We are trying to provide answers to the most common questions about upgrading from Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 PCs to Windows 10. If you feel anything is missing and should have been covered, do let us know in comments below.
Eligibility, System requirements & upgrade editions:
Windows 10 should run fine on Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 compatible PCs. For upgrading to Windows 10 however you should be on Windows 7 SP1 and Windows 8.1 update respectively. Click here for updating to Windows 7 SP1 or Windows 8.1 Update.
I have been running Windows 10 on my very basic HP Netbook since the first Preview build, and that means your device is likely compatible and will run Windows 10 with ease. But still you can read all the eligibility and system requirements and even what edition of Windows 10 you get after upgrade by clicking here.
Checking app & device compatibility with Get Windows 10 app:
You can reserve your free upgrade by using Get Windows 10 app (check the screenshot). Once you reserve, Windows 10 will download when available, and you can cancel your reservation at any time. Get Windows 10 is an app that’s designed to make the upgrade process easy. It checks to make sure your device is compatible, and it reserves your free upgrade; it also has information to help you learn about the features in Windows 10.
For details on your specific device and apps, you can use the Get Windows 10 app to do a compatibility check. Click the menu in the upper left of the app, and select “Check your PC” or “Your PC is good to go.” This displays any compatibility issues we find and recommends a resolution; while we don’t have info on every app or device in existence, it provides a comprehensive list of all known potential compatibility issues.
How to Reserve or get Windows 10 upgrade:
For devices running Windows 7 SP1 or Windows 8.1 Update with Windows Update enabled, the Get Windows 10 app shows up automatically as a Windows icon in your system tray at the bottom right-hand side of your screen. This is how to use this app to reserve your upgrade.
- Click on the small Windows icon found at the right end of the taskbar.
- Click “Reserve your free upgrade” in the app window.
- Enter your email if you want a confirmation of this reservation.
- All set. There’s no obligation and you can cancel your reservation at any time.
If you don’t see the Get Windows 10 app, it might be because:
- Your device isn’t up-to-date with at least Windows 7 SP1 or Windows 8.1 Update.
- Windows Update is turned off or is not set to received updates automatically.
- You’ve blocked or uninstalled the necessary Windows Update functionality.
- Your device is not running genuine Windows.
Running Windows Update and installing any available updates will fix the first three issues.
What if you don’t reserve:
You can upgrade to Windows 10, even if you haven’t reserved. Once Windows 10 is available, Microsoft will begin notifying eligible devices that their free upgrade is available. Just open the Get Windows 10 app to schedule your upgrade. Note: Some notifications will go out as soon as Windows 10 is available; others may go out in the weeks or months following.
How to Install & re-install Windows 10:
You’ll get a notification after July 29, 2015, once Windows 10 is downloaded to your device. You can install it right away or you can pick a time that’s good for you. Newer devices may only take 20 minutes, and older devices may take more than an hour.
Once you’ve upgraded to Windows 10 using the free upgrade offer, you will be able to reinstall, including a clean install, on the same device. You won’t need to purchase Windows 10 or go back to your prior version of Windows and upgrade again.
You’ll also be able to create your own installation media like a USB drive or DVD, and use that to upgrade your device or reinstall after you’ve upgraded.
Windows 10 top changes & some missing features:
Read all our Windows 10 coverage by clicking here for screenshots, hands-on, tips and detailed Windows 10 changes. Click here for Microsoft’s nine official videos talking about nine top features that Windows 10 brings over Windows 7 and Windows 8.1. Though there are some missing features too that have been depreciated in Windows 10, if you move from Windows 7 and Windows 8.1. Read the missing features here.
