Everything you need to know about the FREE Windows 10 upgrade
Is this for real?
Yes! Microsoft is giving away its latest operating system to all Windows 7/8 users for FREE! If you see the little white Windows 10 logo near your clock or any of the pop-up images pictured below, this is normal and Microsoft's way of letting you know about this offer.
Do I have to 'reserve' Windows 10 to get it for free?
No. As long as you upgrade before the July 28th, 2016 deadline it makes no difference whether or not you 'reserve' a copy.
Do I have to upgrade to Windows 10?
No. Keep in mind though, that Windows 7 will be discontinued January14th 2020, and Windows 8.1 will be discontinued January 20th, 2023 - while Windows 10 won't be discontinued until October 14th, 2025. So the big advantage to upgrading to Windows 10 is that it has the most 'life' left in it before Microsoft discontinues it.
Should I upgrade to Windows 10?
It's entirely up to you, and you have until July 28th, 2016 to make up your mind. Do keep in mind the point about the point above about Windows 7/8 and when they are discontinued.
When should I upgrade to Windows 10?
No big rush. You have until July 28th, 2016 to take advantage of the free upgrade - so there is really no rush. Statistically there are many more issues when a new Operating system first releases. So the longer you wait, the less a chance you have of running into problems after the upgrade and having to bring your computer in for service. So you may want to even consider waiting until early July 2016!
I want to upgrade NOW? What is the best way? Can you help?
Yes! The best way to make the switch to Windows 10 is to have your hard drive wiped blank and reload Windows 10 from scratch instead of doing the 'in place upgrade'. This gives Windows 10 a fresh, clean slate to work with and greatly minimizes the chances of having any problem. This means you need to make sure you have a backup of all of your important data (Documents, Pictures, Music, Videos, Favorites, etc.). You will also have to reinstall any third party software (Printer Software, Microsoft Office, etc.). If you are not comfortable with doing the upgrade yourself we can do it for you, however we will only do a fresh install to ensure that you don't have any problems. If you can do your own backup and we don't have to back up your data for you, we charge our
standard $90 wipe/reload fee for this service.
What about Windows Vista & XP users?
Nope. Only Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users get the FREE upgrade. You would have to purchase the Windows 10 upgrade software.
Do the computers you sell have Windows 10?
Yes! All of our new computers and laptops come with Windows 10! Currently our all of our refurbished computers come loaded with Windows 7, however ALL of our refurbished computers qualify for the FREE Windows 10 upgrade. You can purchase a refurbished computer from us with Windows 7, and wait and do the upgrade yourself at a later time & date as recommended above. As long as you preform the upgrade prior to July 28th, 2016 it's FREE. If you prefer to purchase your refurbished computer with Windows 10 already installed we can set one up this way for you - but this may take a day or two. Our refurbished computers will continue to be sold with Windows 7, with the optional free upgrade until the offer expires.
Will my software work with Windows 10?
Probably. Over the years Microsoft has always been pretty good about backwards compatibility. The older your software is, however, the less of a chance of it working properly. Generally speaking - if your software worked OK with Windows 7 or Windows 8, and was from 2010 and later - it will probably work.
Are there any Windows features I will loose with Windows 10?
Yes. The following Windows programs that were present in Windows 7/8 are not available in Windows 10: Windows Media Center, Microsoft Games (Solitaire, Minesweeper, FreeCell, etc.), Desktop Gadgets, Windows XP Mode, and Floppy Drive Support. You also will no longer be able to disable Windows updates, they will always come in automatically in Windows 10.
I heard that Microsoft is spying on me in Windows 10
No more so then most of the services you already use (Facebook, Gmail, etc.). In fact most of most of these telemetry features exist in Windows 7 and 8 as well. Read more on the subject here.
Support Article Last Updated 12.2.15