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Upgrading to Windows 10

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With the familiarity of Windows 7 (including a start button), Modern windows store apps, Advances in security deployment (helping to safeguard you against device theft, viruses, phishing) and Windows updates so your operating system is always current with the latest features - there's a lot to look forward to in respect to Windows 10. And then there's the free upgrade. Here's some useful tips to ensure you're ready to upgrade:

Running Windows 8

In order to get the easiest  upgrade to Windows 10 (and for free) you actually need to upgrade now to the latest version of Windows 8 - Windows 8.1 Update, is available free, from the Window Store.

What’s the difference between Windows 8.1 and Windows 8.1 update?

Windows 8.1 Update includes additional features that improve the compatibility of Internet Explorer, extend policy settings for mobile device management and easier deployments across businesses, plus provides more familiar mouse and keyboard options.

Ahem still using unsupported Windows XP, Windows Vista operating systems? 

Upgrade operating system or, if it's the original device the operating system came installed on, upgrade your device.  If you buy a device with Windows 8.1 pre-installed, you'll get a free upgrade to Windows 10!

How do I know if I am using a qualified device?  

The device is qualified if it is running Windows 7, Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 however some requirements apply:

  • Your device must be connected to the internet
  • Your device must have Windows Update enabled (ISP fees may apply)
  • Windows 7 SP1 and Windows 8.1 Updates are required

I was also told that some editions are excluded, such as Windows 7 Enterprise, Windows 8/8.1 Enterprise, and Windows RT/RT 8.1? 

This likely doesn't apply to a small business but Active Software Assurance customers in volume licensing have the benefit to upgrade to Windows 10 enterprise offerings outside of this offer. You can expect more details relating to this to be released in the near future.

I'm already using Windows 8.1?

Then hurrah, you will be able to upgrade for free within a year, as long as you meet the requirements above.  Recommendation today is to upgrade for free to Windows 8.1 update by going to Microsoft store.

Not sure what Operating System your on....

If you don’t know, then you can find out via https://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows/which-operating-system

Hopefully the above will help you prepare your business to welcome the great new features that Windows 10 will introduce. Like to get Windows 10 now? You can give it a try by downloading the Windows 10 Preview from our trials page.

Reserve your Windows 10 Free Upgrade Here

Comments

  • Anonymous
    April 27, 2015
    What about installed versions of Win7/8/8.1 from expired SA or MSDN agreements? Is/will there be a tool for checking eligibility?

  • Anonymous
    April 27, 2015
    Also... sorry to be pedantic... "if its the original device" - its should be "it's", and "Not sure what Operating System your on" - your should be "you're"

  • Anonymous
    June 05, 2015
    This is all fine and dandy, but small business that aren't large enough to have an enterprise agreement, but have 75-100 computers going one at a time seems a bit asinine.

  • Anonymous
    September 27, 2015
    Windows 10 Media Creation Tool created media for Win10 supports upgrading to Windows 10 from Win7RTM/SP1/8.0/8.1/8.1 Update.

  • i.e. unlike the GWX (Get Windows 10) Windows Update method the Win10 created media is more flexible.