Windows 10 release date news: Free or not? Microsoft release statement to clear the confusion

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Microsoft has finally released a message clearing the confusion regarding the announcement of a free Windows 10 upgrade.

In an initial post last Friday by Microsoft, it stated that Windows 10 beta users are eligible for a free upgrade when the full version arrives in July.

However, the company took back its announcement and later released a post describing that only those with Windows 7 or 8 will get the free upgrade.

Moreover, the company's executive Gabriel Aul also tweeted during the weekend that anyone with a pre-release build connected to a Microsoft-registered account will carry an activated status until the final build of Windows 10 arrives.

After confusion swirled among Windows 10 beta users, Microsoft finally clarified what's happening, and the general message was simple for most people: no free upgrade.

No one will be getting an activated version of the final build of the new OS (Windows 10 RTM) for free, unless they have Windows 10 Preview installed on a device that has an activated Windows 7 or 8.1.

Furthermore, the company's policy makes it clear that Window's 10, whether it will be obtained during its release date on July 29 or in its beta version through the Windows Insider Program, should be running in machines and devices carrying a genuine copy of Windows.

For those who are part of the Insider program who continue receiving preview builds, they have to do nothing to get the free upgrade.

"Since we're continuing the Windows Insider Program you'll be able to continue receiving builds and those builds will continue to be activated under the terms of the Windows Insider Program," the blog post reads.

On the other hand, those who don't want to continue receiving builds from the Insider program but upgrade from a licensed Windows 7 or 8, can still receive the free upgrade offer with an activated status.

Therefore, it's a choice between staying in the Insider program and experiencing the latest Windows 10 beta (expected to have bugs) for free, or getting a new license key.