Windows 10

According to Microsoft, while everyone currently running Windows 7 and Windows 8 will get free upgrades to Windows 10 when it becomes available to the public, those currently testing the beta releases of Microsoft’s next big software via Insider Preview Program will not necessarily get a fresh copy of Windows 10 for themselves unless they are eligible via the existing upgrade offer. Microsoft says that in order for those testing Windows 10 to continue to use it as a fully licensed, 100% legitimate install, they’ll need to agree to continue being the software company’s guinea pig. That is, they’ll need to continue testing Microsoft’s Windows 10 updates as part of its Insider Preview Program. As a result, anyone who is not part of that program will likely see their version of Windows 10 fall behind, becoming unlicensed in the process. Ouch.

Of course, most people will be eligible for a free copy of Windows 10 as part of the Windows 7 and Windows 8 upgrade program, that means anyone running genuine versions of those two are able to get a free upgrade so long as they do it within 12 months of Windows 10’s release. Some people were hoping to use the Insider Preview Program as a way of getting another copy however, perhaps for use on a completely new build or an old machine still chugging along with Windows Vista.

Unfortunately for them though, they’re out of luck unless they agree to continue testing Microsoft’s software.