It’s almost been a year since we last reviewed Windows 10 and with the “free upgrade” offer officially expiring on 29 July 2016, we thought we would review the situation once more:

What is Windows 10?
Windows 10 is the latest version of Microsoft’s Windows Operating Systems with new and old features from Windows 7 and 8.1.

“Windows 10: It’s familiar, it’s productive, it’s personal, it’s flexible”

Visually it is still more like Windows 8.1 than Windows 7 (i.e. no traditional Start button) but a lot more pleasing with improved start-up times and great performance. We have even come to like “Cortana” (“Your truly personal digital assistant” and Microsoft’s answer to Apple’s Siri).

The Mail App has certainly improved from Windows 8.1 but still feels awkward and unreliable with the new Edge browser literally pushing people over the edge by its determination to take over pdf files and just about anything else.

How to upgrade?
Eligible devices would have had the Windows 10 upgrade prompt for a while now, so one could just upgrade by clicking just that once on the huge Windows pop up prompt or go to the Windows 10 upgrade page.

According to Microsoft, the update should take about an hour, but we found it to vary greatly, so make sure your computer is plugged into the power supply.

What’s the worst thing that could happen?
Well… pretty much anything!

– the computer could not start up into Windows again, requiring a complete re-install of the previous Windows losing all your files, programmes and settings
– internal drivers no longer working affecting your audio, Wifi, Ethernet, Webcam etc.
– peripherals like printers, cameras no longer working
– certain software programmes no longer working (i.e. old versions of Office) or not working reliably
– Antivirus software no longer working and  requiring a reinstall

Of course none of the above should matter if you have done a good image backup beforehand.

Remember to do a full Image Backup after too, in case you are ever required to reinstall it. Windows 10 download media is available online.

Do I have to upgrade?
The simple answer is “NO” – but you might miss the free upgrade offer if you do not upgrade before the 29 July 2016 – and according to Microsoft could be paying $119.99 for the upgrade thereafter. If you are currently running Windows 8, we would certainly recommend the upgrade.

If you decided against the upgrade and don’t want Windows to keep nagging you, follow these “official” instructions to turn the nag off:

1. Right-click (or press and hold) the Taskbar, then selectProperties.
2. On the Taskbar tab, selectCustomise… for the Notification area.
3. In the Notification Area Icons window, for the GWX (GetWindows 10) icon, select Hide icon and notifications.

Uninstalling update KB3035583 (and then hiding it) will also stop the nag temporarily, but Microsoft are now pushing it out with other updates as they REALLY want you to upgrade!

What if don’t like it or upgraded accidentally?
Microsoft has provided a few ways of going back to your previous Windows version:

• within one month of the upgrade, go toSettings > Update & security > Recovery
• restore your device to factory settings or with Windows media – but you are likely to lose all your files and programmes (so backup!)

Still keen? Check if your system is compatible on the Windows 10 Specification page!
Still confused? Check out Windows 10 Installation FAQ!

Or just call us – we are happy to help and answer any questions or do the upgrade for you (and backup your files first!).

Have PC Harmony, so you can get on with the more important things in life!