How to Upgrade to Windows 10

With Windows 10 now generally available, many users may find themselves scratching their heads trying figure out how they can actually get the new operating system. It’s a free upgrade after all, shouldn’t it just be sent to devices like any other Windows update? The answer is yes, it should, and it is (for some users). If you still don’t have access to the upgrade, this guide is for you!

If you’re one the users that reserved their copy of Windows 10 when they had the opportunity (Either by clicking through an alert that popped up or by seeking the option out online), then Windows 10 should be delivered directly to your device and you’re made in the shade. An installation alert should come up and you can begin the process.

If not, then you have two other options available. Please note, however, that the update is only available to users on Windows 7 and 8.1. If you’re on either of these systems, chances are your computer will be able to handle Windows 10 without issue. To be sure, however, please view the system requirements at the bottom of this post. Anyway, here are your choices:

System Tray

If you haven’t reserved a copy, your first option will be to check the system tray of your desktop. For those who are unfamiliar, this is the list of background processes that can be accessed by clicking the triangle icon in the bottom right of your screen, (Next to the date, time and volume). From that list there should be an icon reading “Get Windows 10,” click through and you will be able to send an installation request to Microsoft.

This option working is dependent on your device, however, as it must be approved for installation by Microsoft. This could take a week or two to work, or if your device has already been approved, it can work immediately. If you aren’t a fan of waiting an want to dive right in or the icon is not available for you, move on to option 2.

Use the Media Creation Tool

I will start by saying that this method is a bit more complicated than the others, and in that regard is somewhat risky. If you aren’t that technical, I would suggest holding off until the upgrade is pushed out to you automatically. If you do wish to proceed, however, please start by backing up your data! If anything goes wrong and Windows 10 fails to work, it is highly important that you have something to fall back on.

To install you must first download the Windows Media Creation Tool found here. Start by downloading the version of the tool that matches the bit type of your operating system, either 32-bit or 64-bit. If you are unsure which operating system you have, follow the directory as follows to find information on your OS: Start Menu > Control Panel > System & Security > System.

Once downloaded, you will be able to run the tool and select “Upgrade This PC Now” or image installation media onto any blank DVD or USB drive (If you need to upgrade multiple PCs). Please note that the setup will take up roughly 4 GB of space, so make sure whatever you use can hold it.

And so:

That should be all there is to it! This free upgrade will be available for the next year, so anyone wishing to upgrade after July, 29 2016 will have to pay. Prices will be either $119 for Home Edition and $199 for Professional. This amount of time in between should give users a good amount of time to decide whether the upgrade is important to them. Hope this guide is helpful and please do enjoy your new operating system! I know we sure are.


System Requirements for Windows 10

  • Operating System: Windows 7 or Windows 8.1
  • Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster processor or SoC
  • RAM: 1 gigabyte (GB) for 32-bit or 2 GB for 64-bit
  • Hard disk space: 16 GB for 32-bit OS 20 GB for 64-bit OS
  • Graphics card: DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver
  • Display: 800×600

CyberTipz2016
 

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