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Free Windows 10 (Preview Builds), Even without Win 7 or Win 8

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Free Windows 10 (Preview Builds), Even without Win 7 or Win 8
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mrmarkau67 on 20/06/2015 - 14:48 insider.windows.com (13014 clicks)
Last edited 29/06/2015 - 03:05 by 1 other user

Apparently the Windows Insider programme will continue even after July 29.

This means that if you have a PC around without Windows 7 or 8, you can still avail yourself of a free copy of Windows 10 Windows 10 preview builds via the insider programme, which will probably run better than Vista and is certainly safer than XP.

Join the Insider programme, download and install build 10130 on your old PC and enjoy Windows 10 Windows 10 preview builds via the insider programmee for free.

I wonder if this is a good opportunity for Mac users to grab a copy of Windows for VM use.

Mod 23/6: It has been clarified that those without Windows 7 or 8 must remain on the Windows 10 insider program and continue to receive preview builds of Windows 10. Leaving the program will cause Windows to revert to your previously installed version on your machine. See comments for more information. Title & details updated.

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        • Ebany on 14/07/2015 - 02:32

          The USB-3.0 drivers should have come with the Mainboard, and if you no longer have that stuff, look up your Mainboard online and check out it's specs. USB-3 ports and cables are generally colour coded blue, so the cable is normally blue and the port connection should have a blue tongue on the inside.

          Also note that USB ports are both backwards & forwards compatible so "USB-3 compatible" is not the same as a "USB-3 port".
          As an example; I'm always moving so I carry a Samsung 840pro 512GB SSD (bought a few years) with PortableApps so I can access Thunderbird, Firefox, Open Office documents, etc. where ever I am. The little Silverstone enclosure it's in is USB-3 and works fine on any computer port from USB-1 to USB-3.1

    • Sparky on 20/06/2015 - 16:46
      +3

      I've been using the Windows 10 preview for a couple of months. Like many others, I hated Windows 8. Windows 10 feels like a more refined version of Win 7 but there are some features that come from Win 8. The start menu looks like the metro UI from Win 8.
      Overall, pretty happy with the performance and look/feel of Win 10.

    • Diji1 on 20/06/2015 - 17:37

      Well it is apparently a bit faster and lighter on RAM than Win 7 … but I haven't moved from Win 7 yet.

    • Charity on 21/06/2015 - 02:54

      They are talking rot. there is no USB 3.0 difference. USB doesn't require Windows - or any operating system - or even a computer! lol

      • Tiggrrrrr on 25/06/2015 - 14:35

        Driver issue perhaps?

    • mishrael on 21/06/2015 - 14:29

      DirectX 12, when cards and games come out that support it.

      • HomeAlone on 24/06/2015 - 22:34
        +1

        Plenty of cards already support it.

        • Forfiet on 10/07/2015 - 16:16

          GTX970 for example have dx12 on the box….

  • TheOneWhoKnocks on 20/06/2015 - 16:33

    Cheers OP, will use this on my old Vista laptop and then opt out of the Insider program on the 29th.

  • seniordoc on 20/06/2015 - 16:50

    I have a asus netbook which come with some windows. Can anyone tell me if it will be eligible for windows 10?
    Thanks

    • Jackson on 20/06/2015 - 17:00

      If running 8 or 7 yes for a limited time

      • amsaini15 on 20/06/2015 - 17:07

        I have the same, windows running on a netbook. Once I get windows 10, would I be able to install it on my desktop too. I mean would licence valid for one 1 PC only?

        • mrmarkau67 on 20/06/2015 - 17:37
          -1

          If you join this programme all your PCs are eligible.

        • lostn on 21/06/2015 - 12:36

          @mrmarkau67: Will they all use the same key, or be given separate keys?

    • mrmarkau67 on 20/06/2015 - 17:38

      Yes, even if it's running vista or XP.

  • Findo on 20/06/2015 - 17:23

    Why is MS being so generous now?

    • Diji1 on 20/06/2015 - 17:38
      +10

      Who knows maybe it was going to be The Year of the Linux Desktop and they just had to spoil the party again :D

    • bigoldtoo on 20/06/2015 - 17:46
      +2

      Rumor but likely:

      The inevitable arrival of subscription-based Windows

    • Sage on 20/06/2015 - 20:02
      +2

      They're very desperate after Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 failing drastically. That's the real answer.

      • lostn on 21/06/2015 - 12:37

        If they didn't go into Win8 expecting the reaction they got, they had to have been extremely naive.

    • bunnikins on 20/06/2015 - 22:05

      They want to go on a model similar to ios and android where people pay for Apps but OS is free.

      • [Deactivated] on 20/06/2015 - 23:59
        +2

        I doubt it seeing as Microsoft is a software company and the other two are not. Google and Apple can do that because the profit they would make from selling their OS would be a pittance compared to what they make from advertising and hardware respectively. Microsoft isn't going to eliminate one of their key sources of income.

        • luka on 21/06/2015 - 01:44
          +1

          M$ is losing market share very quickly and the competition is growing. They are already losing one of their key sources of income.

    • devz on 21/06/2015 - 01:49

      1) Getting users to get a MS Account
      2) Collecting the all important information (info hording is the new currency)

    • Gelf54 on 21/06/2015 - 07:31

      NSA funded backdoor? Imagine surveillance agencies delight in having everyone using an operating system that they can monitor with ease.
      Plus MS don't need to worry about pirated copies if direct sales aren't the main profit driver anymore.
      I often wonder about the pirated copies of Windows that are out there. No telling who's building the backdoors in them.

      “Paranoia is just having the right information.”
      ― William S. Burroughs

    • mishrael on 21/06/2015 - 14:33
      +1

      Greater install base for their app store, and as others have mentioned the subscription model for new patches is pretty much a given at this point. Also a Unified platform is probably much more simple to support perhaps saving money in the long term.

      • FabMan on 24/06/2015 - 01:25

        How many apps do they have to sell to match the sale of a single OS sale?

  • Twisty on 20/06/2015 - 17:27

    My parents have win7 so they can get win10 for free and it will be on their computer for good and won't expire or need to buy win10 down the track?

    • mrmarkau67 on 20/06/2015 - 17:32

      Yes, but they don't need to join this deal. Win 7 and Win 8 users will have a year to get a free upgrade from July , without the extra hassle of the insider programme.

    • [Deactivated] on 20/06/2015 - 17:40

      After the 29th of July, go to the microsoft website, login and upgrade from W7 to W10 for free. :)

      • Twisty on 20/06/2015 - 19:09

        Stupid question but how do you log in or can you just create a account?

        • [Deactivated] on 20/06/2015 - 19:25
          +1

          You can use an existing microsoft account/email (@outlook.com, @microsoft.com, @hotmail.com, @live.com etc.) or just create one.
          https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-10-upgrade

          It will be just like installing another Windows 10 update except you will get a notification. Make sure automatic updates is turned on in control panel (Control Panel -> System -> Windows Update > Automatically download and install updates).

        • Twisty on 20/06/2015 - 20:07

          @tendollar:

          Ahh cool so no need to format computer etc

          All my stuff just leave on and it should put Win10 on

  • StewBalls on 20/06/2015 - 18:02
    +4

    Hey, can some of you guys please pause your downloads, mine's taking forever!!! ;)

  • sparkzhu on 20/06/2015 - 18:07
    +1

    Here is the link

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-au/windows/preview-download

  • jeeg on 20/06/2015 - 18:47

    I am running windows 8.1 on my desktop now. I have now joined the Insider programme as per this post. Does this mean that if I install a windows 10 insider preview on my HTPC (which does not currently run windows or have a legit version of windows), come July 29, I am able to upgrade to full Windows 10 on the htpc?

    • zan5hin on 20/06/2015 - 19:05

      Yeah I am running unlicensed Windows 8.1 on my laptop, can I just install this ISO over the top of that, or will it be side by side?

      • zan5hin on 20/06/2015 - 19:10

        Edit: Ummm yeah I downloaded Windows10InsiderPreview.exe and now there is a little box that says "Restart your PC to continue"

    • Elijha on 21/06/2015 - 01:58
      +1

      just be aware that things like Media Centre aren't included in windows 10 - since you mention you use it as a HTPC

      • jeeg on 21/06/2015 - 10:59
        +1

        thanks for the reminder. I currently only use XBMC/Kodi.

      • lostn on 21/06/2015 - 12:42

        just be aware that things like Media Centre aren't included in windows 10

        I see that as a plus.

  • asa79 on 20/06/2015 - 19:02

    Not really a bargain since its free anyway
    If it was Windows 10 Pro that would probably be a bargain

    • mrmarkau67 on 20/06/2015 - 21:38
      +1

      Windows 10 won't be free unless you have Win 7 or 8, or go on this deal.

      • asa79 on 20/06/2015 - 23:29
        -2

        Most machines already have at least windows 7 license on them

  • DauntingEarth on 20/06/2015 - 19:19

    I could have wait 9 days till the proper W10 release but I think i will get this one now thanks OP

    • theBestBastion on 20/06/2015 - 19:34
      +1

      It's 29 July, not in June.

    • [Deactivated] on 20/06/2015 - 19:47
      +2

      No don't. XD
      If you have Windows 7 or 8.1 then just wait until July 29th. This is for people that don't have windows 7 or 8 or they just want to give their input as a beta user. This isn't the full version. It's not 100% stable and is prone to crashes depending on what you're doing.
      This insider program is primarily for intermediate/advanced users and developers.

      • DauntingEarth on 21/06/2015 - 02:04

        had a spin on this insider Windows 10… nothing special… few things wont work here and there. going back to windows 7.

  • figarow on 20/06/2015 - 19:35

    Do I need a windows license to get this free?

    • [Deactivated] on 20/06/2015 - 19:49
      -1

      No. Read the link bro.
      If you do not have a W7 or W8.1 computer then download this and you get to upgrade to Windows 10 on the 29th of July for free. Make sure you install it properly and turn on automatically download and install updates from the Windows Update menu in Control Panel.

      • figarow on 20/06/2015 - 19:55

        I don't have win 7 or 8 I have Linux. What I need to know is can I just use an unlicensed version of windows and the upgrade with this?

        • Sage on 20/06/2015 - 20:09

          The way it works is you install the free preview version then when the full version is released they let you update to it and let you quit the Insider programme so the OS is the same as the retail release.

        • figarow on 20/06/2015 - 20:11
          +1

          @Sage: Yes I understand that bit wondering if it will install on non licensed machine.

        • Sage on 20/06/2015 - 20:11
          -1

          there's a license given with the insider version. it will be fully licensed.

        • [Deactivated] on 20/06/2015 - 20:24
          +1

          @figarow:
          Worked for me mate. :D
          I installed it over a pirated version of windows.

        • King Tightarse on 20/06/2015 - 20:53
          +2

          @figarow
          You dont need any windows installed on the machine. Just register and install this preview, then sit back and wait.

        • amsaini15 on 20/06/2015 - 21:58
          -2

          @King Tightarse:

          If I already have pirated version, Can I install Insider on another drive and have dual boot option? After 29th July, I can remove pirated copy? Will that work?

        • llama on 21/06/2015 - 00:55
          +2

          @figarow:

          WHY are you asking this?

          You have LINUX. You told us you don't have Windows 7 or 8.

          So, you don't have anything unlicenced, so you don't need to have your machine licenced either.

          When you sign up for the Insider Program, you BECOME licenced. Truly, this is not something that is complicated or hard to understand.

  • chocapoky on 20/06/2015 - 19:57

    Would this offer work on the new macbook pro??
    If yes, how can I install it on the macbook pro?

  • BradH13 on 20/06/2015 - 20:17

    Not really a bargain - just a workaround for tech-savvy people to eventually upgrade their illegitimate Windows to a licensed version for free (because you can't do that with a pirated OS, it gives you the option but it'll ask for a valid key once upgraded).

    You shouldn't really be leading the general consumer to a beta operating system. I know it's close to final version, but still.

    • [Deactivated] on 20/06/2015 - 20:26
      +1

      You don't even have to be tech savvy. Just download the preview, wait for 29th July, install the windows updates which contain the W10 installation files and you're set. :D

      • BradH13 on 20/06/2015 - 20:38

        Tech-savvy - meaning you can fix any problems or put up with any problems a beta may cause. I wasn't doubting the ease of installation.

        • muncan on 21/06/2015 - 00:29
          +1

          Tech-savy = knowing how to turn it off and back on again.

      • BradH13 on 21/06/2015 - 00:31

        So, I just downloaded and installed this on my 2nd PC and I wouldn't recommend any general user install it. I've been using it for an hour and I've already come across some rough bugs. My point stands.

        • [Deactivated] on 21/06/2015 - 00:44

          Yeah I agree. I am noticing a whole lot of errors, especially when I am trying to compile code. CPU is being eaten up by some processes, because the drivers seem to be causing memory allocation errors.
          I quite like the layout, though. The start menu is a pretty amazing improvement.

        • BradH13 on 21/06/2015 - 00:57

          @tendollar:

          It's gonna take some time for me to adjust to the start menu. At this point in time, I like the Windows 8 one MUCH better (I liked that one from day one though). :(

        • [Deactivated] on 21/06/2015 - 01:18

          @BradH13:

          I was one of those people who loved Windows 8 when it first came out and WIndows 8.1 is by far the best OS to date. The W10 start menu is especially good for those with 1440p and 4k screens.

    • McFly on 20/06/2015 - 20:46

      Free Win 10 for all PCs isn't a bargain?

    • indium on 20/06/2015 - 21:19
      +1

      Still a bargain for legitimate users who have a new build :) I built new pc and the windows 7 key I'd acquired for free through university (when win7 came out) no longer would activate on this new system so I was going to buy windows 8 today since my trial version actually ended today and figured I needed to purchase eventually so this is saving me $70.

      But you're right, most people probably have windows 7 or 8 already installed and could upgrade for free anyway.

      • eggnbacon on 20/06/2015 - 22:41

        I'm not sure about your situation exactly but I also have a free windows 7 key through my previous university. To activate it on a new system you need to give Microsoft a call through their automated phone system. Fairly painless, ended up talking to real person and they reactivated my key free of charge.

    • lostn on 21/06/2015 - 12:45

      Can you sign up for the Windows Insider program, get licensed, but never install the Insider build, and just wait till after July 29 and install a final release?

  • morris086 on 20/06/2015 - 20:48

    How exactly do i join the insider program? just click through the links till i get to the download?
    Also just to make sure i got it right, I install the preview on the 29th of july and then upgrade?

    • mrmarkau67 on 20/06/2015 - 22:01

      Yes, you just click through, decide if the programme is right for you. Then download and enjoy right away.

      • amsaini15 on 20/06/2015 - 22:35
        +1

        If you just download and dont install now, Can you install after 29th July? Will you still get upgraded to win 10? I dont want to install now as I have just one PC which I dont want to mess it up with?

  • zeezaw on 20/06/2015 - 22:06
    +1

    Thanks, OP. I use a Mac but will install this in VirtualBox just in case I have the need to run some Window-only apps. Thankfully, eTax now runs on Mac.

  • congo on 20/06/2015 - 22:51
    +1

    Do you have to actually install the Win 10 Preview?
    Or is registering good enough?

    • amsaini15 on 20/06/2015 - 23:08

      I am wondering the same thing. I would like to register and install only after 29th july.

    • scupper on 21/06/2015 - 01:03
      +1

      You need to install it because your Microsoft account will be associated with the hardware you install win 10 on.

      • congo on 21/06/2015 - 08:37

        Thanks. Do you know which hardware Microsoft will link it to?
        Motherboard? CPU?
        I am looking to upgrade my hard drive and RAM later on.

        • scupper on 21/06/2015 - 20:15

          I'd say it would be a combination. I think if 3 devices change in your computer, you'll need to verify with Microsoft by phone.

  • zoomzoomzoom on 20/06/2015 - 22:57

    I have a laptop with win 7 license key but last week upgraded to a volume version of 8.1 without a volume key. So my win7 key will not work with my win 8.1 install. Can i download a final version when it becomes available and simply upgrade my unlicenced version of 8.1 to 10 but punch in my windows 7 licence or will this now work and i will need to somehow backout of win8.1 to 7 and upgrade to 10 from that?

  • Phoebus on 20/06/2015 - 23:22

    This is great.
    Someone remind me to install W10 when I set up my SSD please.

    • lostn on 21/06/2015 - 12:47

      Remind us when you set up your SSD first.

  • humbala on 21/06/2015 - 00:08

    Does it work if I run the windows 10 as vm? Or have to be physical machine?

  • [Deactivated] on 21/06/2015 - 00:46
    +1

    DO NOT INSTALL THIS ON YOUR MAIN EVERYDAY PC IF YOU ARE NOT AN INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED USER! You will regret it.
    Best to wait until a few days before the 29th July, then install it, and upgrade the next day.

    • scupper on 21/06/2015 - 01:06

      Installed it on my newbie uncle's first computer, which was a hand me down and had win XP. Haven't heard any issues yet.

    • BradH13 on 21/06/2015 - 01:08

      This x100. Nowhere near ready for mainstream users just yet.

      For example:

      I can't even change my screen DPI. It's stuck at 150% and won't save when I change it back to 100%.
      Lots of settings menus quit back to desktop.
      The UI of Chrome is cut off on all edges.
      Project Spartan browser won't display full screen video.
      Start menu lags even though I have good, modern hardware with correct drivers installed.
      It's phantom rebooted on me 3 times while I was using the internet.

      These all found within an hour and a half of use.

    • OzBragain on 21/06/2015 - 08:24

      Best to wait until a few days before the 29th July, then install it, and upgrade the next day.

      MS isn't exactly renowned for releasing a stable OS on time.

      How about waiting a few months after release if you're not up for beta testing

    • lostn on 21/06/2015 - 12:48

      It will be licensed to the hardware you install it on.. So if you want to install the final build on your main PC, I'm not sure how that is going to work.

  • zan5hin on 21/06/2015 - 01:08

    I want to install this over my MAIN EVERYDAY PC as I am an ADVANCED USER. I have an Acronis backup anyway. I tried just running the .exe file, however it kicks me back to Windows Update, and I can't see any specific KBxxxxxxx related to Windows 10, so I will try the ISO instead.

    However the ISO is build 10130, which is already three weeks old. There will be a new ISO in a few days (a week?) which is probably 10147 or around that number (as 10147 already leaked three days ago) and Project Spartan will be renamed Microsoft Edge (instead of IE) so I will wait for that to come out first.

    • tonyjzx on 21/06/2015 - 02:26

      you can find the 10147 iso on torrents

      pop it onto a usb and install it

      dont bother with this download crap, it doesnt work on flashget either

  • Charity on 21/06/2015 - 02:58

    Can I get this now to use at a later date? … on a future computer I have yet buy!?

    • scupper on 21/06/2015 - 03:35

      Hopefully your new computer will already have win 10 or a recent version of windows. If it won't have an OS, get a cheap copy of win 7 or 8 to upgrade from.

  • tyler.durden on 21/06/2015 - 08:26

    Does this upgrade to home or profession version?

    • wtfnodeal on 21/06/2015 - 08:48
      +1

      Depends if you are accredited by Gerry Harvey yet or not.

    • McFly on 21/06/2015 - 15:53

      This isn't an upgrade, this is a free full version. (The 7/8 upgrade version will give you the 10 version of what you have installed.)

      • tyler.durden on 21/06/2015 - 16:50
        +1

        what is the free full version?

        home or professional?

        • McFly on 21/06/2015 - 20:17

          Pro. Therefore, it's actually better to do it this way instead of upgrading a (7/8) Home version!

      • lostn on 21/06/2015 - 17:14

        It has to be able to upgrade.. There is a button to upgrade your OS from the web browser..

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