With Windows 10 just around the corner, you may have begun worrying whether you are prepared for the release, and if your computer will be able to run the new operating system. We have put together this helpful guide, not only to help you get started with Windows 10, but also to ensure you are confident in doing so.
Today we will cover the basic tips for when you upgrade to the new operating system. This will help you access the download day one, while ensuring no important files are lost.
Is my PC compatible with Windows 10?
For those who currently use Windows 7 or Windows 8, upgrading to Windows 10 requires little effort. With a few simple steps it is possible to register for access on release day, however first you must ensure your PC is compatible.
To upgrade to Windows 10 for free you must have Windows 7 Service Pack 1, or Windows 8.1 with Update 2 installed. If you are running prior versions of these operating systems, make sure to update to the newest versions. This will ensure the ‘Get Windows 10’ icon will appear on your taskbar in the bottom left of your display. This is a key requirement for upgrading.
If you run Windows 8 or Windows 8.1, it is likely your hardware supports the features required for Windows 10. Some of those on Windows 7 may run into compatibility issues, therefore it is a good idea to check beforehand. We recommend this for all who plan to register a copy. Currently, Windows 8 requires a processor with support for PAE, NX and SSE2 to operate correctly. This limited many devices from upgrading to Windows 8 when it released in 2012, and should be checked before any upgrades are planned.
When the ‘Get Windows 10’ icon appears on your taskbar, you are now able to run a check, ensuring your hardware meets these requirements. This can be accessed by left clicking on the icon, opening the hamburger menu in the top left of the window, and selecting ‘Check your PC’.
If the test succeeds, you should receive the following, or a similar screen. Some may not be able to receive reports yet, and can get results at a later date.
The system requirements to run Windows 10 are as follows:
- Processor: 1GHz or faster or SoC (system on a chip) processor. 64-bit versions of Windows 10 require a processor which supports CMPXCHG16b, PrefetchW, and LAHF/SAHF capabilities.
- RAM: 32-bit will require 1GB of RAM while 64-bit requires 2GB of RAM.
- Hard disk space: 16GB for 32-bit or 20GB for 64-bit.
- Graphics: DirectX9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver. Some games will require DirectX 10 or higher for optimal performance.
- Display: The lowest resolution supported is 1024×600 and the number of apps available on screen at one time will vary based on the minimum resolution for each application.
How can I obtain Windows 10?
Windows can either be acquired digitally, or through a retail package. Retail editions are ideal for new users, or those with older operating systems installed currently. Those who have Windows 7 or 8, it is almost a necessity to upgrade for free through the ‘Get Windows 10’ icon.
If this application is used, you will be upgraded to your equivalent edition for Windows 10. (e.g. Windows 8.1 Pro > Windows 10 Pro).
If you prefer to buy a boxed version, you can through many large retailers. No CD/DVD based version is being produced; therefore a USB port is required.
The RRP for Windows 10 Home Edition is $119.99, and the Windows 10 Pro Edition is priced at $199.99. These will not be available until one month after Windows 10 releases, on August 30. Those who upgrade via the ‘Get Windows 10 App’ can obtain the operating system on July 29.
– Buy a flash drive with Windows 10 Home here.
– Buy a flash drive with Windows 10 Pro here.
When will Windows 10 be available?
Windows 10 will begin to roll out July 29, however over the following weeks will distribute to a wider audience. Many people who have registered a copy beforehand will be able to install the update less than a day after the release. Windows 10 for other devices, such as Windows 10 Mobile will arrive later this year.
Should I upgrade?
For the general public, the answer is most likely yes. Many who are on Windows 8 are missing features from earlier versions of Windows, which are key to increase productivity. This upgrade will not only feel familiar, but also give massive improvements in performance with many applications.
Windows 7 users who skipped Windows 8 will feel at home with Windows 10, largely due to the return of the start button. You will also be given access to many new Microsoft services, only available to newer Windows editions. This will also give a modern feel to your PC experience, with the transition to a metro style user interface. Support for Windows 10 will also continue for longer period of time, improving features and security over the coming years.
Anybody on previous versions of Windows should have a valid reason to be using the operating system, as a large majority of services are no longer supported. These are also less secure, especially for Windows XP and prior releases. Unless older software which is incompatible with new versions is being used, an update is strongly recommended.
Some features and programs may see improved, or degraded performance after the change, but over time developers will aim to fix this. If you are unsure whether certain programs will be affected, it may be smart to wait a little while for the confirmation that all your required features work.
What should I do before I upgrade?
External hard drives can come cheap nowadays, therefore backing up should be done by all PC users. While the upgrade promises most data should be transferred without any problems, it is common practice to do so. Most programs and profiles are set to be transferred, however it is a wise idea to note programs and drivers in case they should need to be reinstalled. It may also be a good idea to back up any software configurations and profiles.
As stated earlier, you should also register your copy of Windows 10, allowing you to access it soon after release.
Want to know anything else about Windows 10? We’ll answer your questions in the comments below!
Matt was a regular ICXM contributor in 2015, publishing 110 articles across game reviews, Windows and PC, and Xbox news. Their work focused on hands-on reviews, platform commentary, and breaking-news reporting during the Xbox One’s first full year of post-launch coverage, including the early days of Backwards Compatibility and Windows 10 gaming. They post on X as @RTEnvi.