Windows 10 Upgrade: 8 FAQs Explained
July 29 is fast approaching and we know you still have a lot of questions about how to download and use Windows 10.
Windows watchers have been marking their calendars for July 29, the day that Windows 10 will launch in full.
The closer we get to launch day, the more we learn about the myriad upgrades and changes coming to Windows 10. Microsoft has been working to ensure that this system addresses the shortcomings and failures we saw in predecessor Windows 8.
Windows 10 marks plenty of big changes in how Microsoft designs its products and how it delivers those products to customers. July 29 will mark Microsoft's final numbered OS launch, a break from the tradition that brought us from the original Windows through Windows 8.1.
This doesn't mean the end of Windows updates, but it does indicate a transformational change at Microsoft. We won't hear about Windows 11 or Windows 25, but we will see new features delivered through this Windows-as-a-service platform.
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And it seems that Microsoft will have plenty of new updates rolling out after Windows 10 hits the market. We're looking forward to seeing future advancements in Cortana, in Microsoft Edge, and in the ways HoloLens will eventually fit into the enterprise.
Its new service-based strategy is another sign that Microsoft is changing to keep up with other major tech leaders. Since he stepped into his role as CEO, Satya Nadella has emphasized the importance of working as a services company in addition to prioritizing cloud and mobile technologies.
Microsoft hopes by the three-year anniversary of its launch, Windows 10 will run on one billion devices. There will be a lot of people downloading the new OS in coming months, and most (if not all) of them have a question or two about the specifics of the upgrade process.
Let's clarify some of the most common questions surrounding the Windows 10 upgrade. Did we miss one? Ask your question in the comments and we'll do our best to answer it.
We know what you're thinking: Free and Microsoft don't usually fall in the same sentence. The company has promised Windows 10 as a free upgrade to users running Windows 7 and Windows 8.1, but some customers are still wary. Will there be hidden charges? Will I have to pay an annual fee after the one-year "free" upgrade window? In much of its messaging, Microsoft has left the question of annual fees open to interpretation.
Your answer: Yes, free means free. Microsoft GM Gabe Aul confirmed this via Twitter, as reported on WinBeta. If you're a consumer running a Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1 license and upgrade between July 29, 2015 and July 29, 2016, Windows 10 is free for life.
Before July 29 rolls around, you'll want to reserve your upgrade through the Get Windows 10 app if you want to download on launch day.
Microsoft has decided to let users shape the new OS, a smart move after the widespread dislike for Windows 8. Windows Insiders have been testing Windows 10 since development started and have provided Microsoft with feedback for changes to incorporate into the OS before it ships.
After Windows 10 launches, Insiders will continue to serve this purpose. The preview program will continue to exist, and Insiders will become the first pool of users to receive changes to Windows 10 features, user interface, and user experience.
Microsoft notes that Insiders who want to exit the program and move to the final Windows 10 release will be able to do so.
Unfortunately, not everyone will have access to the free Windows 10 upgrade. If you're not upgrading from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, or if you decide you want Windows 10 after the one-year free upgrade window has closed, you'll have to pay for the new OS.
Microsoft is putting two versions of Windows 10 on the market. Windows 10 Home will cost $119; Windows 10 Pro will be $199. It sounds straightforward enough, but Microsoft has really gone out of its way to confuse Windows Insiders who hope to download Windows 10 for free when it launches in full.
After a few days of clarification, Microsoft has finally given an answer. Windows Insiders who remain part of the Insider program will continue receiving regular Windows 10 preview builds, so they can provide Microsoft with feedback. This is true regardless of whether they were running Windows 7, 8.1, XP, or Vista. However, the system will remain a pre-release beta version of Windows 10. Those who don't upgrade from Windows 7 or 8.1 will not be able to upgrade to the full publicly released version of Windows 10 for free.
You've heard by now that Microsoft is planning to release several editions of Windows 10. There will be 7 versions of the new OS in total.
There are two versions that will be accessible via upgrade on existing PC. First, we have Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro. The former is targeted at consumers and small businesses. It's less expensive and contains all the OS features you'll care about (Edge, Continuum, Universal Apps), minus a few things that are specific to business users. Windows 10 Pro is more for business-quality products and includes features like Hyper-V virtualization and the ability to use your PC as a remote desktop server.
Windows 10 Enterprise, which will only be available via Microsoft's Volume Licensing program, has even more business-friendly features than Pro. It'll have more security safeguards to protect large businesses from security breaches.
Windows 10 Mobile will have features similar to its desktop counterpart, including the Windows Store and Microsoft Office apps. Everything on Windows 10 Mobile is integrated with Windows 10 for desktop, so your photos and documents will be accessible on either device. Another mobile edition, Windows 10 Mobile Enterprise, will accommodate smartphones running Windows in the enterprise. It's similar to Windows 10 Mobile, but has a few added tweaks intended to help businesses control system settings and deliver software updates.
Windows 10 Education and Windows 10 IoT Core round out the list. The Education system will also be distributed through Microsoft's Volume Licensing Program for students and institutions. IoT Core will reportedly support customizable versions of the OS build for devices running on the Internet of Things -- think smart thermostats and kitchen appliances.
It seems like every time Microsoft makes an announcement, the company sheds light on a new feature of Windows 10. Let's give a quick snapshot of the big updates that consumers are anticipating most:
On the UI front, users were excited to learn about the new Start menu and Continuum feature designed to simplify the switch from tablet to PC. Cortana, now available on the desktop, will be able to do more things like pull specific files and detailed information. You'll get the new Edge browser with note-taking mode and a better Reading View. There will be one Windows Store for Universal Apps that have the same code, based across platforms.
If you're not impressed by any of those new features, perhaps you'll be interested in the new security measures Microsoft is integrating into Windows 10. The new OS will have Windows Hello, Passport, Enterprise Data Protection, Antimalware Scan Interface, and Device Guard.
Windows 10 system requirements are similar to those for Windows 8.1. If you're upgrading from the latest version of Windows 8.1, you should be able to download Windows 10 easily, but you can verify your eligibility through the Get Windows 10 app.
Microsoft has noted that the minimum RAM required to upgrade to Windows 10 is 1GB for 32-bit and 2GB for 64-bit. You'll also need 16GB hard disk space for 32-bit or 20GB for 64-bit. Windows 10 also requires a 1GHz or faster processor.
The software you're currently using should stay in place throughout the upgrade to Windows 10. That said, sometimes glitches happen, so take the precaution of backing up your device before starting the download process.
If your apps work on Windows 7 and Windows 8.1, they should also work after you upgrade to Windows 10. If there are any problems, the Windows 10 compatibility checker should bring them to your attention.
It should be noted that Windows 10 will eliminate support for a few programs on Windows 7 and 8. Consumers upgrading from Windows 7 will notice the disappearance of Windows Media Center, gadgets, games, and the OneDrive app from Windows Live Essentials. If you like, you can download replacements in the Windows Store, which will launch in full with Windows 10.
Enterprise Windows customers are likely looking forward to a few new features in Windows 10, especially the enhanced security features. Businesses have also been promised an easier upgrade process, as consumers are receiving new features first so that Microsoft can make necessary changes before it rolls updates out to the enterprise.
Given that companies never do these things quickly, we'll likely see a lull between consumer and business adoption of Windows 10, predicts Gartner's Steve Kleynhans on ComputerWorld. Most will use 2015, and most of 2016 to run a few test pilots, study the system's features, and evaluate how it suits their organization. Rollouts may start in late 2016, but adoption won't really pick up until the following year.
Enterprise Windows customers are likely looking forward to a few new features in Windows 10, especially the enhanced security features. Businesses have also been promised an easier upgrade process, as consumers are receiving new features first so that Microsoft can make necessary changes before it rolls updates out to the enterprise.
Given that companies never do these things quickly, we'll likely see a lull between consumer and business adoption of Windows 10, predicts Gartner's Steve Kleynhans on ComputerWorld. Most will use 2015, and most of 2016 to run a few test pilots, study the system's features, and evaluate how it suits their organization. Rollouts may start in late 2016, but adoption won't really pick up until the following year.
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