Upgrading to Windows 10

SafeBytes Software

Windows 10 was released July 29th of 2015, and the first question Windows users had, was whether or not it was worth upgrading to. After all, Microsoft had already quit supporting older versions of Windows.

Why Upgrade?The best reason to upgrade to Windows 10 is if you are already running Windows 7 or 8, it is free until July 29, 2016. XP and Vista users will have to pay to upgrade, but those operating systems are either not being supported, or supported as robustly as they were in the past, which means more security flaws, in particular, will manifest themselves over time.

You’ll also have access to Cortana, Microsoft’s voice-controlled assistant, who can search the Web, check the weather, and set reminders as well as other tasks. Unlike Windows 8, the Start Menu is back, but also incorporates apps into its tile-based design.

For the gamers out there, you can stream games to your PC from your Xbox One. Finally, Windows 10 uses the touch-based system of Windows 8, while still giving you the option to easily run your PC with a mouse.

How to Upgrade

If you are already running Windows 7 or 8, upgrading to Windows 10 is relatively straightforward:

1.    First, verify you have an activated version of Windows.·         In Windows 8, open the Control Panel, then System to see the computer’s status.·         In Windows 7, select the Start Button, right click on Computer, and select Properties.2.    Determine if you are running a 32-bit or 64-bit machine. (This information will be on the same screen as the activation status of your computer.)3.    Go here (Microsoft’s “Get Windows 10” page) to download the correct update tool.4.    Run the Media Creation Tool installer. (Depending on your network speed, it may take a while to download all the necessary files.)5.    Accept the license terms.

6.    Next, you’ll go to a confirmation page which recaps what you’ve done so far.7.    Then, choose what to keep: personal files and apps, only personal files, or nothing at all.8.    After that, you’ll be prompted to choose Express Settings or Customize Settings. Take the time to walk through the personalization options and custom settings to see many of the new Windows 10 features.9.       You’ll then be prompted to choose default apps to use for the web, photos, movies, and so on.10.   Finally, you can begin to explore Windows 10 to make sure all your stuff is still there (as well as where it is) as you settle into your new operating system.

Upgrading to Windows 10, shouldn’t be a case of jumping out of the frying pan into the fire. Instead, while it’s not perfect, it’s definitely an improved operating system with new enough bells and whistles to be worth your while.