Windows 10 not free for everyone?

Recently it was announced that Microsoft will thank folks in the Windows Insider program with a free version of Windows 10 Final. As expected, this turned out to be big news, but today Microsoft came out and broke hearts all around the world.

According to the earlier understanding, those who are signed up to the Windows Insider program and installed Windows 10 Preview, will receive the full version of Windows 10. This means they would not need to have a legal version of Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 to get the free upgrade. At first, it sounded great, but after thinking about it for a second, it seemed ridiculous unless Microsoft has a plan to regain the amount of profit it would have lost.

It didn’t take long for Microsoft to update is blog post with the following statement:

“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.”

In short, as we understand this:

1. You still need a genuine Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 license to get the free upgrade.
2. If you choose to stay in the Insider program, you will get every pre-release build which needs testing. This could be free. But this would mean that half-tested OS is what you would be using.

After reading the updated statement by Microsoft, it reminded me of this great Star Wars quote:

“I felt a great disturbance in the Force. As if millions of voices suddenly cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced. I fear something terrible has happened.”

Many members of the Insider Preview program will likely not like this, but one should bear in mind that the program was designed to help Microsoft iron out whatever problems that might arise in Windows 10. It may be possible that the software giant did not say everyone will get a free version of the operating system when it launches.

At the end of the day, Microsoft is still a company out to protect its bottom line, and giving away Windows 10 to everyone for free would not help in that regard.

What do you make of this update? We hope Microsoft clarifies further.

UPDATE: Microsoft clears doubts on Windows 10 Insiders upgrade offer.