windows 10 pro insider preview grayscale

Though July 29 marks the release of the 'final' version of Windows 10, Microsoft will continue to tweak and enhance the operating system beyond that date. On Monday, Aul clarified that Windows Insiders won't be getting Windows 10 for free, at least not exactly. As such, the software giant is aiming to get Windows 10 into the hands of as many people as possible, at least within reason. The new OS is also an attempt to offer a similar experience among PC, tablet and mobile phone users, with Microsoft hoping that those who try Windows 10 on a PC might be persuaded to try it on a smartphone.

With the return of the Start menu and other new and improved features, Windows 10 is in many ways an atonement for Windows 8, which failed to catch on with consumers. The final version of Windows 10 is scheduled to roll out July 29. But a blog post published Friday by Gabe Aul, head of the Windows Insider Program, intimated that those in the program - who have been getting preview versions of Windows 10 at no cost, in a series of trial runs - would also get the final release for free, seemingly regardless of their current version of Windows. By extension, that meant those still using Windows XP or Vista would have to pay for Windows 10. In January, Microsoft announced that users running Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 could upgrade to the new OS for free for the first year. The question of who would get Windows 10 for free seemed a simple one at first. Microsoft is trying to clear up the confusion over whether Windows Insiders will be entitled to the final version of Windows 10.

Will Windows Insiders get Windows 10 for free? Microsoft answers that question.

Windows 10 pro insider preview grayscale