Tech Made Simple

Hot Topics: How to Fix Bluetooth Pairing Problems | Complete Guide to Facebook Privacy | How to Block Spam Calls | Snapchat Symbol Meaning

author photo

What You Need to Know About Upgrading to Windows 10

by on July 28, 2015
in Windows 10, News, Computers and Software, Software & Games, Operating Systems, Blog :: 13 comments

Techlicious editors independently review products. To help support our mission, we may earn affiliate commissions from links contained on this page.

Windows 10 Laptop and Windows PhoneIt was a long wait, but the launch of Microsoft Windows 10 is finally here. The operating system has already generated a lot of buzz. It features a new, lightweight Internet browser called Microsoft Edge, Cortana integration, continuous free updates, new security features, virtual reality support, and for Lenovo owners, voice search across all devices.

If you’re interested in upgrading your computer to Windows 10, there are a few things you should learn. Naturally, there are system requirements. But you should also know about potential delays in installation and – more importantly – how to actually get your free copy.

It’s free.

You may have heard a lot about Windows 10 being a free upgrade, and it’s true – for Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 computer owners. Older versions of Windows (such as Vista and XP) do not qualify for a free upgrade. You need to complete your upgrade process by July 29, 2016 for it to be free, so don’t delay.

If you’re planning on building your own Windows 10 PC, expect to pay $119 for Windows 10 Home or $199 for Windows 10 Pro. Windows 10 Home users can upgrade to Windows 10 Pro via the Pro Pack for a $99 fee.

System requirements are modest.

Cortana in Windows 10You’ll need to be running the latest version of Windows possible for your current license before you can upgrade, so make sure your computer is running Windows 7 SP1 or Windows 8.1 Update. Hardware wise, your computer needs a 1 GHz or faster processor, at least 1 GB of RAM (2 GB for 64-bit) and 16 GB of hard drive space (20 GB for 64-bit). Most computers manufactured this decade should be able to handle Windows 10 without problems.

Note that certain factors could complicate your install, such as a lack of app or driver support. If an issue does come up, Windows will notify you during the install process and provide you with contact information for the manufacturer or developer so you can learn more. In most cases, you can continue to upgrade to Windows 10 and find a workaround for the problem in the Windows Store.

How to get Windows 10

You can reserve your copy of Windows 10 through the Get Windows 10 app on your PC. To launch the Get Windows 10 app, look for the small Windows icon on the right side of your taskbar. The icon is circled in red in the image above. Click “Reserve your free upgrade” in the app window, and provide your email address – that’s all there is to it.

You might not be able to install it on launch day.

Windows 10 Upgrade AvailableWhile July 29, 2015 is the official release for Windows 10, you might not be able to install it on your computer right away. That’s because Microsoft is planning a slow, managed rollout of the operating system, starting with the Windows Insiders who have been beta testing Windows 10 for some time now. Some Windows PC owners won’t get an upgrade notification for weeks or possibly even months. (I know Windows 8 stinks, but try to be patient!)

From there, Microsoft will begin sending upgrade notifications in waves to those who have reserved their copy of Windows 10 on the company’s website. Or, you can click on the Get Windows 10 app icon. If your copy is ready, the app will tell you.

Want to learn more about Windows 10?

Check out our Windows 10 overview, complete with brief videos of some of the operating system’s most important new features. You can also check out the Windows 10 FAQ at the Microsoft website.

[Image credit: Microsoft]


Discussion loading

Windows 10

From Paula McGivern Person on July 29, 2015 :: 5:09 pm

Today, July 30, you told us about how to get a free upgrade but we had to do it by July 29. I’m quite sure how to do that - can you help!

Reply

July 29

From Old_Crow on July 29, 2015 :: 7:54 pm

Paula that’s July 29 2016.  That’s nest year.

Reply

Only one free upgrade

From James on July 29, 2015 :: 11:43 pm

I have a desk top win 8.1, a tablet-notebook win 8.1, and a tablet visa. I was allowed one device upgrade only.

Reply

What is the message that

From Suzanne Kantra on July 31, 2015 :: 8:08 am

What is the message that you’re getting when you try to upgrade the second win 8 device? I can pursue the question with Microsoft.

That third device is a Vista tablet? If so, that’s not upgradable for free.

Reply

Windows Icon

From Catherine on July 30, 2015 :: 7:27 pm

Do not have the Windows Icon circled in Red on the right hand side of my desktop. I have Windows 8.1. What can I do to reserve a copy of Windows 10.

Sincerely,
Catherine

Reply

Hi Catherine. Try running Windows

From Suzanne Kantra on July 31, 2015 :: 8:05 am

Hi Catherine. Try running Windows Update. The app appears only after you’ve updated to the latest version of Windows 7 or Windows 8. Otherwise, Microsoft has a troubleshooting guide: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3081048

Let me know if this works.

Reply

I already have Windows 8.1.

From Catherine on August 02, 2015 :: 6:21 pm

I already have Windows 8.1. Computer came with Windows 8.

Reply

Too many programs that may not work for me to upgrade

From Jenny M. on August 03, 2015 :: 3:03 pm

If I started upgrading and saw problems with older programs being compatible, could I stop and revert to Win7? I’m probably sticking with Windows 7 because of all the programs I have (like Photoshop CS) that may not work with Win10, and I sure can’t afford to buy upgraded programs.

Reply

Roll Back

From Old_Crow on August 07, 2015 :: 7:25 pm

Hi Jenny M.  You should be able to roll back for 1 month after you upgrade.  Anyway, to roll back you open the Start menu, open “settings” then click on “Update and security” then click on “recovery” there is supposed to be an item that says “Go back to Windows 7”  I can’t verify this because mine says “Go back to Windows 8”. 

Hope this answers your question.

Reply

I have the KB 2919355 but still no window icon

From GayLynn R. on August 13, 2015 :: 1:47 am

I tried going to the windows support forums but I was warned that the certificate was invalid and the connection wasn’t secure.  Should I just wait until they get the bugs out or is there something else I can try?

Reply

Should be okay

From Josh Kirschner on August 13, 2015 :: 9:06 am

I’m not seeing a certificate error when I go to the support forum. As long as you are going to the official Microsoft forum (and not something else that looks like an official forum), I wouldn’t worry about a certificate error; it won’t matter for just browsing the site for info.

In any case, if you are not seeing the Windows icon, try these steps recommended by Microsoft: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3081048

Reply

Easy Transfer is gone in Windows 10

From Amanda Rusk on August 14, 2015 :: 4:27 pm

Windows 10 does not have the Easy Transfer program anymore. You will need to use a tool like PCmover from Laplink to get your apps, data and setting from your old PC to your new Windows 10 computer.

Reply

Be careful with security

From tf76 on September 27, 2015 :: 10:13 pm

I am very concerned about security for this operating system. A lot of information from your system is shared through various servers.

Reply

Love getting helpful tech tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter!

Home | About | Meet the Team | Contact Us
Media Kit | Newsletter Sponsorships
Accessibility Statement
Terms of Use | Privacy & Cookie Policy

Techlicious participates in affiliate programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which provide a small commission from some, but not all, of the "click-thru to buy" links contained in our articles. These click-thru links are determined after the article has been written, based on price and product availability — the commissions do not impact our choice of recommended product, nor the price you pay. When you use these links, you help support our ongoing editorial mission to provide you with the best product recommendations.

© Techlicious LLC.