There’s been a lot of confusion about who gets free upgrades to Windows 10 on July 29. This flowchart should make it nice and simple to determine if you do.
This chart, inspired and expanded upon from this original chart by Amit Agarwal, spells everything out so you know exactly where you stand. (Reopen this image in a new tab for a closer look.)
If you have a legitimate copy of Windows 7, 8 or 8.1, you’re all set to get a free upgrade and you can reserve it now. If you’re running the Windows 10 preview and it was installed over a valid licence of Windows 7, 8 or 8.1, you also have access to the free upgrade.
If you’re running anything older than Windows 7, or installed the Windows 10 preview beta without a previous licence, you’ll have to fork over the $US119 for the standard edition or $US199 for the Pro edition. You can, however, continue to use further betas of Windows 10 no matter what.
And if Microsoft changes its mind again, we’ll be sure to update this flowchart as soon as possible.
Comments
21 responses to “Find Out If You’re Getting A Free Upgrade To Windows 10 With This Flowchart”
Where’s the confusion? It’s pretty simple, if you’ve got a valid Windows 7/8/8.1 license, you can upgrade to Windows 10 for free. Anything else and you have to buy it (because you know, you don’t actually own any current MS operating system!)…
Exactly. And Microsoft never changed their minds like this article states. After confusion from media outlets, they’ve been forced to clarify in different ways.
It is very simple, but was originally presented in a confusing manner.
Running a non-genuine copy of Windows 7 Ultimate; still got the notification for reserving a copy of Windows 10 sitting in my system tray.
Explaination?
I am in the same boat… pirated windows 7 (which has been cracked, and gets updates, and never says its non-genuine), and got the notification that I would be upgraded.
As previously published, your upgrade will happen, succeed, and function, but it will still not be an activated or legitimate license. That it you will be running Windows 10, but it will still be illegal.
http://www.neowin.net/news/upgrading-to-windows-10-on-pirated-versions-wont-get-you-a-valid-license
So…I had an OEM copy of Windows 7 that started failing and wouldn’t repair using the recovery partition. I did a fresh install using a Win 7 disc of the same version and tried to use the key printed on the base of my lap top which didn’t work, because it’s an OEM version (should I know this?) So Acer said send it back to them and they would re-image it (groan). Instead I put the Windows 10 Insider Preview on it – a clean install. It runs fine.
Have I “installed over a valid licence of Windows 7”? Do I get Windows 10?
Have you installed over a valid license of Windows 7? No because your Windows 7 wasn’t activated
Do you get a Windows 10? Yes, Microsoft is giving away free Windows 10 to people who tried the preview
They’re not giving away free licenses to people that have tried the Preview.
You can stay on the preview for free after GA, but you’ll always be getting the insider updates so its never going to be the RTM edition.
You must be running Genuine Windows 7 or 8.1 to be able to upgrade to Windows 10. If you have a genuine windows 8 you must upgrade to Windows 8.1 first.
Is your computer running Windows 7, 8, or 8.1? No -> Is your computer running the Windows 10 Preview? No -> Is your computer running Vista or XP? No -> You’re on a Mac you bloody idiot.
What if I’m running Windows ME? Check-and-mate.
Also no “Are you running Linux” option, but just like an OS X user, who’d want to gimp themselves with Windows?
Me, I’m running a 27″ and I boot camp windows 8.1. Going to windows 10 would be nice… Better than 8.1. A moss covered garden paving stone would be better than 8.1…
Lol no, wrong.
“Some editions are excluded: Windows 7 Enterprise, Windows 8/8.1 Enterprise and Windows RT/RT 8.1.”
https://www.microsoft.com/en-au/windows/windows-10-faq
Don’t know why someone negged you, so have a plus vote.
The flowchart is W.R.O.N.G
Enterprise editions of 7, 8 and 8.1 DO NOT qualify for the Windows 10 free upgrade. Nor do any of the RT editions.
I wish that Lifehack and Gizmodo could do their job properly just once, guess I’ll have to keep dreaming.
Not quite accurate. If you’re running XP or Vista, you skipped a step: Upgrade to Windows 7 then take advantage of the free upgrade.
Why not just go to Windows 10?
Particularly with XP when there is no in-place upgrade to Vista, 7, 8 or 10.
You gave all the readers a bum steer just a day or so ago.
Good job, ignore comments and repost false information. A+ work.
I have one PC at home running 7 PRO and it got the reservation update.
The other PC I have is running 7 enterprise and it hasn’t got it. SO not all 7 copies are valid for free upgrade it seems.
Did you actually look at the flow chart above??? Jeesus……