Windows 10: Is it free or not?

When Microsoft unveiled Windows 10 to the world back in January, it said the new version would be free. The fine print on that deal, however, has been anything but clear, with company executives twice making public promises about availability, followed by speedy backtracking.

First, there was the confusion about whether pirated copies of Windows would get the upgrade. Microsoft's Gabe Aul said in a blog post that Windows Insiders — i.e. anyone with a Microsoft account who has downloaded a preview build of Windows 10 — would get a full, activated copy of Windows 10:

As long as you are running an Insider Preview build and connected with the MSA (Microsoft Account) you used to register, you will receive the Windows 10 final release build. Read more...