The head of Windows' Insider program, Gabriel Aul, has confirmed that users will be able to download the new Windows 10 build as an ISO, which confirms the fact that this next iteration might be a major one.
Users will also be able to upgrade existing installs. Aul also confirmed that the build will not be the 9901 that was leaked last month.
Getting ISOs launched at the same time as updates is a smart but logical move as it allows early adopters, most of whom are computer enthusiasts, to get a fresh install every time.
Earlier this week, Aul disclosed that versions older than Windows 7 will require a full format and a fresh Windows 10 install although there are some relatively workarounds.
Microsoft will be launching the next build, which could well be the Consumer Preview, at an event on its campus in two weeks' time.
Windows 10, which some say could be free for Windows 8.1 users, is expected to be the most important product announcement of Microsoft in 2015.
- Open your browser and navigate to insider.windows.com
- Click on Get Started. In the sign up box, enter your Microsoft account details, email and password
- If you want to get a copy of Windows 10 for PC, click on PC; if you want to get a copy of Windows 10 for mobile devices, click on Phone
- You will get a page titled “Is it right for me?”. The page basically contains information about the latest build of Windows 10 for PC or phone based upon your selection; go through the system requirements and see if your device matches it
- Scroll down on the page and click on Get the Preview. Click on Download the ISO link
- In the page that opens, first note down the key of Windows 10 Preview; You will not need the key for installation but just in case Windows 10 asks you to activate the copy, you will have to use it
- From the list of Languages, select the language that you wish your Windows 10 copy to be
- Select if you need 64-bit or 32-bit Windows 10 for free
- Click on the download link and let the ISO file download
- Burn the ISO to a USB or DVD.
- If you want to do a clean installation, boot from USB or DVD and install Windows Preview; if you do not want to lose your programs and settings, boot to your current operating system and run setup.exe from the DVD or USB to which you burned the Windows 10 ISO file. Keep updating Windows 1o as and when updates are released.
- That is it: you are now eligible to get a free copy of Windows 10 Home or Pro when it releases finally on July 29 2015
Do note that you will still need to keep your Insider account active so you have to log into the account every few weeks. You may or may not submit any feedback but the account has to be active. That way you will receive the free updates to the final Windows 10 without having to pay anything.
