Moving your computer from one version of Microsoft’s Windows operating system to another can be like electing a new President and Congress. Sure, you’re living in the same country, but things are going to be done a bit differently, from now on.
Windows 10, released by Microsoft last July, has been pestering Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users for months with incessant popups about how millions of people have moved to the vastly better Windows 10, and, by golly, everyone else needs to, also. After all, it’s better, it’s “free,” and who doesn’t like free?
In previous columns I have advised a waiting period before making the move to Windows 10, preferring instead that Microsoft “iron out some of the bugs” first, and iron them out they have. Numerous and considerable Windows 10 flaws have been fixed, to the point where most people will have a trouble-free transition to the new operating system.
You will notice I say “most people.” Indeed, “most” people will have no major problems moving to Windows 10, but a not-insignificant minority will have problems. Major software moves in the Microsoft world have always been this way, and probably always will be. Moving to a new operating system is a big deal. The operating system is the most important and powerful piece of software a computer has; it is the foundation upon which the entire computer is built, and if that foundation is shaky, nothing in that computer will be up to par. Even if only five percent of Windows 10 users have problems, if 100 million people install it, that still means 5 million people will have an unhappy experience, and, if the past is any precedent, most of them will call me.
With those disclaimers in mind, I believe most people can go ahead and make the move to Windows 10, as long as they properly prepare their computers beforehand. I like Windows 10; I think it has a bright future. However, there are certain things that need to be done to have the most trouble-free transition possible. Things to be mindful of include:
(1) Windows 10 is free to “qualified” computer users, but there is no hurry to get it installed; you can still get the free version any time before July, 2016. Only Windows 7 (with Service Pack 1 installed) and Windows 8.1 computers are “qualified” to receive the free version; other versions, such as Windows Vista, are not qualified.
(2) Backup your files. Not all software upgrades are trouble free, and you don’t want your files disappearing if you turn out to be among the “problem users” minority.
(3) Create a recovery drive. This tool will allow you to repair Windows should a serious crash occur, and is done using a high-capacity flash drive or a stack of burnable DVDs. Click the Start button and search for “recovery.” Pick “Recovery Drive” and follow the instructions; it’s not difficult.
(4) Make sure you have sufficient hard drive space. Your computer’s hard drive will need at least 16 GB of free space to install Windows 10. Delete programs or move files somewhere else to make room, if you need to.
(5) Ensure your current version of Windows is updated, including optional drivers and updates that “resolve issues.” Go to Control Panel/Windows Updates and tell it to check for updates. Be sure to look in the list of “optional” updates, too.
(6) Not all programs and hardware devices are compatible with Windows 10. Make certain you have copies of program disks and downloads of important programs such as Microsoft Office, QuickBooks, Family Tree Maker, etc., as some programs will need to be reinstalled. The same goes for drivers disks for printers.
(7) If you are a frequent player of old-time Microsoft games like Hearts, FreeCell, Solitaire and Mine Sweeper, be advised that Windows 10 does not include these games. In fact, Windows 10 will uninstall these games if it finds them on a PC during the upgrade process. Don’t ask me why; some bonehead at Microsoft headquarters must have thought it was a good idea. Be prepared to reinstall these programs, as the new versions of these games being offered for sale as “apps” at the Microsoft Store are not the same. Windows Media Center is gone, too, so be prepared.
(8) Be prepared to uninstall your antivirus program before the big change, and to reinstall it when you’re done; it’s my experience this can make for an easier transition.
If all goes well, you will have a perky, well-running computer that should serve you for many years. Some folks report successfully upgrading to Windows 10 without doing any prep work at all. Good for them. Maybe they can help me fix the 5 million Windows 10 computers that weren’t so fortunate.