverBlade

Caring1Where does it mention SSD's?
Obviously if you change the Motherboard which is tied to the key, then the free version is no longer valid.
If you have the retail version then you are in possession of the activation key and can reinstall.

erixxThe level of FAIL of this thread is epic. We mix every thing up in every possible way.

OEM-1: can mean preinstalled OS, like a laptop (I have been through that one: you will not be given a "key" but a restore system tied to the laptop. Lose it and you are Fubar.
OEM-2: can also mean you buy a OEM DVD, I also have that one. Here, you receive a key so reinstalling on other hardware is easy.
Upgrade: in one way or another it will /might check you are legit owner of previous version. You will have a new key.
Retail: no comment needed.

Caring1The only way you can lose the key for a laptop is if the motherboard and hard drive totally fail.

the mobo is not tied to the key ... tho the chipset and extra sata controller are (aherm i mean if the mobo has the same sata controller : fine) ... ie: changing from aB85 to a H97 then to a Z97 : no need, between a 780 a 970 and a 990X : no need (i did all those change via 2 methods dirty swap and fresh reinstall using the license key i had since long)

also all my 3 key : 1st was a HP laptop : used on a S775 Striker Extreme build ... (previously used on a dual Opteron Supermicro H8DCE build) 2nd was a ASUS laptop: used on my main rig (sys specs but also saw a am3, 2 am3+ a 1366 and a 1155 before the actual 1150) 3rd was a DELL tower: used on the AM1 HTPC of my mother...

so then, why my keys works perfectly? (not mentioning some vista key i re used from my various laptop in different pc with no other burden than a phone activation thru a free number...)

unless they meant the key will be tied/linked to your hotmail/outlook/microsoft account forever and not to the machine .... pfah!

#42

Pill Monster

rtwjunkieThat's OEM vs Upgrade version. Upgrade versions have always had many fewer rights, and that statement by MS makes it pretty clear. You've got a free operating system till your system dies. "Then you're OURS!" :laugh:
buggalugs said: ↑
Im not sure this is so clear yet, what about this:

What happens if I change my motherboard?

This will invalidate the Windows 10 upgrade license because it will no longer have a previous based qualifying license which is required for the free upgrade. You will then have to purchase a full retail Windows 10 license.

It seems to me that you can install the upgrade to windows 10 and it will last as long as your computer lasts. But if you upgrade motherboards and S

rtwjunkieAll of which brings us back to the beginning and needing newer hardware to get the most out of this. I think Pill Monster owes bta an apology.

I swear, do people really think he makes this stuff up? Did it say editorial?! No, it didn't.

More like you both owe me an apology for trying to skew the facts. You think I make this stuff up? Maybe try reading the MS Insider wiki, I even posted the link to it.

There are no "free upgrade"" versions, the upgrade you receive depends entirely on the system being upgraded. So if you have OEM 1 obviously you'll receive an OEM1 upgrade, if you have retail or anything else which isn't tied to a machine then your upgrade will not be either..

Here's the rest of the Microsoft post you just quoted. In the full context we can see it refers to OEM. Funny you forgot to mention that..

When I upgrade a preinstalled (OEM) version of Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 license to Windows 10, does that license remain OEM or become a retail license?

If you upgrade from a OEM version of Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 to the free Windows 10 upgrade this summer, the license is consumed into it. Because the free upgrade is derived from an OEM base qualifying license, Windows 10 will carry this type of licensing too.

If you upgrade from a retail version, it carries the rights of a retail version.

Full version (Retail):

- Includes transfer rights to another computer.

- Doesn't require a previous qualifying version of Windows.

- Expensive

Upgrade version (Retail):

- Includes transfer rights to another computer.

- require a previous qualifying version of Windows.

- Expensive, but cheaper than full version

OEM :

OEM versions of Windows are identical to Full License Retail versions except for the following:

- OEM versions do not offer any free Microsoft direct support from Microsoft support personnel

- OEM licenses are tied to the very first computer you install and activate it on

- OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different model motherboard

- OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system

What happens if I change my motherboard?

This will invalidate the Windows 10 upgrade license because it will no longer have a previous based qualifying license which is required for the free upgrade. You will then have to purchase a full retail Windows 10 license.

#43

Pill Monster

erixxThe level of FAIL of this thread is epic. We mix every thing up in every possible way.

OEM-1: can mean preinstalled OS, like a laptop (I have been through that one: you will not be given a "key" but a restore system tied to the laptop. Lose it and you are Fubar.
OEM-2: can also mean you buy a OEM DVD, I also have that one. Here, you receive a key so reinstalling on other hardware is easy.
Upgrade: in one way or another it will /might check you are legit owner of previous version. You will have a new key.
Retail: no comment needed.

I couldn't agree more. ;)

#44

micropage7

FrickWindows 10 Home will be $119, Pro $199.

first i think the cheapest lower than $100, then $199
too bad

#45

GreiverBlade

erixxOEM-1: can mean preinstalled OS, like a laptop (I have been through that one: you will not be given a "key" but a restore system tied to the laptop. Lose it and you are Fubar.

wrong since you can reinstall a laptop without the recover partition ... i did it manytime with a generic win7 install (all in one) and re using the license key COA, if i can do it ... why it's not possible? (a lot of failed HDD replaced with spare and such and no cloning involved)

also no reaction to the post ?
www.techpowerup.com/forums/threads/windows-10-release-date-announced.213052/page-2#post-3291248

i prove that you can use OEM key tied to a machine for any kind of installation with a generic win7 USB key or DVD to another completely different machine with absolutely nothing in common with the previous one, win 10 might change that but you talk about 8.1 and previous (dunno about 8 and 8.1 ... i don't use them ... "pointless revision" )

#46

erixx

Don't know if *all* laptops allow that and if all people are going to hack their way out of this barely legal situation: you paid it, so it should be yours, unless you paid for a ... wait.... oh! haha! "a service"!

#47

Caring1

GreiverBladethe mobo is not tied to the key ...

also all my 3 key : 1st was a HP laptop : used on a S775 Striker Extreme build ... (previously used on a dual Opteron Supermicro H8DCE build) 2nd was a ASUS laptop: used on my main rig (sys specs but also saw a am3, 2 am3+ a 1366 and a 1155 before the actual 1150) 3rd was a DELL tower: used on the AM1 HTPC of my mother...

so then, why my keys works perfectly?

I meant for O.S's after W7

#48

GreiverBlade

Caring1I meant for O.S's after W7

ooohhh i thought they were tied to the Microsoft account used for the install ... which would be more logical.

well for me there is no OS after 7 ... until 10 launch. ;)

#49

Uplink10

GreiverBladeooohhh i thought they were tied to the Microsoft account used for the install ... which would be more logical.

I do not feel like having Microsoft account just because I bought one of their products and those idiots will probably again ask me for my phone number (as they did when I created a free email account and then after some time they asked me to enter my phone number and when I refused I could not access my email account) and I will once again be at a loss because I value my privacy and anonymity.

#50

GreiverBlade

Uplink10I do not feel like having Microsoft account just because I bought one of their products and those idiots will probably again ask me for my phone number (as they did when I created a free email account and then after some time they asked me to enter my phone number and when I refused I could not access my email account) and I will once again be at a loss because I value my privacy and anonymity.

you know they ask the phone number for password/account retrieval in case you can't access it or forgot your password ... Gmail does the same, tho i didn't give them my number but each address is the backup address of each other... (well my hotmail account has my phone number but ... never got any problem with it ... and needed it only once for a password retrieval )... privacy anonymity ? plug off the RJ45 and wifi, cancel your landline and TV and toss your mobile phone in the toilet ;) (joking mostly)

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