5. How do I reserve my upgrade?
If you are running the most recent version of Windows, you should have started receiving notices from Microsoft to reserve your version of Windows 10.
6. How do I control upgrades at work?
For starters, if your users are running on domain joined machines, they won’t get the free upgrade.
Presumably, they are running the Enterprise version of Windows, so that version is not eligible for the free upgrade, but more importantly, if you are running a network, you want to control the updates for your organisation yourself.
7. Can I download an ISO?
No, at least, not officially. There are various tweets from Microsoft employees that say you can, but that is not on the official website.
What is on the official website is that you can create a USB or DVD media to do a fresh install after you upgrade your eligible device to Windows 10. The distinction won’t matter to most.
8. Where do I get my license key?
That is one of the more important things to know. You will use your existing Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 license, so you do not need a new key. However, you do need to have your current key. So, start digging for it.
9. Can I downgrade?
Yes, that’s an option.
10. What about the apps?
So, there are some apps in 7 or 8.1 that won’t be there in 10. Here’s the short list. Windows Media Center is gone. If you use that for DVDs, don’t worry.
Windows 10 comes with a DVD player, but if you’re addicted to Windows Media Center you should start saying your goodbyes now. By the way, have you ever seen VLC?
Vendor apps may not be compatible with Windows 10, so you should consult the individual app sites to check for compatible versions, and expect Windows software to be updated to the latest version. Desktop gadgets from Windows 7 are no more.
By David Kelleher - Director of Communications, GFI Software
