Windows 10 mandatory for the Insider Program?

[Noooch 1,084]

The insider program is about to start in a few days, and I don t know if I will be able to take part of it since I am using Windows 7.

I know Windows 7 will not be supported in january 2020, but my plan was to wait for Microsoft's infos to see if my hardware will be strong enough for MSFS and in that case, buy a Windows 10 retail licence alone (145€...ouch), or if I need a new Pc wich will have Windows 10 already installed.

I know there is no official informations yet on minimum configuration required but at the same time the insider program may require Windows 10, at least that is what I understand.

Anyone in the same situation here, or any advice for me ? 

Thank you very much

Edited August 5, 2019 by Noooch

[Dominique_K 10,149]

I am exactly in the same situation/frame of mind. Using a still excellent W7Pro, waiting for more infos on hardware requirements for FS20 and v5 before deciding on my new rig (the present one will soon be 7 yo) which will be on W10  (new Intel processors don't support W7 if not mistalen). So I am afraid that the Insider program won't be for me. 

Edited August 5, 2019 by domkle

[MaDDogz 242]

I’m gonna go out on a Limb here and say YES 

Absolutely! 

Its common sense 

Win10 only! 

Ovs!

😄

[Wobbie 938]

Windows 10 only!!

[vortex681 806]

1 hour ago, Noooch said:

I know there is no official informations yet on minimum configuration required but at the same time the insider program may require Windows 10, at least that is what I understand.

It's for Windows 10. Look at the Flight Simulator logo at the bottom of this page: https://fsi.microsoftstudios.com. The latest (and future) Xbox also uses the Windows 10 kernel so I'm pretty sure that will seal the deal. Why would they make it compatible with an OS that may no longer be supported when the sim is released?

[djbully 210]

I think you need the XBOX insider app, which is only available through Windows Store. 

I don't know if you can access Windows Store on WIN7? 

 

[Noooch 1,084]

5 minutes ago, djbully said:

I think you need the XBOX insider app, which is only available through Windows Store.

 

That's what I was afraid of... thks

 

1 hour ago, MaDDogz said:

I’m gonna go out on a Limb here and say YES 

Absolutely! 

Its common sense 

Win10 only! 

Ovs!

😄

Common sense tells me if MS says "no subscription" then no subscription it is. The related thread has grown 5 pages from then with people still talking about subscription.

But thank you for your answer anyway.

1 hour ago, domkle said:

I am exactly in the same situation/frame of mind. Using a still excellent W7Pro, waiting for more infos on hardware requirements for FS20 and v5 before deciding on my new rig (the present one will soon be 7 yo) which will be on W10  (new Intel processors don't support W7 if not mistalen). So I am afraid that the Insider program won't be for me. 

✊

[Wobbie 938]

Nope, Pointless to try become an Insider for a Windows 10 release, when you have an outdated & an operating system that will shortly have it's support stopped. 

[Noooch 1,084]

Problem is I can't wait a year now :)) I think I 'll buy a licence... so my XPlane11 will be gone for good I think

Microsoft, your Insider Program better be good and full of stuff!!!

[ca_metal 2,025]

1 hour ago, Noooch said:

Problem is I can't wait a year now :)) I think I 'll buy a licence... so my XPlane11 will be gone for good I think

Microsoft, your Insider Program better be good and full of stuff!!!

You should wait, I doubt they will release any Beta build on the 8th. Most probable to come on september (based on their last post). 

But yes, I doubt the new sim will be compatible with windows 7. It will probably run on Directx 12. And as you pointed out, Windows 7 is going to be discontinued really soon.

Edited August 5, 2019 by ca_metal

[Mengy 814]

Yes I expect the beta (and release) to be Win 10 only for one simple reason: I’m certain the new sim will be DX12 only, previous version of Direct X will most likely not even be coded for.  And DX12 is only available on Win10 (and Xbox), not any previous version of Windows.

[Bert Pieke 7,585]

I believe that you can still upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10 for free..

[vgbaron 3,627]

1 hour ago, Bert Pieke said:

I believe that you can still upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10 for free..

yup, just upgraded three systems last week.

Vic

[Noooch 1,084]

1 hour ago, Bert Pieke said:

I believe that you can still upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10 for free..

 

8 minutes ago, vgbaron said:

yup, just upgraded three systems last week.

Vic

 

6 minutes ago, Rob_Ainscough said:

The Win 10 upgrade is still free, you just have to download it manually and during install provide your Win 7 key.

Cheers, Rob

Thank you!! I owe you a beer 😉

[Woozie 732]

You dont even need a Win7 key, just download the ISO from Microsoft and install. There will be a permanent watermark in the bottom right corner, a few customization options wont be available (neglectable, nothing essential being taken away) and every couple of days, Windows will remind you to activate your version, but apart from that it works absolutely fine and you get all the updates, including virus and malware updates for defender. 

Its an interesting approach by MS as they seem to be OK with people using WIn10 without paying for it. They could easily lock your OS after a certain trial period forcing a license purchase but they dont.