Windows 10: look before you leap!

If you are running a genuine version of Windows 7, 8 or 8.1, you are entitled to a free upgrade to Windows 10. In fact, if you are running Windows 7 or 8.1 outside of a corporate network, you should have already been prompted to register for a free Windows 10 upgrade. If not, click the Windows logo on the right-hand side of your taskbar. This will automatically check whether your PC is compatible, and sort out downloading the installation files.

However, not everyone who signs up in this way will see their computer updated straight away, as Windows 10 will be rolled out gradually. (When the upgrade is ready, you will receive a notification.)

Priority IT’s Windows 10 upgrade tips

Before you upgrade, we recommend you do or consider the following:

Backup! Please backup your entire computer using an Image-Based backup solution. This will ensure if it goes wrong, you can return the computer exactly to how it was prior to upgrade.

Check compatibility with your devices. Windows 10 may not be compatible with devices such as older printers or cameras. Windows 10 is designed to be compatible with the vast majority of Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 devices. So if your device works with those operating systems it should be OK. As a further check, visit Microsoft’s compatibility web page.

Check compatibility with your software. The Windows 10 upgrade may delete programs on your computer that are incompatible. Especially programs released prior to Windows 7. If you are unsure or likely to lose something important to you, contact the software company in question.

Don’t rush! The free Windows 10 upgrade is available until 26 July 2016. Our advice is to wait a couple of months to ensure fewer problems. This will allow time for software and hardware vendors to ensure they have the updates necessary for optimum compatibility.