Ever since the announcement of Windows 10 release, there has been a lot of anticipation about its testing. In order to shape the Windows 10 experience, Microsoft already came up with Windows Insider Program. The program aims at building Windows 10 by getting help from developers, IT pros, and PC experts around the world. However, Windows 10 license isn’t really free for software testers. In fact, one can go for the subscription of Windows Insider program even after the release of Windows 10.
The continuation of Windows Insider Program
If you have availed a new Windows 10 license and wish to continue with your subscription to Windows Insider Program, you can do that. Being a part of the Windows Insider Program, you will continue getting pre-release updates. In addition, it will help enhance your testing skills, as you will be allowed to provide end-user feedback to Microsoft. However, with the expiration of your license, you would not be able to use the preview of Windows 10, if you have opted out for future updates.
In order to continue the success of Windows Insider Program, Microsoft is putting a lot of effort for the testers to stay updated with the future-releases. However, you need to be careful with the license expiration, as it would result in plenty of bugs.
Opting out of Windows Insider Program
You can easily opt out of Windows Insider Program. However, you will be treated as any other Windows customer. In order to avail free upgrade to Windows 10, you need to reserve the spot as mentioned below.
- Go to the bottom right of the taskbar and click on the small Windows icon.
- Click ‘Reserve your free upgrade’ in the app window.
- Confirm this reservation by entering your email.
The above-mentioned steps would allow you to download Windows 10, whenever it is available. However, you can also cancel your reservation at any time.
You will get a notification to install Windows 10 after July 29th, 2015. It will allow you to either install it instantaneously or choose a suitable time. However, you must have an installed Windows 10 preview on a machine running a Windows 7 or 8.1. If someone is using an earlier version of Windows like XP or Vista, then he/she has to pay for this.
To summarize the things, you must be running Windows 7 or 8.1 to get a stable Windows 10 build. If you continue to be a part of Windows Insider Program, then you are eligible to get a free copy of Windows 10. However, the version would be full of bugs, in spite being the latest.
Click here to read about the importance of Windows 10 for testers
