Windows 10 preview offers features similar to Windows 8.1 but with newer updates and improvements.
Windows 10 preview offers features similar to Windows 8.1 but with newer updates and improvements.
You're considering using Windows 10 Preview instead of Windows 8.1 to cut costs. Installing a pre-release as your sole operating system carries some risk, but it can be manageable. When Windows 10 becomes available, you'll need to decide whether to stick with it or switch back if needed.
Windows 10 is still a preview, it's not fully functional and you will encounter hiccups. If you want to use it until Windows 10 comes out, then great, but keep in mind it's aimed at developers and testers.
8.1 represents a complete release, while 10 serves as a test version. Moreover, 10 includes built-in keyloggers (though that’s not a big deal—most people don’t mind). These tools are meant to gather data on crashes, timing issues, or reasons behind failures. If you’re okay with that, keep in mind the preview will likely have bugs, and upgrading from it to the full version probably won’t be straightforward (the product key expires on the preview, so you’ll need to upgrade).
Others have discussed this thoroughly, but I’ll just restate a few things.
1. You won’t be able to upgrade the Windows 10 preview to a full release version, even with a License Key. This has been consistent for Preview versions of Windows. You’ll need a clean install if you decide to purchase it.
2. It’s a pre-release preview, often called "Pre-Beta" or an Alpha build. It’s quite stable now, but still may have bugs or instability occasionally.
3. You can use it as a daily driver. I personally use it at home, but I’m aware of the risks and feel confident handling the unpredictability of a preview version. As long as you’re comfortable with that, you can save money and try it. Just keep some funds aside in case you need to buy Windows 8.1 later.