http://venturebeat.com/2015/05/31/microsoft-starts-prompting…
I think it should be renamed to Windows 10 Update Notification instead of reservation; because what are you actually reserving? But TA, always good of you to notify the community.
So is it worth me upgrading from 8.1? Sorry if this is a noob question.
Yes i used to preview for a few days and apart from a few graphical bugs (which is on the known bug list) it works awesomely
If you're on an AMD video card, grab the latest 15.4 beta drivers that just list they're for 7/8/8.1, fixed all my graphical bugs.
Do they have to be reserved?..is there a limited number?
Technically there will be a limit on the number of keys they can generate, that may be in the hundreds of billions, but you know, cant always predict demand…
They can generate all the keys they want, the issue is distribution by having a reservation system they can stagger the preload over several days so as to have sufficient bandwidth for everyone.
I was reading up about this earlier today. Does anyone know if this is purely an upgrade version? If I install the upgrade once it becomes available and then later want to format my HDD and start again, do I need to then go back through and re-install Win 8.1 followed by the Win10 upgrade?
It would be nice if they would just give us a new license key so a fresh install could be done, but I'm not sure if that is how it will work.
I will be taking an image of my 8.1 install before upgrading.
Worth doing IMO, I just found this question someone had asked on a Microsoft forum:
Hi Patrick,
Thank you for posting your query on Microsoft Community.
If you want to perform clean installation after a year you need to pay to get Windows 10 license. Free update will only be free for 12 months.
That makes no damn sense at all.
At least with their last upgrade you received an updated key, which was valid for future re-installs.
This was addressed on twitter today. You can indeed do a clean install after getting your free update: http://www.neowin.net/news/windows-10-after-the-free-upgrade…
Time to upgrade from windows 7?
No. Give it some time to have others experience and troubleshoot issues and find out what kind of booby-traps Microsoft built-in into this "free" upgrade. I'll be the last one to update, on 28 July 2016.
Total agreement here. When will they stop supporting Win 7 anyway?
end of extended support according to MS website: January 14, 2020
If you don't want to wait for the staged rollout of the Update notification (aka: Get Windows 10 App), you can force it to appear, which worked on my Windows 7 PC.
How to FORCE the Windows 10 Update Icon to appear in the taskbar (from the VentureBeat link in the OP)
- Open the Control Panel, choose Administrative Tools, and then fire up the Task Scheduler.
- Expand Task Scheduler Library, then Microsoft, then Windows, and finally scroll down to expand Setup.
- Click the folder GWXTriggers and on the far right hit Run.
Again, this will only work if you’re running a legitimate copy of Windows 7 SP1 or Windows 8.1, have KB3035583 installed, and have all the latest updates.
I have a pirated copy of windows 7 and it showed up fine lol.
Though i do have a legit copy of windows 8 in my computer desk but it freezes and shit so i pirated windows 7 till windows 10 which is looking good.
Still wont be a legit copy and IIRC will fail WGA checks.
I never said it would.
Read what i said again.
@jubba: well if microsoft would fix that shitty windows 8 id use my legit copy i bought from officeworks after my windows 7 key that i bought off ebay got blocked. i payed twice for a operating system so my care lvl is zero.
enjoy a neg for being a asshole.
Haha. Calm down.
I was more commenting on the fact that ozbargainers seem to neg you at any mention of pirating lol.
aye?
@jubba: I know and thats what pisses me off i paid twice first was windows 7 got screwed was a developer key and was used too much which by then was way too late for paypal dispute, then bought windows 8 which keps haveing freezing problems so after two months of freezing every day and needing to restart my pc i learnt how to pirate windows 7 and have had zero problems since.
Works on my legit 8.1, but not on my legit 7.
Hmmm…….
Have you got SP1 and KB3035583 installed on Windows 7?
Thanks,
Just grabbed the latest updates, and now all good to go.
Conversely (and far more importantly, I think), if you'd like to get rid of that annoying system tray icon and not have it appear at all because you have zero interest in whatever scam Microsoft are trying to peddle, simply disable the two tasks under Microsoft > Windows > Setup > gwx in Task Scheduler. Obviously, ensure you are logged into an administrator account before doing that.
The Setup folder doesn't appear for me under Task Scheduler Library…
I'm using a Dell AIO PC, which Dell says is compatible with W10 upgrade. But the setup doesn't appear.
I have a legit windows 7 that crashed then after I repaired it was treated as non genuine so I used a work around, so I want to know where I stand, or do I have to rebuild from the ground up, I don't want to upgrade to 10 then get a message after the upgrade "please insert credit card to validate your copy" look forward to hear other peoples experiences, also like to see if it actively interferes with XvID and file sharing as don't want to castrate my PC for DRM
It just means the copy has been activated too many times. Ring Microsoft and activate over the phone. That should fix your non genuine issue.
If it doesn't they might be able to issue a new key.
I've activated my Windows over the phone in a similar situation (too many activations). It was painless. I don't think I had to speak to a human.
If we reserved,
Anyone know if we can download the iso with a new cd key?
I prefer to get the actual iso, than to do this upgrade path…
else if we reformat, do we need to install win 7 then upgrade again etc..
Pretty much this, wouldn't mind trying it out first… but I really don't want to overwrite my windows 7 for something I might not be interested in using…
I have thought about installing a copy of windows 7 in a spare drive and updating that… but I'm worried that it might get complicated if once you reserve a copy of win 10 it forces you to download it when it becomes available and update (slim chances but don't want to take the risk)
It's not about cancelling or not
what we need to know is if it is upgrade only?
and if we need to reformat, do we need to reinstall win 7 then do upgrade to win 10 again etc..
This would get really annoying!
======
It is preferable to give us a CD key, and we can install windows 10 iso on a fresh copy.
I prefer to get an ISO that I can keep permanently
rather than needing to download the upgrade files each time
===
Also do we lose the ability to install windows 7 with the old cd key..once we upgraded to windows 10
While it might seem great, the word is that once you upgrade to windows 10, after the initial release, it is Microsoft's intention to make windows 10 a subscription based OS. That means there will be a yearly fee for windows 10.
no wonder it will be free…
does that mean we can't downgrade to windows 7?
or if we upgrade this once..
we can't upgrade again if we reformat since the free period has expired?
yeah this i'd like to know
i have a laptop running win7 fine
i'd hope they just give you a key and you can upgrade at your leisure from a downloaded ISO… my work laptop i need to schedule it btw work
if its a one shot deal, well then yeah, not that useful
I reckon it will be about a zillion years or more for the WA Education Dept to get to 10. We've just gone to 7 from XP, and only then 'cos Windows ceased its support for XP
"You’ll get a notification after Windows 10 is downloaded to your device."
That would be a 'pleasant' surprise if you happened to have just bought a 3GB mobile data pack from Telstra ($49) so you could connect while away.
$49? You must be new here.
I was just about to post this offer here myself. Great initiative from Microsoft (finally). Thx
Good one, but no. If you could see the number of $30 starter packs I have (recent $1 offer) you would know the answer.
Nevertheless, if they really do auto download and THEN tell you, I'm sure many people will be be pretty peeved.
Interesting article about windows 10 upgrade
http://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2015/03/19/why-micros…
“We are upgrading all qualified PCs, genuine and non-genuine, to Windows 10.”
And in case that isn’t clear, a Microsoft spokesperson clarified exactly what that meant to The Verge:
“Anyone with a qualified device can upgrade to Windows 10, including those with pirated copies of Windows.
Wow
Update: Microsoft has clarified that even though pirates will be able to auto-upgrade to Windows 10, the version they get will still be considered unlicensed.
sigh of relief
I wonder what version of windows 10 will they give us?
-Home?
-Professional?
They could pull a fast one and give everyone home version, unless we pay extra for professional version.
It depends on what your OS was beforehand, apparently.
| Version | Upgrade |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Windows Phone 8.1 | Windows 10 Mobile |
| Windows 8.1 | Windows 10 Home |
| Windows 8.1 Pro | Windows 10 Pro |
| Windows 8.1 Pro For Students | Windows 10 Pro |
From: http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2015/06/which-version-of-window…
Yeah, would have guessed it depends on the version. Thanks for the table as well.
So what happens to pirated versions of say Office? There has to be a catch, there is a reason MS wants people to have 10, legit copies or not.
Their IP would be tracked..
I am assuming that this way, they could use stronger authentication system (while not needing to update the system for every single Windows OS out there). Or it could be to stop the fragmentation of Windows OS further. If Windows 10 is the last Windows that they release, less people using Windows 7 and 8.1 would mean less fragmentation in future. I doubt that MS is doing the free upgrade out of "charity".
This is crap
Features that will be removed..
http://www.forbes.com/sites/gordonkelly/2015/06/02/windows-1…
If you have Windows 7 Home Premium, Windows 7 Professional, Windows 7 Ultimate, Windows 8 Pro with Media Center, or Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center and you install Windows 10, Windows Media Center will be removed.
The most high profile removals are Windows Media Center, desktop gadgets and native driver support for USB drives, but the one that should really catch your eye is how desktop updates will be handled for Windows 10 Home users.
Nothing particularly shocking in the list of features being removed. I really disagree with the author of the article that there are features being retired (deprecated is really being used incorrectly here) that will make people think twice.
"and native driver support for USB drives": USB floppy drives. If anyone is still using a USB floppy drive you need to be slapped good and proper :)
Windows Media Center: Its being retired and should be. I imagine they're doing some internal re-alignments to get the company working toward their core strengths rather than trying to keep terrible software going and fending off free third party tools that do a better job.
Watching DVD's requires separate software: I can't see how this could be a game breaker for anyone. Your average mum and dad buyer is going to get some machine shipped with software from a vendor (unless Microsoft blocks vendor bloat). Anyone else is going to install VLC or equivalent software.
Updates: I agree with their move. Power users and technical people should be able to retain the ability to choose what patches to apply and when. But your average mum and dad user has no clue what the difference is between a patch and malware they need this sort of approach.
Desktop Gadgets: Unless Microsoft has fixed something they've recommended having Gadgets disabled on Windows 7 for 3 or 4 years now due to the security vulnerabilities.
Minesweeper/Solitaire/etc: This would annoy my dad and probably others in his generation. But they can just install it again from the sounds of it :)
Actually if you remove WMC then there won't be much difference between home and professional version.
Even though I don't use WMC anymore, I use kodi (much better) but..
What would separate home and professional version now?
Desktop gadgets - i find desktop gadgets useful and haven't seen any vulnerabilities.
They should still keep it for anyone who wants to them.
Hopefully someone finds a patch/hack to get it working.
Floppy usb - I thought they were saying usb flash drive. I misread or didn't read it fully. In that case I don't care about.
Watching dvds - I don't think not much people watch dvds anymore. Most ppl are streaming or downloaded.
So not that important. Also I can use other media players. But I doubt much ppl give a crap about watching DVDs now a days.
Solitaire, Minesweeper, and Hearts Games - if anyone still plays these than they don't need to update to windows 10 (unless u are using it in a office environment)
Also plenty of third party version available.
Updates - not sure what this about. Will wait and see.
==========
I am more concerned about Windows will be a service from now on.
So instead of giving windows 11, 12 etc.. every 4 years etc..
They would just start charging for updates at some cutoff point..and just keep calling it Windows (no more windows version every few years)
The problem is their current business model is not making as much money anymore.
They create a windows every 4 years then need to provide free support for 13 years.
-e.g windows XP.
Read this
http://www.forbes.com/sites/gordonkelly/2015/05/08/microsoft…
i strongly dislike Microsoft in many ways but this article is over wrought
desktop gadgets was gone in win8, 2yrs ago
no one gives a shat about dvds and xbmc/openelec is what people use now
games have migrated to browsers
forcing updates is probably a good idea given most people ignore them
fooken beat up is what it is
forbes contributor contributing nothing but b/s as usual
gadget were gone in windows 8, but majority of ppl on windows 7 (who never upgraded to win 8) it will be a disappointment (if they like using gadgets).
start menu was also removed, but they are bring that back
you know what? people get what they deserve
microsoft are giving you a 'free' upgrade but the reality is that if it borks your PC or something in the upgrade doesnt work, its a one way process
you cant call Microsoft for support nor can you realistically call your PC vendor
so in that regard, there is some risk to this 'free' upgrade
you can bet 99% of people will not back up their data and if it screws your data, who ya gonna call? not microsoft
i dont have any sympathy for people who do this upgrade and THEN get disappointed in some way, you make your own bed
Also with any new software there would
-bugs
-compatability issues
I would wait a few months to see how it goes…
Also I am sad to say goodbye to windows 7…
===
I dislike win 8,
windows 10 is nice compromise but the look is still crap plain colors like windows 8.
It is just so they can cater to the tablets spec..that everything has to look plain.
I loved the transparent aero glass of windows 7.
I agree and I think the article raises some unfounded concerns. He draws a parallel between Apple and Microsoft when really it is not possible. Apple hardware (like all hardware) has a finite life. Unlike Apple, Microsoft would find it hard to simply cut off a certain hardware configuration. Many people's computers have very unique and varied configurations…have fun managing that. Apple has a very closed eco system in which that maintain complete control (just like they claimed IBM did in the 80's). The only devices Microsoft could realistically control like Apple would be their own hardware.
That said, if anyone wants to stay on Windows 7 you can do so for another 5 years if you want to. Microsoft will not retire Windows 7 until 2020 (along with Server 2008 R2). No doubt that will get some level of extension as enterprise customers bitch and moan that they haven't had enough time to move off of Windows 7.
If you want to continue on Windows 7 I think you are safe past 2022 and even 2025…
Corporate Windows 7 migrations are still going on right now.
The consumer will be fine.
The problem with Windows 7 is that its too good.
windows 7 also looks much better too.
I hate the plain solid colors of the new windows 8 and 10
I hate the plain solid colors of the new windows 8 and 10
They look great on Phones. Can't you download skins/themes for your laptop and desktop?
of course they do, cos they are lower spec than a desktop.
skin/themes still do not make it as nice as aero glass
Interesting article about the future of windows
http://www.forbes.com/sites/gordonkelly/2015/05/08/microsoft…
can i upgrade from workgroup 3.1 to windows 10?
Wb MS DOS? Free Upgrade?
I haven't done a Windows upgrade on a computer in many years, but thinking of taking up this offer. Does anyone know if it will migrate everything across, or will there be a need to reinstall things as has been required in the past?
I'd be upgrading from Windows 7 if that makes a difference.
Too early to ask that question mate, Windows 10 is not released yet :)
Note that you can generally only upgrade from the previous version of an operating system. For example, you can upgrade to Windows 8 from Windows 7, but not from Windows XP. But it's not confirmed until Win 10 is released.
You can check to see if Windows 10 is fully compatible with your system.
If there are drivers or programs that don't run on it, you'll be notified and be asked to remove them prior to upgrading.
In most circumstances it is better to always do a custom (fresh) install instead of an in-place upgrade, for a variety of reasons.
Main reason is that you don't want any old bloatware lying around, and remnants of the old OS still on your system. Starting over with a new install is better in the long run — Everything will run smoother and you will have less issues with buggy software / drivers.
actually you can test with windows 10 tech preview
I would prefer fresh install as well..
but I think we can't with this free upgrade..
You need windows 7 first
There is a year to redeem, no need to reserve. the reservation is mainly for marketing purposes to raise awareness of Windows 10 but also it pre-loads the software for an in-place upgrade for when you choose to hit that "upgrade" button on July 29. If you don't care about the pre-load then don't worry about this update. If you want to disable the icon you can uninstall KB3035583 from Programs and Features > show updates.
I'm using Insider Preview of Windows 10 and while some of it is nice, there is still quite a bit of work to go and there is still quite a bit of Windows 8 mess in there. Mainly most of the Control Panel items have been hidden in favour of the new Settings app, but the Settings app doesn't have nearly the same amount of options as Control Panel but still links back to Control Panel in many areas anyway. Also every time you search your PC it searches Bing as well and I can't find a way to turn that off. OneDrive is in the way (I found a hack to remove it) and Microsoft Account is required for everything. Also no Cortana for Australia. It will be interesting to see if they can make it as polished as Windows 7 in time for release.
The best way to fix windows is to install Arch Linux.
For the people who are worried they cant revert back to win 7 , just do a disk image of win 7 so you can revert to an activated win 7 …….. and do a disk image of 10 and your good to go or do a dual boot.
Just a fyi you can upgrade from a non genuine windows 7 to win 8.1 " just did it last week as i didnt do a disk image of my activated win 7 " hence the above advice ".
Good luck.
So hang on… will this upgrade only last 12 months? What happens after that?
It will last forever.
The time (window of opportunity) to redeem Windows 10 is one year. Yours to keep forever. It's not a one year subscription.
If they are gonna make Windows into a service than I doubt you can keep it forever..
or they won't give u any new features or updates
If they no longer plan to make windows 11, 12 etc..
Just calling it windows etc..
Thanks guys
Windows 10 ….. feels like someone just walked over my grave.
"Once you upgrade W10 w/ the free upgrade offer you will able to clean reinstall Windows 10 on same device any time"
From: http://www.anandtech.com/show/9334/microsoft-confirms-you-ca…
Apparently, this has been said on Twitter by Gabe Aul (Head of the Windows Insider Program). So it's not completely official (and not much detail is mentioned, I've quoted the whole sentence), but I guess it's possible that they could allow fresh install after the free upgrade (as what he've said can mean many things）. I think we'd probably need to wait for the full information on this, though.
I currently have windows 7 pro retail licence. If I take up the offer. Am I able to upgrade my computer some time before the end of the year after Intel releases the new range before installing the windows 10. As I see you can do a clean install but an upgrade must first be done from an existing OS before the clean install option becomes available.
Also at any time you can also downgrade to the previous licenced windows version. If you want to remove windows 10.
"Also at any time you can also downgrade to the previous licenced windows version. If you want to remove windows 10."
-yes
The key would be always valid for windows 7
A really good article about Windows 10
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/windows-10-last-version-windows…
you should add that the official release date for windows 10 is July 29.