Have you noticed a “Get Windows 10” message popping up on your PC lately? It’s probably because you are running an old copy of Windows 7/8, and because you have managed to avoid doing Microsoft’s recommended upgrade to Windows 10 thus far.
Windows 10 Upgrade FAQ
Should you do the free upgrade? The answer to that depends largely on the age of your PC and your current version of Windows.
Either way, you should make a choice about the free upgrade before the July 29, 2016 deadline passes by.
In this article, we’ll go over some common usage scenarios to help you make an informed decision about getting Windows 10.
(Mac users, don’t despair. You can read all about Apple’s new macOS Sierra here instead!)
My PC runs Windows 8/8.1
If your PC currently runs Windows 8/8.1, then it’s probably only 2-4 years old and likely has a few years left.
Because your hardware is relatively new, taking advantage of the free upgrade to Windows 10 is a smart choice. The new operating system should function really well on your not-yet-obsolete computer, and your risk of running into issues some users are reporting (many of whom tried the Windows 10 upgrade on a 5+ year old machine) is low.
If you have Windows 8/8.1 now, you are probably safe to just go ahead and do the free upgrade (be sure to do a full backup of your computer first!)
My PC runs Windows 7
If your PC is still running Windows 7, then it’s very likely at least 5 years old and nearing the end of it’s life cycle. You should seriously consider replacing it with a new PC that has Windows 10 pre-installed.
Seeing how quickly computers advance in only a few short years, chances are your old Windows 7 PC is lacking in the latest hardware features like fast USB 3.0 ports and ultra-fast internal SSD storage, and is slowing you down.
Buying a new PC will get you Windows 10 AND solve your problem of slow hardware in one swoop. You can even re-purpose your old Windows 7 PC, taking advantage of your free upgrade license to do a “clean install” of Windows 10 and donating the old like-new PC to a friend or relative.
Which Windows operating system am I running?
Find out by following the official Microsoft guide: Which Windows operating system am I running?
The deadline
The upgrade deadline is July 29, 2016, when Microsoft will begin charging $119 for Windows 10. Before this deadline, anybody with an installed and a licensed copy of Windows 7/8/8.1 on their PC is eligible for the free upgrade to Windows 10. After this deadline you’ll have to pay for Windows 10, either by purchasing a standalone license, or by purchasing a new PC.
Should I upgrade to Windows 10?
It doesn’t matter if you invest in a new PC or upgrade an old PC: getting Windows 10 installed is a big step towards ensuring that your computer continues to run the latest, most secure, and most reliable OS supported by Microsoft for the foreseeable future.
What you shouldn’t do is run old software. Make sure that your apps and OS are updated to their latest versions – this includes your phone’s software, too!
Upgrading and updating the software on ALL of your devices is extremely important if you want to stay protected from security threats and remain free of software bugs.
By keeping your software (such as Windows) current, you’ll keep your devices operating quickly and reliably over a longer lifespan.
Need help upgrading? Please contact us for a free consultation.
(Image credit: Microsoft)