Issue 25.16
The free upgrade option for users of Windows 7 to go to Windows 10 is rapidly closing. July 28th (one month from now) is the last day you can make the move for no cost (read below for an exception to that). This article is to help you make the decision. If you have Windows 8 or 8.1, I believe you should make the upgrade as soon as possible because 10 is vastly better and easier to work on than 8.
There are basically three choices. The first is to stay with Windows 7. This stable and easy to use OS (Operating System) will be supported by Microsoft until January of 2020 and can be upgraded after the deadline if you want to, but it will cost you after the end of July. The cost will likely be $120 according to my sources. This option is best for those who have older hardware, especially scanners and some printers or cameras that do not work with Windows 10. Some older software is also not compatible such as out of date versions of Photoshop, Quicken or Quickbooks, etc. You can likely find out compatibility by referring to manufacturer’s websites or running the upgrade test from Microsoft before upgrading.
It is also a good option for those who really don’t want to learn a new OS. Many of my customers fall into this category. If this is your concern, I recommend spending a little time in the next week or so trying out Windows 10. The best option to do this is go to a computer store and ask to try it out or use it on a friend’s computer so you can see how it works and if you are comfortable with it. Windows 10 has fixed most of the bugs and works pretty well at this point so you might like it better than you would have a few months ago. If you have decided you definitely do not want Windows 10, there is a small program you can run on your computer to turn off the upgrade so it doesn’t bother you anymore. You can download it at https://www.grc.com/never10.htm. It is very easy to use and simply turns off the upgrade (or you can use it to turn it back on if you like).
Microsoft has also made it possible to use another option which is worth thinking about. You can now allow the upgrade on your computer and then revert back to Windows 7 if you find you don’t like it. You have a couple of weeks that the reversion will work after upgrading but make sure you have sufficient hard drive space and that you do the upgrade, not the clean install or it will not work. After 30 days, the reversion files are wiped.
I no longer think that upgrading is a bad idea. With the exceptions above, you should be able to do it without too much trouble. Microsoft has made improvements. I still don’t like the direction 10 takes us, but it is where we are going whether we like it or not. I have decided to upgrade all my computers to Windows 10 but revert most of them to Windows 7 for the time being. Here’s why.
The final option is to defer the decision to later. It is a little complicated but it is possible. If you upgrade and then revert to Windows 7, that computer is registered on Microsoft’s server as a licensed Windows 10 computer and you can upgrade for that specific computer again anytime in the near future without having to pay for it. You can read the details at this article – http://www.zdnet.com/article/how-to-lock-in-your-free-windows-10-upgrade-and-keep-using-your-old-windows-version/ If you are uncomfortable, consult your computer professional. It is particularly important if you choose to upgrade to make sure you follow the advice I put at the end of all my columns – remember to always have a backup of anything important.
Shaun McCausland has worked in the computer industry for over 33 years, 26 years of it locally with Bits ‘N’ Bytes and Musicomp and currently works as a computer consultant. If you have questions you can reach him at 435-668-7118 or shaun@musicomp.net.