Microsoft Windows 10 thread

General Discussion
1

*Windows 10 finally has an official release date: July 29.

Unlike previous Windows releases, you won’t have to go to a store – whether online or brick and mortar – to get it. Windows 10 will come as a free upgrade to anyone with a Windows 7, Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 PC. Customers with Windows Phone 8.1 will also be eligible for a free Windows 10 upgrade on their smartphones.

Windows 10 will be Microsoft’s first major update to its operating system in three years. Microsoft (MSFT, Tech30) understands that Windows 8 wasn’t well-received by customers, and most of its updates to Windows 10 reflect that.

The new Windows offers a familiar experience to Windows 7 users who never made the jump to Windows 8, while still bringing some innovations to the PC that tablet and smartphone users have become accustomed to.

Here’s a quick recap for the uninitiated.

Start is back: Windows 10 brings back the Start menu, which organizes all of the PC’s program files, folders and settings as well as tiles that were abundant in Windows 8.

The desktop is back too: Windows 10 boots straight to the desktop, and it stays there. You can run multiple desktops too, if you’d like. If you have a tablet or a tablet-laptop hybrid, Windows 10 will automatically adjust to deliver the best experience for the screen it’s running on through a feature called Continuum.

Edge: Internet Explorer is taking a backseat to a new and improved Web browser called Microsoft Edge. It supports extensions and applications, offline reading and reading mode, lets you write directly on websites, and integrates Cortana to give you directions to restaurants and other locations.

Cortana: Microsoft’s Siri-like Cortana voice assistant will live in the task bar. You can ask it to do a number of tasks either by typing or saying “Hey Cortana” and then speaking your command. When you click on the “Ask me anything” search box next to the Start button, Cortana will give you a list of weather, news and other events tailored to your interests. It can tell you about your computer and launch apps.

Notifications: A new Action Center gives you a quick glance at your PC’s status. Emails, updates and app messages all appear in a drawer that pulls out from the right hand side of the screen.

Security: You can even unlock Windows 10 with facial recognition software, finger print scans or an iris reader. The feature, called “Windows Hello,” requires some special equipment – most PCs don’t come with biometric scanners installed.

Phone-like updates: if you upgrade to Windows 10, you’ll get free Windows upgrades for the life of your PC or phone.

To reserve a free installation of Windows 10, Microsoft will be sending existing Windows customers notifications. Look for an icon that will pop up in your system tray at the bottom of your screen. If you click on the icon, Microsoft will allow you to complete the reservation process. *

2

Besides the release date, all this news was known. I’ll still wait. Windows 10 may be free but it’s been hinted they’ll charge for minimum upgrades like Apple does.

3

Nothing is ever free, what’s the catch??

Will Cortana actually be voiced by the Halo actress?? I don’t like this imposter on the mobile phones.

4

I have Windows 7 on my system, and it’s telling me right now that I can reserve the download, and it’ll let me know when it’s ready.

5

How does it work for pirates? lol.

6

I don’t know if I wanna upgrade off the bat. Windows 7 has treated me right. I am also concerned about upgrading Windows 8 on my tablet/mini-laptop. Will it be more hardware intensive?

7

so far it requires the same requirements as w7, honestly I dont see the need to update, my biggest concern is the compatibility with older software.

8

Right. Although much of the software I use is Windows native, like Word, I’m terrified many of Steam not working right and a few programs I use for work. Nothing will make me angrier than having to come into the office because one or two programs don’t work right at home.

But we have a year to upgrade. I’m certainly in no rush. Windows 7 has served me great for many years. I won’t turn my back on it now unless I’m satisfied with 10’s performance.

9

DirectX12.

I’m also concerned about BC with older programs. If I can make the switch and 99.9% of my programs work afterwards, then I’ll probably dive right in.

DX12.

10

Yes, Direct X12 is tempting as all of hell, but didn’t I read that there was an eventual plan to transition to an OS subscription-type of deal?

I’ll… reserve judgement until others have taken the plunge, first.

11

this is so windows can watch u

12

Upgrade is free but pirated Windows 7/8 will just switch to pirated Windows 10.
It is just that Microsoft may make you a better offer to buy the upgrade with annoying nag screens.

price value from higher to lower:

Windows 10 new -> Windows 10 upgrade from pirate version -> Windows 10 legal upgrade (free)

13

So isn’t it better to just buy a cheaper Windows 7 or 8 copy right now and get free Windows 10?

Actually nevermind, it’s only like $10 more.

14

I’m on a non-genuine version of 7 at work, I have the icon in my taskbar, and when I click it it offers the free upgrade.

15

double check the small print, it might say “as a pirate you give up all rights to your privacy downloading this software” lol

16

I’ll be waiting till around fall/winter when im looking to build a new computer before i upgrade. Let some of the kinks get worked out, let driver support get to a good state, etc…

17

I ain’t fucking with. I know better than to be an early adopter of digital goods or technology in these times. Waiting to see if it corrupts files or something

18

I’m sticking with 7. If it does switch to subscription like it’s rumored to be then I want no part of it.

19

So, this O/S has been released. Curious to see if anyone here is trying this out now (or wait another several months before finally commit to an upgrade).

20

I think that I will try it at my home’s pc.
A friend on the office is currently trying it and it seems that it is behaving well.
Though he feels that is a tiny little slower than w8, but he is not really sure yet.