Windows 10 - Everything you Need and Want to Know

[REDACTED]

         

Which edition of Windows 10 will you get for free?

Since I have the core edition of 8.1, I'm sure I'll get the Home version of 10. The only thing that concerns me is the reported inability to change the updating options.

[bob3160]

Download Windows 10 Insider Preview ISO Build 10130
You may need to sign up for the Windows Insider Program, if you haven't already.
Don't forget to install Avast once this is installed!
Download links:Online installers
http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_free_antivirus_setup_online.exe
http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_pro_antivirus_setup_online.exe
http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_internet_security_setup_online.exe
http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_premier_antivirus_setup_online.exe
Full installers
http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_free_antivirus_setup.exe
http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_pro_antivirus_setup.exe
http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_internet_security_setup.exe
http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_premier_antivirus_setup.exe

[midnight]

If I upgrade to Windows 10, then decide I don't like it can I switch back to Windows 8.1

[CraigB]

If I upgrade to Windows 10, then decide I don't like it can I switch back to Windows 8.1

You would need to make a complete system backup/image to be able to restore, Aomei Backupper standard ( free ) makes this easy with 1 click backup and restore http://www.backup-utility.com/free-backup-software.html

[midnight]

Thank you.  I just downloaded and installed it.  I'm doing a system backup now.

[CraigB]

Your welcome

[bob3160]

An Image taken just before you upgrade is certainly the easiest way to go back to Windows 8.1
Without that, you would need to have a Recovery or Installation media of Windows 8.1
You'll also need access to your license for 8.1 and installation media for any software to install once
Windows 8.1 is again up and running.

[REDACTED]

You're supposed to be able to revert to an earlier Windows version by using the built in recovery options. As long as the Windows.old folder exists, they say you can go back. I never tried it so can't say if it really works or not. I have always deleted that folder asap.

AOMEI Backupper does an excellent job of creating and restoring images and I agree that's the best way to do it.

I hope midnight didn't mean she installed 10 and then did an image. You have to do the image before making any changes.

[midnight]

@Dch48,

I haven't installed Windows 10 yet.

[schmidthouse]

I hope midnight didn't mean she installed 10 and then did an image. You have to do the image before making any changes.

Yes, I noted that as well, here's hoping.

[mchain]

@ -midnight,

There's really no need to install/upgrade Win 10 anytime soon, as a wait-and-see attitude can work wonders.  You'll be able to see if other members are having any issues, and if they are, what the workarounds will be.

You've got an entire year to do this in, beginning on July 29th of this year.  I'd wait and see what happens first.  Preparation is key, and one of the things to prepare for is disaster, beginning with a full disk image of Win 8.1 first so you can recover if the worst does happen when you do upgrade.  If you don't prepare for disaster by creating a full disk image first, then you will not be able to recover back as easily to Win 8.1, and that could be a real problem for you.

Don't know yet if Microsoft is going to release an .ISO file of Win 10, but rumor has it this may happen.  If they do, that would make it simpler to migrate to Win 10 vs. doing an upgrade from Win 7 SP1 or Win 8.1.  Win 10 would then be what is called a clean install and is something I prefer over an upgrade.  Anyway, workarounds for creating an .ISO file from Win 10 preview versions are already posted on the Internet, so that clean install option is already available.  Microsoft really wants you and others to use Windows Update exclusively to upgrade to Win 10 but I am saying other options are available.

Suggest you take your time with this one.   

[midnight]

@mchain,

Appreciate your advice. 

I'm not planning on upgrading to Win. 10 for at least 3 months after the final version is released. 

[SpeedyPC]

I'm not planning to switch to W10 until the first MS Service Pack is release because I'm in no hurry at all

[bob3160]

I'm not planning to switch to W10 until the first MS Service Pack is release because I'm in not hurry at all

Some of us aren't so young anymore so I'm always in a hurry.

[REDACTED]

I'm not planning to switch to W10 until the first MS Service Pack is release because I'm in no hurry at all

All the gamers will get it asap because of the massive performance increases inherent in Direct X 12. Even the current DX 11 based games will see improvements. AMD users will get the most benefit but all systems will be improved in gaming performance. That is all systems having DX 12 compatible graphics cards like Nvidia 700 and 900 series and Radeon R7 and R9 cards. Even laptops with newer AMD APU's (4th gen and up, 6000 series or better) are DX 12 compatible. Windows 10 is going to be revolutionary in the gaming arena. If you don't do higher end 3d gaming then you can upgrade at your leisure.

My copy is reserved and will be installed as soon as MS gives the green light.