Clean Upgrade Verses An In-Place Upgrade

Microsoft's general manager for the operating system group's data and fundamentals team, Gabe Aul, wrote in a blog post that those that did qualify for the free upgrade would also have access to final Windows 10 media that would allow them to perform a clean install on the operating system.

"Once you've upgraded to Windows 10 using the free upgrade offer, you will be able to reinstall, including a clean install, on the same device. You won't need to purchase Windows 10 or go back to your prior version of Windows and upgrade again.

"You'll also be able to create your own installation media like a USB drive or DVD, and use that to upgrade your device or reinstall after you've upgraded."