Upgrade to Windows 10

So, you noticed the little Windows 10 Upgrade icon in the bottom right corner of your screen, eh?  Folks have been asking if we should upgrade.  My answer, in short-yes!

For two reasons.  First, the upgrade will keep our workstations running the latest, most secure, feature rich operating system.  Second, it’s free until July 29th, 2016.

I’ve been running Windows 10 on my workstation for 6 months with excellent results and I would suggest we all take advantage of the upgrade offer before time runs out.

Download the Files

The first step is to download the needed files.  Double-click on the Windows 10 icon, or open up Windows Update from the Control Panel (Start -> Control Panel).

Windows 10 Icon
Windows 10 Icon

From there click on the link that reads start your free upgrade now.

Windows 10 Pic 01

Once the download is complete, agree to the upgrade by clicking the Accept button.

Windows 10 Pic 02Windows 10 Pic 03

After Preparing for the upgrade is complete, you will be presented with the final window in the upgrade process.  When you click the Start the upgrade now button, it will being the actual installation and upgrading process and you will not be able to use your computer until it is complete.

Windows 10 Pic 04

Kick off the Installation

Now go for lunch.

Once you click on the last button, the computer will reboot a number of times on it’s own as it works through installing the upgrade.  It will complete the upgrade automatically and will take one to two hours.

Excellent Posts

There is a great post about How to Get the Windows 10 Update with helpful pictures at the Verge.

Techradar also did a nice post about Twenty Smart New and Improved Features in Windows 10.  My favourite new features are the revamped Start Menu and the ability to have Multiple Desktops.