That makes sense. It is better to do clean install of Windows 10 within the one-year-time limit than wasting resources to upgrade a pirated copy.
I think a lot of people can upgrade but unless you have paid for versions of what Microshaft says, I don't know about OEM's, very few will be able to do a fresh install, MS says everyone can "Upgrade" during first year, upgrade is not fresh install. I think what MS means by "Upgrading" is you can put a copy of Win 10 over what you have, you know, upgrading. I think the Shaft has got us again, going to be a lot of pissed off people with a fresh install, not activated, so bend over and grab your wallets.
If I can recall completely, it is not actually all about upgrading old Windows versions but installing clean Windows 10 for free within a year timeframe. So those who are going to upgrade their pirated copies can upgrade but will remain pirated copies while waiting for Microsoft counterfeiting alert (unleash the time bomb) to appear when the time elapsed. Those who possibly do clean installations within the one-year period, perhaps, will not experience the same thing. That is my point of view on this matter.
You may be right, but I think Microshaft has something their holding back, I just can't bring myself to believe they are that sweet, Upgrade or fresh install with activation, which is good only on device or computer you put it on first, don't put it on old computer, because if it falls apart, you cannot install win 10 again for free on different device or computer unless you buy Win 10 from the MShaft, I believe we need clarification From MS as to what does "upgrade"mean from someone who talks to them, they are not doing this because they think they owe us, they want the green stuff. If I'm wrong about the above, I'll deny I said it, I have a gun to my head, but if I am right, ya'll can just call me Elvis, lol From Microshaft:Great news! We will offer a free upgrade to Windows 10 for qualified new or existing Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows Phone 8.1 devices that upgrade in the first year! 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. Two things we need to know: What do they mean by the word "Upgrade" and what does "supported lifetime" mean, I know what they mean to most of us, but what if MS's definition is not what we think.
If you're not allowed a fresh install of Win 10 than you just do a clean install of win 7 or 8 (8.1) and than upgrade to Win 10. Of course only if you have a bios mod and maybe daz loader
Yes that would be as close to a fresh install as you could get, Microshaft needs to tell us so we can be ready if that is the case. Win 7 with SP1
But only an one time thing within the first year? What if I need to do another clean install Windows again after the year? Stuck with the Reset option under recovery? Won't really work that well if my hard drive dies.
free for windows 7 and 8 and 8.1 users. Not free for the people who will have first time windows users
I am guessing if your hard drive fails your free copy dies with it, as in "for the life of the machine" they are offering.
Serial numbers of drives can trigger the activation process even if the drive is the same make, same size and same color