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Video Notes
It’s been a busy week for Windows 10 news.
And naturally, I’ve been getting questions about Windows 10 for some time…
This week, Microsoft announced that Windows 10 will be released on July 29th. EXACTLY what that means, and exactly what will happen on that day isn’t clear, but that’ll get clearer as we get closer.
At the same time, Windows Update installed a little icon and app on many Windows 7 and 8 machines that offered to “Get Windows 10”. It scared a few people, since it kinda behaved like malware, appearing without notice or request.
It’s legit. A little annoying, perhaps, since it’s really only marketing, and unfortunately not good marketing at that, but it’s safe. I wrote up more on that in this article earlier this week.
I’ve played with the Windows 10 preview a little and wanted to share some of my initial impressions.
To begin with, and as I mentioned in an earlier article on Ask Leo!, don’t let your experience with Windows 8 color your expectations for 10.
Windows 8 was more of a political and PR mistake than a technical one – it’s a fine OS in my opinion – but too many things were just handled poorly and weren’t completely thought out.
Windows 10 addresses a lot of concerns, and I’m pretty hopeful it’ll succeed in ways that 8 didn’t.
If you follow the “every other operating system from Microsoft succeeds” way of thinking – Win 98, good, Win ME bad, Win XP very good, Vista not so much, Win 7 good, Windows 8, a PR nightmare – Windows 10 stands a chance.
I will say this: the encouragement to sign in to your machine using a Microsoft account like your Hotmail or Outlook.com account is still there, pretty much like Windows 8.1.
I went all in in my tests and set up my Windows 10 machine with a Microsoft account. It’s really not that horrible, and some features definitely worked more cleanly when you’re set up that way.
Naturally, I strongly recommend you take all steps to protect your Microsoft account – including setting up a recovery code, and possibly enabling two-factor authentication – whether or not you use it for machine login.
The account’s just too important, and I see too many people locked out on a daily basis because they didn’t prepare.
And, no, if you enable two factor authentication, you won’t need two factor to login to your machine every time.
In terms of new features, well,
You already know the Start menu is back. It’s somewhat different than the Windows 7 start menu, but in the long run, more flexible and customizable. (And I expect Classic Shell to work on 10 as well if you want your Windows 7, XP or even Windows NT style start menu).
OneDrive appears to be back, and working the way we expect, as opposed to whatever it was they did to it in Windows 8.1.
The Spartan Browser? Meh. To be honest, I’m happy with Chrome, so I’m not really sure yet WHY I need Spartan, but I’ll give it a chance.
As a web developer, it’s one more browser I need to test against, and yes, Ask Leo! seems to come up on it OK.
I wasn’t able to test Cortana, because I couldn’t get the microphone to work in my virtual machine. Typed search seemed to work as expected – as good as Windows 8.
Yes, there are … issues. Decisions, really.
For example, no more media center. Microsoft has simply canceled that project.
Also, those who have Home edition of Windows 10 will not be able to defer updates … updates will be installed when they’re made available. Pro and better users will be able to defer updates as before. Yet another reason I always recommend Pro or better when choosing a Windows edition.
So overall to me, it looks very promising, and a solid platform for the future. I am looking forward to it.
So the big question: SHOULD YOU UPDATE?
Today, absolutely not. It’s not done. It’s not released, it’s not supported. Unless you’re a geek who knows how to evaluate it safely – such as in a virtual machine, as I’ve done – then you should simply wait.
There’s no compelling reason to update right now, and every reason for the average consumer not to.
So, what about July 29th?
I’ll throw out a qualified “maybe”.
First: if you’re getting a new machine and it comes with Windows 10 – go for it. I see no reason not to let Windows 10 be there.
I wouldn’t necessarily delay getting a machine specifically to get Windows 10. Yes, the upgrade will take a little work when the time comes, but it’ll be free if you do it within a year, so … you have a year.
For existing machines, I’d actually have most folks wait a month or two as a kind of cautious “let’s see how it goes” when it’s really released.
Complex software like this is bound to still have issues that won’t become apparent until it hits the street.
Assuming it’s relatively solid, then after a couple of months – say September or October if the schedule holds – I’d divide the world into three buckets:
- XP and Vista users: if your machine supports it; if the software you need to run runs on Windows 10, then I’d upgrade. Get current & more importantly get supported.
- Windows 7 and Windows 8 users that are content: I’d take my time. Sort of an “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” kind of deal. Yes, I’d probably have you upgrade eventually, but that’s as much to take advantage of the free upgrade than anything else.
- Unhappy Windows 8 users: upgrade. Just do it. I’m sure there will be things about 10 that still irritate you, but my sense is that there will be far fewer of them.
And in ALL cases: when you upgrade, BACK UP FIRST. Image backup – the entire machine.
Operating systems are incredibly complex – simply because there are hundreds of thousands – maybe millions – of possible combinations of hardware and configurations.
Somewhere, something will go wrong for someone,
If that someone is you, you’ll be glad you have a backup you can restore to.
If I make an image of Win7 then upgrade and it doesn’t work for me, can I restore Win7 and keep using it? In other words will the license for Win7 be converted to Win10 and no longer valid for Win7?
It should be fine. That’s exactly what I recommend.
Thanks. Knowing that will make it easier for me to get it on release…or a week after anyway.
I know Win 7 can be its own upgrade when installed 2 x with no install code the first time.
Personally, I would save a current image of Win 7 and attempt to use Win 10 as the upgrade OS like I did with 7. That way your Win 7 will stay separate from Win 10.
That way there may be a possible bootable DVD I can use if I need to reinstall. If not, no Win 10 for me for now.
Thanks so much for the explanation and video. I know little or nothing about my pc except that it does what I need it to do because I follow as many of your suggestions as I can. I did feel like I should wait and not be the “first on the block” to get Windows 10 to see if there are any kinks they need to iron out. If I don’t click the icon to reserve Win10, will I still be able to get it in September or October to download it, as you suggest?
You are the best and I would be lost without your Newsletters and advice.
Thanks much!
As I understand it the little icon is completely unnecessary. You’ll be able to get it later.
Leo, thanks for the information, it is very timely. My wife’s PC has Windows 7 and already has the Icon on the bottom. She’s not interested in changing to 10 when released, so I will wait for her a couple of months.
Me, however on my Windows 8 to 8.1 will want to go to 10 in a month or so after release because I have grown to accept Windows 8.1 with it’s issues and look forward to a positive change. If it turns out that way. You opened my eyes to the possibility it could flop (not likely). I have found in the past Windows releases it’s software and redevelops software as bugs arise, so I will wait as you said, you have been right most of the time in our discussions, good luck. and keep us informed.
Hi Leo one of my machine has vista business on it which is still support should i take it and upgrade it or leave it as is? It still; works a ok and has no issues my thinking always has been if it isn’t broken don’t fix but is this one those times i should update it?
I addressed this in the video. I think XP and Vista users should consider the upgrade if their machines support it.
Good overview on updating to Windows 10, but I am curious about a couple of details. I have been running Windows 10 in a virtual machine for several months, but I have seen nothing on whether there will be Pro and Basic versions, i.e. if I have two Windows 8.1 machines, one with Basic and one with Pro, what will I have after upgrading? Two machines with a common Windows 10 or one with Windows 10 Pro and one with Windows 10 Basic?
Also, any idea on how licence keys will be handled and how you would be able to obtain the new key before or after upgrading? I am guessing I will new to use a third party tool to extract the licence key post upgrade. I often wipe a machine and rebuild from scratch (especially prior to a major change like moving to Windows 10), so I always like to have licence keys listed in a secure location.
No idea on the license keys yet, but I read you’ll be upgraded to an “equivalent” version of 10. Home to Home, Pro to Pro, that kind of thing.
G’day Leo,
I’m one of the few people who actually like (and apparently understands) Windows 8. It’s a solid environment, with a fully customisable Start Button, and excellent search capabilities. That said, I’ve signed up for the Windows 10 download. I’ll have to upgrade my TV card as a result. I currently use Windows Media Player as my primary method of watching TV and movies (both on the hard drive and on DVD). I could revert to the native software for my TV card (it’s a Winfast card), but I’ve always found that to be rather limiting. If that’s the only problem I experience with Windows 10, then I suppose, life isn’t all that bad for me after all. Yes, I will most certainly be making a Macrium Reflect image of my machine before I install the upgrade. Thanks for your video, and for allowing me to post my thoughts on the subject.
Many people (including me) use VLC instead of the Media Player. It is free and frequently updated. It can be gotten at:
http://www.videolan.org/vlc
It is also available at: {c|net link removed}. But as Leo has said, it is best to get it directly from the producer if possible (no PUPs or ADWARE).
Like you, I really enjoy Win 8.x – even the Start Page, which is easy to modify to the user’s preferences than the Win 7 Start Button. That is one feature I am somewhat concerned about. Two sources (including Leo) say it’s gone. One other post says it’s still available using the Windows key. Since I’m not into Beta testing, I don’t know which is correct. I do hope I can still access it using the Windows key. I don’t really want to go back to clicking “Start” and having to hunt, or scroll through the tiles, to find what I use most. I like being able to press one key and have about 40 programs I use almost daily displayed all at once.
I used to read posts on Win 8. From those, about half of them complained about the Start Page, and half praised it. Complaints from those who didn’t like change and refused to have anything to do with the Start Page. Praise from those who spent a few minutes to set it up the way they wanted it. So, don’t think you are only one of a few. There are a lot of us – we’re just not as vocal about it as those who didn’t want to change.
[My ’47 Mercury had a Start button, but all it did was start the motor. I didn’t have to press Start to turn on the lights, radio, windshield wipers, et al. Nor did I have to push Start to shut off the motor. Everything was laid out in an easy-to-find order – like Win 8’s Start Page.]
The start menu has been redesigned to a degree so that it can act as a traditional start menu, but I believe you can also configure it to act more along the lines of these start tiled screen that you become familiar with Windows 8.
Thank you.
Before the 10130 build, the Start Menu could toggle between traditional (pre-Win8) and Start (full) Screen. The toggle was on the menu.
Now, it looks like the option of the Start Screen might only show up if Windows senses a tablet.
I liked the option to go full screen on the desktop, too… if I have a touchscreen!
I just found this page on MS:
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/insider/wiki/insider_wintp-insider_desktop/how-to-enable-the-start-screen-in-windows-10/903cc78c-88b9-4161-9edc-00d5ad9561c6
I says there will be a button/tab thingy labeled for tablets. That gives those of us who like the not-metro interface the option to use it. It will be a bit different, though.
I am looking forward to windows 10, but will wait the few months you have suggested. I am happy with windows 7 so I am in no hurry. Thank you for all your great advice.
I think it was pretty sneaky the way they got you sign up for a the free program. So far I can’t find a way to cancel since the page is blank. I do not want to upgrade…I have tried to set my updates to where I choose what to install. I hope that keeps it from automatically downloading. Or am I all wrong?
So windows 10 is theast version of windows ever? I heard windows 10 is going to be with does 10 forever, no more major updates, does that mean that windows 10 doesn’t have a 5 year life cycle like all the other windows OS’s?
To the best of my knowledge, they haven’t addressed the lifecycle issue. My guess would be able simply continue to take updates into a much longer future. But that’s pure speculation, it’s simply too soon to tell.
I love the way you explain things. Not that I 100% understand everything, but you do make it easier. Thank you always.
Hi, great video. I will probably wait until the end of the free period before upgrading. I am currently using Win7 Pro, and also Office 2002 (XP) SP3. I have no need to upgrade to new Office, as I am retired. Any idea if Office 2002 will function under Win10? I found a workaround for Outlook 2002 on Win7 (the password dropping issue).
Also, can you download win10 but not install it?
I don’t know if Office 2002 will run on Win 10, but as it is unsupported, it might be a security risk. Open or Libre Office together with Thunderbird makes a great Office alternative for the average user, especially if you are running an older version of Office.
https://askleo.com/is-openoffice-a-viable-alternative-to-microsoft-office-applications/
https://askleo.com/is-excel-2003-a-security-threat/
Don’t forget to point out that Media Center is GONE in Windows 10, so if you use Media Center, DO NOT UPGRADE!!!
On different computers I have XP, 7, 8.1, and 10 TP. The one I use the most is windows 10, and I like it. I dual boot 7 and 10, XP and 7, I will not hesitate to upgrade the other computers when they offer for free.
But to wait two months is in my opinion fruitless. Get in and get your feet wet.
For someone who will need to buy Win 10 at your local supplier, you can wait two months and still get the old version the dealer has in stock.
Hi Leo
As always ….a great “primer ” that will help answer a lot of users queries …….. I joined the Microsoft “Insider ” program and downloaded the various Tech Preview builds and really enjoyed seeing the various builds taking “tentative steps ” toward a sleeker and smoother system performance that is now present in the latest current release !
The Windows 10 diamond isn’t finally polished yet ……. but having said that , I’m happy with the way things are progressing …. I was never unhappy with Windows 8.1 ……. and in my opinion ..it didn’t deserve the “negativity ” that firmly latched onto a basically well engineered OS ….. a PR retro step …yes …but a very decent OS in my way of thinking !
Looking forward to the ” release to marketing ” and am hoping that all the global feedback from “Tech Preview ” testers will go a long way toward minimizing the need for major “tweaks ” after launch day ….. here’s hoping that Windows 10 will be all we want it to be !
I agree with you on jhust about everything. I will wait to get Windows 10 till it has been out for a while. I hope to wait about 6 to 9 months but don’t think that would be wise. thanks for the info, especially since it is so like my own that it makes me feel better about waiting.
As I understand it, those who chose to invoke the Icon and register will eventually receive a downloaded copy of Windows 10. However, it will be up to you and me as to when we install it.
One thing you glossed over in your vid, as if it is of little import, is that 10 still requires you to sign in to a Microsoft account at startup. That was one of the many things that caused me, when I got a new Dell a couple of years ago, to trash 8 and revert to 7 — and I should mention that I am in my late 60s and never owned a smart phone (… tiles? what are tiles?). I detested MS requiring me to “show my papers” before I could enter the land of 8. So now … 10 for “free”? Are you joking? If there is one entity in the universe for whom “free” is an unknown concept, it is MS. Rest assured “my pretty”, they will somehow manage to take that “free” to the bank. I will run my 7 (mimicking XP with Classic Shell) until 2020 — and then probably beyond. The massive attacks predicted for unsupported XP systems have never come to pass, and I suspect the same will be true for 7.
To be clear, you are not required to using Microsoft account to log into your Windows 8 or your windows 10 machine. You can still use local machine accounts. There is functionality that works better if you use a Microsoft account, but that is the extent of the requirement.
I’ve not used windows Media center for a long time. The free VLC program is the best program media around, and has been for years. Seems to me that everyone should use it, and not bother with Windows Media Center, nor even miss it in Windows 10.
It will be sometime prior to my demise probably before I can even come up with a computer that meets the hardware requirements for security features of 8-up. Fortunately for me, my stereo equipment and the bicycles I use for transportation don’t need that, and I just got on 7 less than two years ago.
It’s a matter or Bologna vs. BIOS too. Bologna wins.
Windows 7 and 8.1 OS (we have both in our computer club).
What happens to Office 2010 and Office 2013 when I upgrade to Windows 10?
They should keep working.
Thanks again Leo, you answered my question, and I guess what a lot of people wanted to know too.
I have 8.1 preloaded on a HP computer I bought from the Home Shopping Network. I have a recovery partition on my hard drive that has 8.1. What happens to my recovery partition of 8.1 if I upgrade to Windows 10 if I have to do a clean install. Will it install Windows 10 or will it install Window 8.1? What happens if something happens after the 1 year installation period and I do a clean installation does it mean I lose Windows 10 and would have to buy a new Windows 10 operating system?
I don’t think we have answers to these questions yet. This is one of the reasons that it’s a good idea to wait for a while after release to see exactly how this kind of thing shakes out.
My worry about the upgrade to win 10 would be many or most of my programs not running on 10. That would not be good.
I believe the vast majority which can run on 7 & 8 should run on 10.
It depends on your programs of course, but if they’re run in windows 8 I would assume that they will run in Windows 10.
Liked your comments regarding windows 10. Yes, I am one of those that will download it as soon as available. I would like to see you make a video explanning
in video form how to use the many things we will be able to do using win10 . I learn more from video than from reading just words and trying to figure so aspects of the windows operating system.
Thanks,
Norb
Thanks for the update on Windows 10.
I currently have windows 7 installed and am quite content. My current plan is to wait 6 to 8 months after Windows 10 availability and install it to take advantage of the free upgrade.
Hi Leo,
I use an iMac, with OS X 10.10.3 and incorporate VM Ware Fusion with a Windows 7 virtual installation. If I upgrade the virtual installation to Windows 10 am I likely to experience any conflict with OS X 10.10.3 ? I can ask Apple re the OS X operation but would appreciate your thoughts regarding the Windows operation.
Thank you.
Roger.
I do not understand this business about accounts. In Win7, I log in with my password. I have no intentions of logging into MSN to use my internet. I had Win10 for a few months, but decided that I would rather use Win7. Also, I am using Suse and the Mint twins with which I am very happy with. I understand that Win10 will not allow a dual or multi boot with other Operating Systems. If that is the case, I will use Win7 as long as it is supported — then scrapped it for a Linux distro.
Leo mentioned that he’s doing his testing of Win 10 in a virtual machine on a Mac, so I imagine if there were any conflict, he would have mentioned that. If you’re not sure, you can try running Win 10 in a different virtual machine before upgrading from Win 7.
I don’t know. I can tell you that I’ve been running Windows 10 in a virtualbox VM without issue on my Mac running Yosemite.
Thanks for all your work! I really enjoy all you give!
Does the Windows 10 upgrade install the OS immediately, or is it only a download that can be installed later?
It’s a download that would be installed later
Now I can agree with you, Leo, about the advice to “take your time” if the user is content with Windows 7. In fact I would go further to say that Windows 10 is not a necessary upgrade for Windows 7 users and I would suggest Windows 7 users to stay put even after July 29.
In particular if you are a Windows 7 Home (Basic or Premium) user, by taking up the upgrade offer you will be upgraded to Windows 10 Home, which will automatically download and install all Windows updates as soon as they are available, with no option to stop, delay, hide or even to uninstall them once they are installed. This can cause serious problems (like KB3004394 last December). Therefore if you are using a Home version of Windows 7, I would urge you to think twice before taking up the upgrade offer.
I have no idea if the free Pro version of Windows 10 will be like this. If I am wrong about any of this please correct me.
build 10074 Window 10 tech preview
The web is unclear as to if I have to do a clean install or just upgrade. A clean install will take me over 3 hours, a guess. Or will it just update my tech preview. When will my Windows expire? Sorry, I installed it on my primary machine AKA I did not listen to you. I thought it would update, just like I did with the tech preview. To be honest, with classic shell, it is about the same as Windows 8.1, for what I use this thing for. I use VLC player for my DVD;s
I’m pretty sure you can just upgrade. I don’t recall when the tech preview expires, but I believe it’ll be in a few months after release. Naturally I recommend a clean install for any major windows version update like Windows 10 final release. Unfortunately it sounds like that’s not an option in your case.
“If you follow the “every other operating system from Microsoft succeeds” way of thinking – Win 98, good, Win ME bad, Win XP very good, Vista not so much, Win 7 good, Windows 8, a PR nightmare – Windows 10 stands a chance.”
According to my fan theory, Windows 10 not only stands a chance but will be a smashing success. . Most of the innovative changes come with the unpopular versions of Windows (eg VIsta, 8), when Microsoft realizes they improved the system but pissed off most of their customers, they fix the user interface and everybody praises the new OS which is in 10’s case essentially a user friendly Windows 8.
Windows 8 is the Microsoft Edsel. (For those too young to understand the reference http://lmgtfy.com/?q=edsel)
I have a Gateway computer with Windows 7 that I bought from Gateway. I have downloaded the windows update KB3035583 and KB2952664 and installed both. However, I do not have the Windows 10 invite on my task bar. Is there something else I need to do?
There’s no real reason to reserve it. When it’s made available, you’ll still be able to download, install and activate it.
Thanks Leo for the informative Win 10 upgrade discourse. enlightening as always. Now from the Microsoft site
Upgrade editions. We’ll keep you on like-to-like editions of Windows. For instance, if you are using Windows 7 Home Premium, you’ll upgrade to Windows 10 Home.
You Leo, mentioned Win 10 Pro edition will have superior/extra features, and is to be preferred?.
So if one has ‘ Windows 7 Home Premium ‘, how does one get ‘ Windows 10 Pro ‘, please see below from MS site
Windows 7* From http://www.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/windows-10-specifications
From Edition To Edition
Windows 7 Starter Windows 10 Home
Windows 7 Home Basic Windows 10 Home
Windows 7 Home Premium Windows 10 Home
Windows 7 Professional Windows 10 Pro
Windows 7 Ultimate Windows 10 Pro
Initially years ago. I went to upgrade Win 7 Premium, on line, to Win 7 Pro, using the “Windows Update” on the ‘System Page’
Here in Australia they wanted A$200 for Pro, when only charging ~ US$80 for Pro in the USA !!! Not happy with these extra charges when it is just an internet download, not shipping disks etc overseas. (A pet beef of mine, did not take it up, lost revenue to MS.)
Thanks Leo, enjoy the weekend. Cheers, David S
I don’t think the upgrade path from anything below a pro edition to a pro edition has been clarified. If it’s like previous releases it will probably require that you purchase the pro edition rather than getting a free upgrade.
I’ve been a power computer user since 1971. Learned to use over 2 dozen WP packages and a dozen spreadsheet programs before acquiring my own, licensed copy of Office 97. Although I’ve used 2003 and 2007 at work, I use my own copy of 97 for personal and even business heavy lifting because it is functional and familiar.
Many years ago, relatives tried to interest me in Apple or Linux systems. While I have added an Ipad and smart phone, I have kept MS, now W7, as my primary COMPUTER, because it runs the software I own and I can still operate and navigate it because the OS still has a lot in common with earlier versions when I was more interested in figuring how to work the damn thing. The Ipad and Iphone are still alien devices. When W8 was introduced, there was no longer a reason to stay with MS; it is also alien technology, but at least I could stay with W7.
Now we’re hearing a lot of hype about W10, and it centers on cloud software and storage, which will require starting the same learning curve as switching to an Apple or Linux or other system. What I’m not hearing is ANY information about benefits of staying with MS, since they only seem to be interested in being almost as good as an Apple.
Will we be able to do a clean install of Windows 10?
I would assume so, one way or another.
Excellent video Leo! A good friend of mine has a Windows 8 OS installed. I am a network tech and people I know
often ask for help with their computers. When my good friend has issues with her Windows 8, I try
to help her. However I sometimes become very annoyed, not with her, with how how this OS was setup.
Should she uprade after July 29? Thank you Leo. Your information has helped me for a long time.
When the users at work see this upgrade notification, the tickets will be flying. B-)
Thanks for the warning not to upgrade to Windows 10 in my Yahoo mail ( Ask Leo ) ; plus I never backed up as I have Windows 8.1 and will look into the back-up system you mentioned and change my reserve for Windows 10 till you give the OK to upgrade : )
My main concern with Windows 10 is the ability to run older software. Windows 7 can’t run Office 97 without its problems, but I was able to get Office 365 as a student, so I don’t have to worry about that one for four years. I bought games through GameHouse, and I may lose a few of them when upgrading, because I won’t be able to download them again. Is there some kind of emulation to run older software? Windows 7 Ultimate has an XP emulator. I use iTunes, but I doubt there will be any major problems with it running in 10. I can’t really think of more specific older software that may not work with Windows 10. Older DOS games has its own emulator through a third party.
Does anyone know if I can run both 7 and 10 through a dual boot? I’m concerned the upgrade will somehow void my 7 license.
I am willing to try W10 just for the new browser, in the naive hope there are improved methods to control those highly annoying auto run ad videos.
That seems unlikely.
Will it be necessary or better to have a touch screen for the Windows 10 or will it be just as easy to use a non touch screen? Seems I read a lot about Windows 8 being easier to operate with a touch screen.
Windows 8 is designed to work great with a touch screen, it also works great with a mouse. A touch screen is not required.
Leo, thanks for the overview of Win 10…I’m really glad you’re out there helping us folks.
I was really upset about Win 8 and now 8.1, but after I deleted all those apps or programs that I didn’t want or need and got into the Classic Shell layout
for WinXP, I am happy as a pig in slop….I still prefer a lot of what XP allowed us to do with the visual of files and folders, selections, etc. and don’t like having
to verbalize the file/program names when I open a folder in 8.1 but that’s a downer for me. Me thinks I’ll wait as you suggested until a lot of the bugs, etc.
have been worked out in the early stages and maybe even wait til next year to get Win 10. My wife has Win 7 on her desktop and still has problems about even
using a computer and I know she’d be way out in left field if she get win 10, but because of the cost of upgrading after a year, she’ll get 10 and start the learning
process all over again. Thanks again
Will Windows 10 allow me to set up Win XP as a Virtual Machine as I have done with Win 7? As an income tax preparer, I must maintain access to past years tax returns that were prepared on an XP machine with XP compatible software. I also have a scanner that will run on Win 7, but not Win 8. I suspect that it will not run on Win 10 or will Win 10 have back-compatibly to XP software and accessories? Thanks very much for your great guidance.
You should be able to run XP in a virtual machine under Windows 10. In most cases, I don’t believe you’d be able to run the scanner in the virtual machine.
Thank you Mark.
You can setup virtual machines, yes. The pre-packaged “XP Mode” VM will not be available (just as it was not available for Windows 8), but VM software like VirtualBox and others will work just fine.
Hi Leon,
Regarding W10 updates. If I change the option of when I get updates and change it to ‘Do Not’ update, then will Microsoft still install the update whether I want it or not? Could I then check-out their latest updates to see if it had any problems?
If I can wait 9months before installing W10 then I could wait a few weeks before installing an update!
Just an idea!
Cheers
Many thanks, Leo, for clarifying the ‘should I or shouldn’t I’ question for us non-technical Windows users. I run Windows 7 Home Edition (and previously used Win 98 and Win XP Pro) so have always been happy with features, etc.
As I was intending to wait a little to review general user feedback before updating, I’m glad this plan concurs with you own suggestion. One point, If one decides to update from Win 7 (or Win 8) within the one year ‘free period’, can one choose to pay and change to the Win 10 Pro version? (As I presume, naturally, that anyone currently using Windows 7 or 8 Home Edition will get only the Home Edition of Win 10 free.)
I’m sure you can pay for the Pro version one way or another, yes. :-)
One desktop has Windows 7 Professional.
A newer one has Windows 8.1
The 8.1 machine is apparently ready to download and install Windows 10 *Home*
I assume that’s what I should be getting. And, yes, I’m doing an image backup first. :-)
My question: Are there other, “better” editions of Windows 10, like Professional?
Just wondering what’s in store for my Windows 7 Professional machine…
There is a Professional edition, yes.
Win 7 or 8 professional should upgrade to Windows 10 Professional. I had 8.1 Pro, and it upgraded to Win 10 Pro.
I have not been able to read and write in Eastern and Western Armenian using Windows 10.
Till I find a solution to that issue I will resist converting to Windows 10.
Hi Leo.
I have been running Office 97 on Windows 10 Pro since 10 came out with no problems. Yesterday, March 13, 2016, Windows made an automatic update. Now, when I try to open a .doc file (tried several that have worked previously) I get the following message: “Windows cannot access the specific device, path or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item.”
What is going on and how may I fix it?
Thank you.
I’d start by reinstalling Office 97 if you can.
Thanks Leo- a young man (Geek) in our church upgraded my husabnd’s Acer Aspire to Windows 10 and tried to up grade mine, ( Acer Aspire 7739-6830) mine wouldn’t do it.. Now looking at the machine requirements, I don’t think I have the RAM and HDD space. I’m running Windows 7, but have had a lot ofproblems lately. Flash often doesn’t want to work, I can’t sign into some accounts, etc. I clean mine often with Advanced System Care, iobit, and system mechanic, I run Firefox browser, and have given in to the idea of getting another, that has windows 10 on it. But until then, could it be the lack of Windows 10 that is causing my trouble?
Not upgrading to Windows 10 in itself couldn’t be the cause of the problem. Uninstalling Adobe Flash under Programs and Features in the Control Panel might fix it.