- Joined
- Feb 21, 2013
- Messages
- 10,469
- Reaction score
- 13,894
First of all lets share the details of Windows 10 upgrade paths. Here we'll tell you about which versions of previous Windows OS qualify for the free upgrade to different Windows 10 editions:
Free Upgrade to Windows 10 Home:
Following Windows versions will get the free upgrade to Windows 10 Home edition:
Free Upgrade to Windows 10 Pro:
Following Windows versions will get the free upgrade to Windows 10 Pro edition:
Free Upgrade to Windows 10 Mobile:
Windows Phone 8.1 devices will get free upgrade to Windows 10 Mobile. It'll also depend upon the OEM (manufacturer company) and mobile operator or carrier whether they release the new Windows 10 firmware for the mobile phone or not.
NOTE: Windows 7 Enterprise, Windows 8/8.1 Enterprise and Windows RT/RT 8.1 do not qualify for the free upgrade offer.
If you decide to upgrade to Windows 10, you should keep following things in mind:
1. Windows 7 users must have SP1 (Service Pack 1) installed in their systems to be able to upgrade to Windows 10 for free via Windows Update.
2. Windows 8 users must update to Windows 8.1 (which is free) to be able to upgrade to Windows 10 for free via Windows Update.
3. You'll have 1 full year after Windows 10 launch on July 29, 2015 to get the benefit of free upgrade offer. After one year the free upgrade offer will end. But if you upgrade your Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 computer within 1 year of Windows 10 launch, you'll be able to use Windows 10 on that computer free for lifetime. The 1 year time period limit has been set for the free upgrade offer. Don't get confused by relating it to Windows 10 license expiry.
4. If you are using a 3rd party antivirus and anti-malware program and decide to upgrade to Windows 10, the setup will first check whether your antivirus and anti-malware subscription is current or not (i.e. whether your antivirus or anti-malware program license is valid or has expired). If the subscription is valid and current, Windows 10 setup will first uninstall the antivirus and anti-malware applications while taking a backup of your settings during upgrade. After upgrading, Windows will install the latest version available of your antivirus and anti-malware programs and will also restore your settings. But if your antivirus and anti-malware programs subscription is not current, Windows 10 upgrade will uninstall the security programs and will enable the built-in Windows Defender application.
5. OEM applications which usually come preinstalled in branded computer systems, may be removed during upgrade.
6. If Windows 10 setup finds some incompatible 3rd party software in your system, it'll ask for your permission to uninstall them. You'll have to accept the removal request to upgrade to Windows 10.
There are a few features which were present in previous Windows versions but have been deprecated in Windows 10. Following list will tell you about the features which will no longer be available after you upgrade to Windows 10:
Windows Media Center:
Windows Media Center (WMC) no longer exists in Windows 10. So if you have WMC installed in previous Windows version, it'll be removed automatically during upgrade to Windows 10. You can try these free alternatives to WMC in Windows 10.
DVD Playback Functionality:
Windows 10 doesn't support DVD playback natively. So you'll need to install 3rd party software such as Media Player Classic (MPC) or VLC Media Player to enjoy DVD playback. Microsoft will provide a free DVD playback app for existing Windows Media Center users to use in Windows 10.
Desktop Sidebar and Gadgets:
Sidebar and gadgets feature was already removed since the launch of Windows 8, so you'll not see them in Windows 10 as well after upgrade.
Customize Windows Update Settings to Change Update Download Behavior:
Windows 10 Home edition will not allow users to change Windows Update download behavior. The updates will always set to Automatic for download and installation. On the other hand, Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise edition users will be able to change the update download behavior using settings.
Classic Games:
Solitaire, Minesweeper and Hearts Games will be removed during upgrade to Windows 10. You can install the new versions of these games called "Microsoft Solitaire Collection" and "Microsoft Minesweeper" in Windows 10.
USB Floppy Drives:
Windows 10 doesn't support USB floppy drives. If you want to use them in Windows 10, you'll need to download the required drivers from Windows Update or manufacturer website.
OneDrive app in Windows Live Essentials Suite:
If you have Windows Live Essentials suite installed, the OneDrive app will be removed and replaced with the inbox version of OneDrive app during upgrade to Windows 10.
the good bit
Upgrading to Windows 10 from non genuine windows
see here
Free Upgrade to Windows 10 Home:
Following Windows versions will get the free upgrade to Windows 10 Home edition:
- Windows 7 Starter
- Windows 7 Home Basic
- Windows 7 Home Premium
- Windows 8.1 (without Pro)
- Windows 8.1 country specific editions
- Windows 8.1 Single Language
- Windows 8.1 with Bing
Free Upgrade to Windows 10 Pro:
Following Windows versions will get the free upgrade to Windows 10 Pro edition:
- Windows 7 Professional
- Windows 7 Ultimate
- Windows 8.1 Pro
- Windows 8.1 Pro for Students
Free Upgrade to Windows 10 Mobile:
Windows Phone 8.1 devices will get free upgrade to Windows 10 Mobile. It'll also depend upon the OEM (manufacturer company) and mobile operator or carrier whether they release the new Windows 10 firmware for the mobile phone or not.
NOTE: Windows 7 Enterprise, Windows 8/8.1 Enterprise and Windows RT/RT 8.1 do not qualify for the free upgrade offer.
Important Things to Know Before Upgrading to Windows 10
If you decide to upgrade to Windows 10, you should keep following things in mind:
1. Windows 7 users must have SP1 (Service Pack 1) installed in their systems to be able to upgrade to Windows 10 for free via Windows Update.
2. Windows 8 users must update to Windows 8.1 (which is free) to be able to upgrade to Windows 10 for free via Windows Update.
3. You'll have 1 full year after Windows 10 launch on July 29, 2015 to get the benefit of free upgrade offer. After one year the free upgrade offer will end. But if you upgrade your Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 computer within 1 year of Windows 10 launch, you'll be able to use Windows 10 on that computer free for lifetime. The 1 year time period limit has been set for the free upgrade offer. Don't get confused by relating it to Windows 10 license expiry.
4. If you are using a 3rd party antivirus and anti-malware program and decide to upgrade to Windows 10, the setup will first check whether your antivirus and anti-malware subscription is current or not (i.e. whether your antivirus or anti-malware program license is valid or has expired). If the subscription is valid and current, Windows 10 setup will first uninstall the antivirus and anti-malware applications while taking a backup of your settings during upgrade. After upgrading, Windows will install the latest version available of your antivirus and anti-malware programs and will also restore your settings. But if your antivirus and anti-malware programs subscription is not current, Windows 10 upgrade will uninstall the security programs and will enable the built-in Windows Defender application.
5. OEM applications which usually come preinstalled in branded computer systems, may be removed during upgrade.
6. If Windows 10 setup finds some incompatible 3rd party software in your system, it'll ask for your permission to uninstall them. You'll have to accept the removal request to upgrade to Windows 10.
Deprecated Features That No Longer Work After Upgrading to Windows 10
There are a few features which were present in previous Windows versions but have been deprecated in Windows 10. Following list will tell you about the features which will no longer be available after you upgrade to Windows 10:
Windows Media Center:
Windows Media Center (WMC) no longer exists in Windows 10. So if you have WMC installed in previous Windows version, it'll be removed automatically during upgrade to Windows 10. You can try these free alternatives to WMC in Windows 10.
DVD Playback Functionality:
Windows 10 doesn't support DVD playback natively. So you'll need to install 3rd party software such as Media Player Classic (MPC) or VLC Media Player to enjoy DVD playback. Microsoft will provide a free DVD playback app for existing Windows Media Center users to use in Windows 10.
Desktop Sidebar and Gadgets:
Sidebar and gadgets feature was already removed since the launch of Windows 8, so you'll not see them in Windows 10 as well after upgrade.
Customize Windows Update Settings to Change Update Download Behavior:
Windows 10 Home edition will not allow users to change Windows Update download behavior. The updates will always set to Automatic for download and installation. On the other hand, Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise edition users will be able to change the update download behavior using settings.
Classic Games:
Solitaire, Minesweeper and Hearts Games will be removed during upgrade to Windows 10. You can install the new versions of these games called "Microsoft Solitaire Collection" and "Microsoft Minesweeper" in Windows 10.
USB Floppy Drives:
Windows 10 doesn't support USB floppy drives. If you want to use them in Windows 10, you'll need to download the required drivers from Windows Update or manufacturer website.
OneDrive app in Windows Live Essentials Suite:
If you have Windows Live Essentials suite installed, the OneDrive app will be removed and replaced with the inbox version of OneDrive app during upgrade to Windows 10.
the good bit
Upgrading to Windows 10 from non genuine windows
see here
Code:
You don't have permission to view the code content. Log in or register now.
