I'm curious exactly what " And even better: once a qualified Windows device is upgraded to Windows 10, we will continue to keep it up to date for the supported lifetime of the device, keeping it more secure, and introducing new features and functionality over time – for no additional charge." means?
Does a $14.99 win 8 licence offered at win 8 release , qualify for free upgrade ? I mean downloadable file capable of being reinstalled . " supported lifetime of the device " - I hope it does not refer to life of motherboard or Hard Drive . Thank you .
since these licenses were legal you should be able to upgrade to W10 for free. How they handle a clean install is out of my knowledge but as long as they have a telephone line, it should be possible even from scratch
It does make sense if you need everyone on the right version of the OS (e.g. Windows 10), to bring in a subscription model on a latter version (e.g. Windows 11) It would also make sense if they could get rid of all the older versions of Windows out there. As compatibility with versions as far back as XP must cost them a fortune. Could be possible that they'd save enough by removing that burden to still make money by giving Windows 10 away. I think this is way they left Enterprise version out of the 'Free' upgrade list. I think that's what Terry was trying to say/do with the 'pirates getting the upgrade' comment, but it was either miss-understood or the lawyers got to him
The supported life of the OS has always been when MS stops supporting it i.e. 'End of Life' The supported life of the Device has always been when the MoBo dies. As changing that is what MS classes as a New Device. And like all companies, they go with the shortest one.
When XP came out , license was tied to machine and one needed to call MS ( phone) if some thing major was replaced , like MBD,HD . thank you.
That is the question , every time a MBD fails or I change it to better one , do I have to buy new license . In Win 7 I could change them at will .
It will likely work the same way as it always did, your Mobo dies? Windows asks for activation? You simply reactivate even if it may require a call. On the other hand, buy a Laptop and your Laptop dies? You can't take the license (legally) to a new PC but are required to aquire a new license... which comes with your new laptop anyway, no big deal.
I purchased Windows 8.1 retail, I am planning on purchasing a new motherboard. Does Microsoft take requests to transfer a license to a new motherboard? I have read some people have perhaps done it but I am not sure. My reasoning behind this is to then have Windows 10 on the new motherboard with the first-year upgrade offer.
Install W8.1 on the new hardware with your key, then you can call them for the activation process if you have problem.
"lifetime of the device"... meaning the license can't be transferred to a new computer. That'd suck balls!!
I haven't used or read the Licence for the Retail version for a while, but you used to be able to move it from one PC to another. It is/was the OEM version that is locked to the MoBo.
The System builder version but that was W7, and in europe the licensing agreement was invalid, cba to read the W8 licesing but i think they already had it changed there or with 8.1 don't remember. Thing is, you as consumer literally don't have to care. It activates just fine, the licensing agreement is there so 3rd parties can't resell the licenses taken from PCs which is also why W8.0 dropped the CoA sticker. Most people are never even going to read these. You really just don't have to care, Microsoft is not going to knock on your door because you re-used your own license
I think I may have used one or two 'Other Peoples' licenses back in the W2K and XP days. So I may still get that knock on the door. But, yeah your right MS are looking out for major copyright/license infringement not for customers moving their Windows install around.
Supported Lifetime means for as long as Microsoft supports it, not for the lifetime of the device as some would lead you to believe! Hope this clears things up for you!
the life time will drop at windows 11, m$oft will surely think of something to break their "parole" not impressed at all ... hack their windows, be non genuine ... it will still be free ... etc... sorry but rings Bulls**t to my ears and eyes