Microsoft has now confirmed that it is giving away the final version of Windows 10 for free to anyone who tests it.
According to The Verge, if anyone installs the latest Windows 10 preview (build 10130) on a machine and uses a Microsoft Account that is registered for the Windows Insider programme, then they will get the final version of Windows 10 for free.
Windows 10 will stay genuine, so users can install the preview right now and simply upgrade to the final bits for no charge.
Here’s the catch : We already know that Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users will get Windows 10 as a free upgrade (providing you install within a year of July 29th), but Microsoft is introducing a new way for anyone to get Windows 10 free of charge. If you install the latest Windows 10 preview (build 10130) on a machine and use a Microsoft Account that’s registered for the Windows Insider program then you’ll get the final version of Windows 10 free. Windows 10 will stay genuine, so you can clean install the preview right now and simply upgrade to the final bits for no charge.
Microsoft’s Gabe Aul confirmed this method on Twitter yesterday as part of a new blog post detailing some new changes to the way the company tests Windows 10. “As long as you are running an Insider Preview build and connected with the MSA (Microsoft Account) you used to register, you will receive the Windows 10 final release build and remain activated,” says Aul. Microsoft will soon require testers to use a Microsoft Account to receive updated builds, and even when Windows 10 is finalized testers can opt-in and keep receiving future test versions in the coming months. So if you’re running Windows XP or Windows Vista and you’re looking to get a free copy of Windows 10, simply install the preview now and you’ll get the final copy free once it’s ready on July 29th.