Windows 10 Everything You Wanted To Know But Were Too Afraid To Ask.

Windows 10 Got It’s Official Launch Date This Week

And it’s July29. Over the last two days many people have been in touch to ask a slew of questions about Windows 10.

In the link above (Microsoft’s official announcement) they even get Cortana to make the announcement; that and several videos explaining more about Windows 10.

A Short Recap

Some of the questions were already answered on previous Warptest posts on the subject: –

• My first take on Microsoft’s introduction to Windows 10.
• Windows 10 is a free, yes FREE upgrade. What does that mean?
• Windows 10 major features and Hololens, prepare to be awed.
• This is Spartan! (AKA Edge)
• Windows 10 and Microsoft’s Game of Phones
  gambit at Build 2015.

Obviously there is so much more to write about and some details are still unavailable or unconfirmed such as the spec, cost and launch date of new Lumia Windows 10 Mobile flagship devices that have the new hardware to support Continuum.

The Upgrade

If you own a PC with Windows 7 or 8.1 on then you can probably see a Windows logo icon in the System Tray:

The icon is your free upgrade notification and way to make your reservation to receive Windows 10. If you click on it this dialog opens…

You sign-up with your email from here and that’s it.

The People Have Questions About Windows 10

• Once I’ve reserved do I have to install the upgrade? Microsoft makes it clear in the “Get Windows 10” dialog above that this is a no commitment sign-up and you can choose to not upgrade at any time.
• What if I don’t get the icon in my System Tray, does this mean I’m not entitled to the upgrade? No, not everyone will receive this at the same time worldwide but if you can’t wait then you can sign up from this site.
• How do I know if my PC can handle Windows 10? Microsoft has in the past offered an Upgrade Checker that tests Hardware, Software and Drivers and lets you know if your PC can handle it. The “Get Windows 10” app will run this test prior to upgrade. If you want to know now then you can find a list of the minimum spec here.
• I’m really happy with Windows 7 should I upgrade? Is Windows 10 for me? This is a biggie and I’ve been asked this online and in person over the last few days. I answered this in a conversation on Facebook and then gave a similar answer at work after pitching / demo’ing Windows 10:

• How do I upgrade when Windows 10 launches? According to the aforementioned “Get Windows 10” you will receive an email notification that Windows 10 has launched. This will not be a Windows Store upgrade like Windows 8.1. I assume following the upgrade users will need to reinstall applications and I recommend having all your data backed up in advance.
• I haven’t upgraded Windows 7 or 8 to the latest version can I just leapfrog to Windows 10? No, your PC must have the latest Windows 7 Service Pack or for Windows 8 be upgraded to Windows 8.1
• How can I see what Windows 10 looks like? The Windows Insider Program still allows you sign up to receive the latest Technical Preview. This can be installed on a suitable PC or Virtual Machine. It is not recommended to install the Technical Preview over your existing OS if this is your primary personal computer. If you prefer not to install the OS yourself then Microsoft’s Windows 10 Launch Announcement has videos for you to see.
• Will all Windows 10 features work on all devices? No some features e.g. Hello (biometric login) require specific built-in hardware and other features may be dependent on the type of device in question: desktop / laptop, tablet etc.

The Warptest POV

Windows 10 offers the user the most up-to-date Operating System on the market for your device and due to the Windows Insider Program, the OS has been built by Microsoft in concert with tremendous user input and constructive critique.

The list of features, UX and UI combined with performance and the free upgrade an offer you can’t refuse. Whilst I’m in the minority over Windows 8.1 and felt it was judged too harshly I’m excited to get the final release version of Windows 10.

Windows 10 offers a strong list of killer features like Cortana, the return of the Start Menu, the merge of New Windows (Metro) Start Screen and the desktop, Live Tiles, Edge Browser, Hello (biometric login), Continuum, Virtual Desktops and more. In answer to the big question, should I upgrade? My answer is an unequivocal yes.

So, if you boot up your PC and see the Windows logo in your System Tray then click on it and reserve your free (yes, FREE!) upgrade. You know where to find me if you have questions.