Windows 10: The Nerd Essentials

Back in April, Microsoft placed (snuck) a Windows 10 update notification on eligible computers running Windows 7 and 8.1. Many of our clients have seen this message:

The Nerd Recommendation

As with any new update, we generally recommend clients to hold off until the “bugs” have been worked out by the developers. This school of thought is especially true for major operating system upgrades, i.e.. think Windows XP to Vista, Windows 7 to 8, iOS 6 to 7, OS X Mavericks to Yosemite, etc.

Should I upgrade? Since Microsoft is offering the upgrade free for the first year, we don’t think there’s any hurry to upgrade right away. If you like to be on the bleeding edge, you’ll find Windows 10 to be a pleasant upgrade from Windows 8/8.1. Coming from Windows 7, there will be some relearning to do. Many of the tools Businesses use will have to adapt to Windows 10, and we always want to ensure compatibility before any updates.  In short, we do not recommend clients upgrading to Windows 10 at launch.

We want to answer some of the questions many have been asking.

The Essentials

What? Windows 10 is the latest update in the line of Microsoft operating systems for laptops, desktops, mobile devices, and game systems.

When? July 29, 2015.

How much is it? For the first year (until July 28, 2016), Windows 10 Home will be a free upgrade for all eligible devices running Windows 7 or 8.1. Retail Pricing: $119 for Windows 10 Home; $199 for Windows 10 Pro.

How do I upgrade? The upgrade process, according to Microsoft, is relatively painless: 1. Reserve your copy via the notification icon; 2. An email will be sent to you after July 29, 2015. Install the upgrade at your convenience; 3. Enjoy! Optionally, we can make it a one-step ordeal: 1. Let the Nerds do it for me!

Other Cool Details

• Microsoft will allow users of Windows 10 to downgrade back to Windows 7 or 8.1 within 30 days of the install. We find this to be a pretty cool policy.
• If you update to Windows 10 Home for free, you get the option of paying $99 ($100 off) to upgrade to Windows 10 Pro.
• Windows 7 Professional/Ultimate and Windows 8.1 Pro will be eligible to upgrade to Windows 10 Pro for free

What about the Start Menu? Yes, welcome back! Just about everyone we worked with was shocked/confused/angry/sad that Start Menu disappeared in Windows 8. The Start Menu has been a staple in the Microsoft operating system since Windows 95! It is an essential component of navigation and use for many people. With Windows 10, Microsoft is reintroducing a smarter and better Start Menu.

Once Windows 10 is available, we will post our thoughts along with features and details. July 29 here we come!

Further Reading:

• http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-10-upgrade
• http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/features
• http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-10-faq?ocid=win10_auxapp_context