Should I install the Windows 10 free update?
On the 29th July 2015, Microsoft
announced that current Windows 7 and 8.1 customers would be offered the chance
to download and install Windows 10 as a free upgrade. Windows XP and Vista users have to pay for
the upgrade, so it is not quite such an attractive option for them.
Most Windows users became aware of the
update because of a new icon on their screen and a rather large marketing
campaign on TV and in the press.
Reminders about the upgrade have been popping up even more insistently
on everyone’s computers in the last month or so, because the upgrade is only
free for a year. On 29th July
2016, you will have to pay for it. So
you will have to make up your minds soon.
I am always cautious when it comes to
updates, and never rush into major ones until all the glitches are fixed, so my
advice at first was to wait a while. As
the deadline approaches I have been repeatedly asked what my opinion is on this
matter, hence this article. In fact the
answer is by no means clear-cut.
Some clients have upgraded with no trouble
at all, others have upgraded and then chosen to roll back to Windows 7 and some
have had lots of trouble after the update, with software not working correctly,
and difficulties with their printers.
Quite a few people find it hard to adjust to using the new system and
need a lesson to get used to a new look.
So it’s a real mixed bag.
If you are using an older computer but
you like your operating system, and all is working fine, then it’s perfectly
acceptable to retain what you have. If
you have older software or printers they may not work with Windows 10, so an
upgrade may cause you all kinds of complications and distress.
Some older computers simply don’t meet the
requirements of Windows 10 because they don’t have enough space on their hard
drive, so you won’t have much choice. When you eventually have to retire your
computer and buy a new one, it will come with the latest operating system already
installed, so you will have to get used to Windows 10 at that stage. Don’t be filled with horror, it really isn’t
that bad!
The biggest concern when upgrading to a new
operating system is that it doesn’t go wrong.
The upgrade is a big deal, and if it crashes you could lose data, so you
should back up all your files and also make a system image backup of your
current operating system. So if you want
to take the plunge and decide to go ahead with the upgrade, then please be sure
to do this first. The upgrade takes
quite a while to install, so bear that in mind as well. If the update fails, or you don’t like it,
you will need a back up to restore to.
You can rewind to Windows 7 for 30 days after the upgrade.
If you are running Windows 8 and aren’t
happy with it, you may as well try Windows 10 and see what you think. You will find it is a very solid operating
system, which is fast and secure. It has
a better search function and the ability to use voice control with
Cortana. Updates are automatic and it is
easier to snap several windows together on your screen.
Common misconceptions are that Microsoft
will start charging a fee to subscribe to updates (untrue) and that they are
spying on their customers with Windows 10.
Data is collected to see how customers use their product and to make
improvements and if you don’t want to share this information, you can opt out.
Hope this helps you to come to a decision
that is right for you and your computer.
