Is the upgrade really free?
Yes, it’s free. This is a full version of Windows, not a trial or introductory version. It is available for a limited time: you have one year from the time Windows 10 is available to take advantage of this offer.
How do I get my free upgrade?
You can do one of two things*:
a) Buy a new Windows 8.1 device and upgrade it to Windows 10 for free, or
b) Reserve a free upgrade for your existing Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 PC
Not every device will run every feature of Windows 10. Be sure to check with your manufacturer before purchasing. Additional details on upgrade qualifications are below.
What happens when I reserve?
When you reserve, you can confirm your device is compatible with Windows 10. Between reservation and when your upgrade is ready, the files you need for the upgrade will be downloaded to your PC to make the final installation go more quickly. Then, when your upgrade is ready after July 29, 2015, you get a notification that lets you get started with your upgrade.
Are there any qualification requirements?
The only requirements are that a) your device is compatible, and b) you’re running genuine Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1) or Windows 8.1 (Update).
Windows 10 is designed to run on Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 PCs. That means your device is likely compatible and will run Windows 10.*
See the full specifications here (http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-10-specifications). (* I corrected the link as MS screwed up their html on their site)
Will Windows Media Center be available in Windows 10?
Windows Media Center is not part of Windows 10 and won’t be available after upgrading to Windows 10. If you use Windows Media Center, we will alert you during upgrade that Windows Media Center is not available on Windows 10. We know that some users use Windows Media Center to play DVDs, and we are providing a free DVD playback app in Windows 10 for Windows Media Center users.
Will all my stuff be in the cloud?
Your files are saved on the hard drive of your device by default. Windows 10 includes OneDrive which provides free storage space in the cloud; this is completely optional, but gives you the benefit of being able to access your personal files from anywhere.
Yeah, I saw that too. I was thinking about reserving it but I would like to make sure that everything on my system will run in 10.
Yes, it’s free. This is a full version of Windows, not a trial or introductory version. It is available for a limited time: you have one year from the time Windows 10 is available to take advantage of this offer.
By Ed Bott for The Ed Bott Report | June 5, 2015 -- 16:32 GMT (09:32 PDT) | Topic: Windows 10
Microsoft wants you to have a free Windows 10 upgrade, and they really want you to use Windows Update to get it over the Internet. If you have a PC that qualifies for the upgrade, you should do this if possible. It really is the best, fastest, cleanest option for the vast majority of Windows PCs.
But a lot of my readers want traditional installer files, either on a DVD or in an ISO image file that is the equivalent of a DVD. If you are old school, you want an ISO because installing Windows on bare metal is just what one does, period.
I get that, I really do.
Having that installer image available gives you access to some installation and repair options that you don't have otherwise, such as the option to create bootable media. That's mandatory if you want to set up a dual-boot installation, for example.
For the Insider Preview, Microsoft makes an ISO available for download with every Slow ring release. But Fast ring updates are delivered only via Windows Update, and at this point we don't know whether or how Microsoft will make ISO copies of the final Windows 10 release available for download.
I know long-time Windows users have wake-up-in-a-cold-sweat nightmares about Windows upgrades gone horribly wrong. But those days are long gone. I have done hundreds of clean installs and upgrades, on physical and virtual machines, using the Windows 8.1/10 installer family.
The staged installer used with Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 is as close to failsafe as software gets. If something goes wrong, you can roll back easily. (I've done those rollbacks a lot during this beta.)
After the upgrade is complete, you can create an ISO file from the cached upgrade files.
Or you can start the upgrade, wait until the installer files are fully downloaded, and then cancel. In either case, you'll find the large installer file stashed in a hidden folder called C:\$Windows.~BT, in a subfolder called Sources.
Here's how to find it in File Explorer. (Note that I've enabled the option to view hidden files.)
(http://zdnet4.cbsistatic.com/hub/i/r/2015/06/05/18dbccdd-6873-4344-86e5-4740f5ae1f17/resize/770x578/6fb8b9b7a2d2ae0961bcf1cb1d84c8f2/01-find-install-esd-file.jpg)
This file, Install.esd, is saved using a compressed format introduced with Windows 8.1 and specifically designed for electronic software distribution (thus the .ESD file extension).
If you're an IT pro responsible for deploying Windows in your organization, you can use the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK) to decompress and decrypt that image, turning it into an ISO file using Microsoft-approved tools. A blog post by Microsoft MVP Johan Arwidmark contains detailed instructions on this technique (http://deploymentresearch.com/Research/Post/399/How-to-REALLY-create-a-Windows-10-ISO-no-3rd-party-tools-needed).
If you don't want to install the full deployment toolkit, here's a faster way to build that ISO using the same tools, packaged by community members for this specific purpose.
Step 1: Download the ESD-Decrypter files. There's a download link in this post on the Microsoft Answers forum (http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/insider/forum/insider_wintp-insider_install/instructions-create-a-bootable-iso-file-using-esd/d2768b51-221a-436e-af4e-d3b9118a8864?page=1&tm=1433519642487), although you can also find the files elsewhere. Note that this file is saved in 7z format, so you will need a third-party decompression utility such as 7-Zip (http://www.7-zip.org/) to extract it.
Step 2: Extract the ESD-Decrypter files to their own folder and then copy the Install.esd file to the same folder.
Step 3: Right-click the Decrypt command file and choose Run As Administrator. (It's a batch file, so you can see exactly what it's going to do.)
(http://zdnet4.cbsistatic.com/hub/i/r/2015/06/05/bf061223-87bf-4bae-86bf-04048d2835a4/resize/770x578/ee842193434e8fb141a4052318a3aefe/02-run-esd-decrypter-as-admin.jpg)
Step 4: Choose the first option in this menu and press Enter.
(http://zdnet1.cbsistatic.com/hub/i/r/2015/06/05/a508eff1-9ef6-41ad-af4b-fbafaa50c3d6/resize/770x578/d06d4a9134d6f9eae4ea3fc9796e1dd3/03-esd-decrypter-menu-options.jpg)
The command file displays the status of current operations as it works. After a few minutes (the exact time depends on your hardware), you end with an ISO file in the same folder as the ESD.
(http://zdnet3.cbsistatic.com/hub/i/r/2015/06/05/fb84835b-7f7e-4df1-9c84-2f21fea299f0/resize/770x578/3b93f883d241d8311d13e6452d36feb4/05-successfully-reated-iso-from-esd.jpg)
You can now create bootable media from that ISO file. You can also attach it to a virtual machine to install Windows 10 in a VM. You can double-click to mount it in File Explorer in Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 and run Setup directly from within Windows.
Note that because this is using preview versions, you shouldn't need product keys for installation. That will probably change for the final release, of course.
In the next installment of this series, I will go into more detail about the range of installation options you have, with or without this ISO file.
I wonder if this preview edition will expire in time or possibly put restrictions on it until you purchase a license?
This Windows 10 is just a preview edition?
This Windows 10 is just a preview edition?
It seems to imply it. I don't know for sure though.
Hmm.. never thought of that but ya know .. wouldn't put it past MicroSoft to do something underhanded like that ...
It says on it free full Windows 10 Home non trial. I would screen shot it and post it... but to be honest I have no clue how.
It says on it free full Windows 10 Home non trial. I would screen shot it and post it... but to be honest I have no clue how.
Windows Offer Details
Yes, free! This upgrade offer is for a full version of Windows 10, not a trial. 3GB download required; standard data rates apply. To take advantage of this free offer, you must upgrade to Windows 10 within one year of availability. Once you upgrade, you have Windows 10 for free on that device.
Windows 10 Upgrade Offer is valid for qualified Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 devices, including devices you already own. Some hardware/software requirements apply and feature availability may vary by device and market. The availability of Windows 10 upgrade for Windows Phone 8.1 devices may vary by OEM, mobile operator or carrier. Devices must be connected to the internet and have Windows Update enabled. Windows 7 SP1 and Windows 8.1 Update required. Some editions are excluded: Windows 7 Enterprise, Windows 8/8.1 Enterprise, and Windows RT/RT 8.1. Active Software Assurance customers in volume licensing have the benefit to upgrade to Windows 10 enterprise offerings outside of this offer. To check for compatibility and other important installation information, visit your device manufacturer’s website and the Windows 10 Specifications page. Additional requirements may apply over time for updates. Security and features are kept automatically up-to-date which is always enabled.
*Not available in all markets.
Microsoft respects your privacy. Please read our online Privacy Statement (http://www.microsoft.com/privacystatement/en-us/core/default.aspx).
Microsoft Corporation
One Microsoft Way
Redmond, WA 98052 USA
Microsoft’s solution for those concerned requires users to change the name (a.k.a. “SSID“) of their Wi-Fi network to include the text “_optout” somewhere in the network name (for example, “oldnetworknamehere_optout”).
A Microsoft PR rep has been in touch about the headline, pointing out that when you share access to your network via Wi-Fi Sense, your contacts cannot share that access to other people. We know this.
The headline still stands because: imagine you and I are friends, and you visit my house. I tell you the Wi-Fi password, or you read it off the fridge. You type it into your Windows 10 device, and share access to my network via Wi-Fi Sense with your Windows 10 friends. Your friends now have access to my network, or in other words, my friend's friends now have access to the network.
And that's not good.
Not true. The Windows 10 upgrade will be free, as in beer (http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/31717/what-do-the-phrases-free-speech-vs.-free-beer-really-mean/), for the first year after it's released. And there won't be any surprise fees after that.
The basic licensing model for Windows has not changed with Windows 10. You get a perpetual license, with five years of mainstream support and five additional years of extended support. See "Microsoft commits to 10-year support lifecycle for Windows 10 (http://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-commits-to-10-year-support-lifecycle-for-windows-10/)" for details.
FAQ
All Windows 10 devices will continue to receive updates "for the supported lifetime of the device." What does that mean? At some point in the future, your hardware will no longer meet the specifications for a new release, and that will be the end of the line. But as long as your device can accept updates, it will get them.
Microsoft contributed to the confusion with some clumsy wording, but its intent is clear. The free upgrade offer is designed to get as many current devices as possible to move to a single platform with a single Windows Store. And the one-year deadline is intended to add some urgency to the decision so that Satya Nadella, Terry Myerson, and company meet their self-professed goal of seeing Windows 10 on one billion devices.
When you upgrade over an existing, activated copy of Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, the Setup program checks the current activation status. If it determines the installation is properly activated, it contacts the Microsoft Store and generates a license certificate that is linked to that hardware. (A Microsoft Account is not required for this step.)
This automatic activation process is identical whether you use an ISO file to start the upgrade or do so from the downloaded upgrade files.
After that first activation is complete, you can perform a clean install on that same hardware using an ISO file, which has a product key embedded in it. As long as the hardware matches the previous installation ID, the installation is activated automatically. (Microsoft does not provide details of what goes into the hardware ID, except to confirm that it does not contain any personally identifiable information and is not used for tracking purposes.)
A watermark on the desktop reflects the build number of preview releases. Fully activated, non-Insider installations have no watermark.
The Insider Preview program will continue after the launch of Windows 10 on July 29, 2015.
All preview builds released in 2014 have already expired. Beginning with the January 2015 release, build 9926, the license for the preview edition expires on October 1, 2015, at 4:59 PM. On October 15, 2015, those builds will no longer boot.
The final release removes the expiration date completely. New builds, post-launch, should have an expiration date in early 2016.
Upgrading a PC to Windows 10 creates recovery files that allow you to roll back to your previous operating system.
Is it true that updates are automatically installed?
Yes, with Windows 10 Home there is no way to selectively block updates, although you can schedule when the installation and any accompanying restarts take place, up to six days in the future.
Note that security updates and new features will be included in cumulative updates. In theory, if you restore an old backup you will only need to install the most recent cumulative update to get fully up to date.
Windows 10 Pro allows you to defer upgrades for several months, and Enterprise edition customers with Volume License contracts that include Software Assurance can deploy machines using the Long Term Servicing Branch, which accepts only security updates and no new features.
| Pros | Cons |
| The Start Menu is back and it’s better than ever | Tablet experience still has problems |
| A significant upgrade over Windows 7 and Windows 8 | Regular nagging to use Microsoft account |
| Fixes the broken desktop experience of Windows 8 | Mail and Calendar apps not available without Microsoft account |
| Cortana is powerful and useful | Do you even need Conrtana? |
Well thanks KT. Very informative. But I think that at point in time, I will NOT be upgrading my OS. If or when I decide to upgrade my computer hardware, then I may consider it. But until then, thanks but no thanks.
I have been thinking of giving it try on my craptop. Simply because there is nothing important on it so I don't care what happens on it. I would like to see what all the hype is about though.
You know KT, you could go dual boot by using another HDD and installing it to that one. Huummm. Crazy idea. I wonder if you could make it boot virtual? Like XP does in win7 pro.
Win 10 Security flaws and how to protect yourself
[IA] SqualZell posted Wed (July 29th 2015) at 19:30
In light of the recent launch of Windows 10. Let it be known that Microsoft has added some abilities to the new Operating System that can potentially comprise user security. Whether it be your personal PC or your entire Network that you are connected to. Also listed below are some tips and recommendations when upgrading to 10.
SECURITY:
- Make sure you go to "START > SETTINGS > UPDATE & SECURITY > ADVANCED OPTIONS > CHOOSE HOW UPDATES ARE DELIVERED" and turn off the option under "Updates from more than one place". As by default, Windows 10 has the option "PCs on my local network, and PCs on the internet" checked. Having the Internet option enabled allows users outside your personal network to "Seed" windows updates from your PC. This can be troublesome as it can pose a serious security breach and can also run up your bandwidth cap if you have one. You can also tick the Local option which would make it so that only one PC on your network would have to get the updates and then the rest of your computers on your network would update seed from that single PC. This can be helpful for people with metered connections. (Its a double edge sword folks. Make sure you are using the right side or don't use it at all!)
- I also recommend going into "Start > Settings > Privacy" and looking through all the different categories and turning off apps you do not want to access certain things. IF you have an app called: "App connector" I highly recommend turning this app off in all the sub categories in Privacy. You also want to disable "Let apps use my advertising ID for experience across apps", "Send Microsoft info about how I write to help us improve typing and writing in the future", and "Let websites provide locally relevant content by accessing my language list".
- I highly recommend disabling WiFi Sense. What is it? WiFi sense is WiFi-Sharing via your private WiFi pass phrase, shared to anyone that is a friend on Facebook, Skype, or anyone you added to your address book. This pretty much opens your private WiFi network to outsiders. Your ISP can also see it as a breach of TOS and can cause some un-needed trouble for you. To disable: "Start > Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage WiFi Settings" Once there you pretty much just want to turn off every option you see. (Read them as you turn them off) and you also want to tell Windows 10 to forget any WiFi networks you've signed into in the past, just in case it auto connected you to your evil neighbors public phishing WiFi.
*Note this does not give anyone the password, it just allows them to connect to your WiFi without asking for the password.*
Even though Windows 10 is a really nice Operating System. Microsoft had some dirty options buried within the settings menu. Please do not just jump into the OS without configuring it at all! Take your time and read through the options!
TIPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
POWER USERS: If you would like to block all Ads on your PC, add this information to Windows's Host file: http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.txt
This also works on Mac and Linux!
If you do not want to keep your windows.old folder (folder has the old operating system in it in case you need to revert.) Follow this guide from Laptop Mag: http://blog.laptopmag.com/delete-windows-old-folder - This can free up to 20GBs of space on your C:\ drive
I highly recommend grabbing CCleaner (https://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/download/standard) and using it to uninstall all the bloatware that comes with Windows 10. Also while your using it, have it clean up your start-up programs and registry entries. Though for metro apps you will need to either go into the store to uninstall or find them in the start menu > right click > uninstall.
*NOTE:* BEFORE YOU RUN A REGISTRY CLEAN, PLEASE FOLLOW THE POPUP AND BACKUP THE REGISTRY! SOMETIMES AUTO CLEANERS CAN CAUSE ISSUES WHEN PLAYING WITH THE REGISTRY!
DISABLING AUTOMATIC RESTARTS:
Go into Start > Settings > Updates & Security > Advanced Options and set the option to "Notify to schedule restart"
Update your anti-virus software if it's anything other than Windows Defender or Microsoft Security Essentials. Some AV software require an Engine upgrade in order to work in Windows 10.
Defragment your Hard Disk before upgrading! "My Computer > Right click 'Local Disk "C:\"' > Properties > Tools > Optimize"
*SSD users!* Make sure you run a TRIM (Windows 8+ can auto detect SSDs and run a TRIM instead of Disk Defrag)
After doing the above and upgrading to Windows 10, run Disk Cleanup. Found in the General Menu next to the Capacity pie chart. Allow the utility to scan the system and once complete, click the option to "Clean up System Files" This can free up 20-30+GB of space from the C:\ drive! You may also want to run Disk defrag again later. (SSD users: TRIM)
You may also want to make sure that your motherboard's Bios supports Windows 10. Guides: MaximumPC (http://www.maximumpc.com/windows-10-graphics-cards-and-motherboard-drivers-updating/), PCGamer (http://www.pcgamer.com/get-your-motherboard-ready-for-windows-10/)
If you don't want Windows 10 and want that pesky icon by the clock to go away:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/586460/how-do-i-get-rid-of-the-windows-10-upgrade-icon-in-my-system-tray/
If you don't want Windows 10 and want that pesky icon by the clock to go away:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/586460/how-do-i-get-rid-of-the-windows-10-upgrade-icon-in-my-system-tray/
God bless you KT. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! I do not want that crap on my desktop PC.... EVER!
You know, they discontinue support for ageing software all the time. Win7 and Win8 are no exception. And eventually, even Win10 will become a distant memory as well. Win7 will still be supported for at least another 4 years. And by that time, I'm sure most of us will have upgraded our computers and there should be another rendition of Windows too. Or at the very least, have sorted out the issues with Win10. So don't start worrying about it just yet. You still have time.'
Maybe it's just me but I question MS intentions. Why after all these years with their doing everything in their power to prevent pirating the software, do they suddenly just give the latest and greatest work away for free? I can understand the big deal with win 8.0 to win 8.1. Win 8.0 was a clusterfuck and they tried to fix it.
Questions I think one should ask.
These are the question I ask myself.
1. What will Windows 10 do (http://www.pcworld.com/article/2874400/windows-10-the-10-coolest-features-you-should-check-out-first.html) that Windows 7 won't do?
2. What options does Windows 10 have that Windows 7 doesn't have?
3. Does one want or need those added options?
4. What user control do you lose with Windows 10 (http://www.pcworld.com/article/2947694/windows/heres-what-windows-10-wont-change-window-8s-plans-to-tie-you-to-microsoft-services.html) (such as forced Windows Updates), and are you okay with that?
5. Does one have the reasonable internet that will allow downloading Windows 10.
6. Can one buy Windows 10 DVD from Microsoft through a legal Retailer?
7. Forget that you can download a free upgrade for the next year. Would you buy Windows 10 to upgrade your system?
If you don't want Windows 10 and want that pesky icon by the clock to go away:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/586460/how-do-i-get-rid-of-the-windows-10-upgrade-icon-in-my-system-tray/
If you don't want Windows 10 and want that pesky icon by the clock to go away:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/586460/how-do-i-get-rid-of-the-windows-10-upgrade-icon-in-my-system-tray/
Best post on windows 10 EVER!! Thanks again KT.
Hehe :)
As it is did you know Microsoft has been sneaking in some of the Win 10 tracking updates into Win 7 and 8 and 8.1 without users even aware?
Ya I kinda expected them to have it for free since they want people (the whole world) to use it