You'll be able to try Windows 10 for free without a product key

Once Microsoft’s new OS launches on July 29 you’ll be able to upgrade an existing Windows 7 or 8.x install through Windows Update. If you haven’t reserved the OS yet, and the Get Windows 10 app isn’t showing in the system tray, follow the instructions here.

But what if you want to install the OS from scratch, or have an older version of Windows, such as XP? Although Microsoft hasn’t confirmed it as such, it’s expected the software giant will be releasing ISO files of Windows 10 for this very purpose, and the good news is it looks like you won’t need a product key to install and try out the OS.

According to leaked Windows 10 release notes posted on Twitter by Russian leaker WZor, you’ll be able to install and boot into the OS without immediately needing a product key. Windows won’t be activated, obviously, but functionality won’t be impaired while you test out the OS. By the sound of things, it will be similar to how you can install and try Windows 7 without a key. You will, of course, eventually need a valid license to activate and use the OS long term.

The release notes refer to "partners", but essentially it means anyone installing Windows 10.

If you’re installing the OS on a PC that has Windows 7 or 8.x on it, Windows 10 will be activated automatically, providing you’re installing a like-for-like version. In other words, if you have Windows 7 Home Premium installed, you’ll be able to upgrade to Windows 10 Home, but not Windows 10 Pro. Check out the comparison table below.

Image Credit: Zurijeta / Shutterstock