Right, really simple question: As there is only ~4days left... ...would I be stupid to not take advantage of the free upgrade to win10?
I am going to say yes. Windows 7 support will end eventually, and with Win10 model appearing to OS as a Service going forward. Once you have 10 theoretically you'll never have to get another one. I have been running 10 now for about a year and I have not run in to one single issue that I would chalk down to being Win10 over 7
There's less than 4 years left for Windows 7 and still got some time left although Microsoft already stopped adding newer features so you're only left with important updates - it's a good OS but dead end. It's a free upgrade too and I would take it.
I would say yes, but try to research how to keep Win 7 as long as possible before going to Win 10. I'm a firm believer in 'a fresh install or no install'.
Do the upgrade now to take advantage of the free offer, then think about what to do, knowing that you won't have to pay for W10 if you decide it is for you.
It is my understanding that once you have chosen to upgrade, you can grab the Windows 10 product key assigned to your computer and then you will be able to perform a fresh install. Ill be able to confirm this soon Windows 10 upgrade is now 94% complete...
What's the position re: your Win 10 upgrade being locked to your current hardware config? Am I right in thinking that if I were to build a new PC a year down the line, I'd not be able to transfer over my upgrade of Win 10 as it'd be locked to my current setup? Would I be able to go back to my Win 7 (Retail) product key and use that to install 7 on my theoretical new computer, even though I'd upgraded it to 10? Bloody Microsoft, making this entire process about as opaque as it's possible to be.
I've swapped hardware around multiple times. It has not pestered me to use a new key yet. Even so, if it does, you just tell them the story that your motherboard died, and that you had to replace it... job done. That has never failed me thus far in all of 12 years of doing it. Upgrade to Win 10 to get your copy validated, and then go back to 7 if you feel so inclined. It would be silly to not take the offer.
there is no reason to stay on windows 7 - its the same old story as people that wanted to stay on XP even with the launch of windows 7
is that really an issue though ? Apple gives very little choice when it comes to their platform and people rave about how amazing it is instead of saying wait did that just remove a choice for me ?
Pfft. You just remove it from the ISO, full stop. I have software to do it... but I don't see it as an issue for 99.99999% of users. As above, it's hardly an issue.
Perhaps I should start a new thread instead, but I am in a similar situation with a very old Windows Vista secondary laptop (Dell XPS) bought back in 2008. Before the deadline runs out in a couple of days I have seriously considered purchasing Windows 7 in order to take advantage of the Windows 10 upgrade feature. My initial intention is to give the laptop to my sister who studies in Europe after I have installed an OS that does not lose support. I tested yesterday however, the computer with Netflix and YouTube and realized that the videos were not playing smoothly. Framerate was poor on YouTube and Netflix videos suddenly lost complete sync. After speaking to her and mentioning it, we thought it would be smarter to perhaps purchase a completely new laptop with Windows 10 installed. Would installing Windows 7 and then 10 on the Vista laptop make it perform better for watching HD videos or is the computer just too old and weak for it to make a difference? I am thinking as an alternative of maybe keeping it for myself and installing Linux to finally learn how it works. If I decide not to go for Linux but have her rather buy a new laptop with Windows 10, should I still purchase Windows 7 for her separately so that she can choose which performs better? Based on the quotes, it seems you can easily revert back to Windows 7 if having tested Windows 10?
What do you mean? Are you saying that you can buy an OEM version of Win10 and downgrade to Windows 7? Isn't it only the other way around? Had no idea it went both ways if so. Do you suggest I get Windows 10 for the old computer or should I try my luck with Linux for the very first time?
Time for another daft question If I upgrade to 10 and then roll back to 7, is it possible to "re-upgrade" back to 10 after the current window closes? If so, how?
Ah, that makes sense. Will probably give it a go tomorrow then (but will take a full backup of Win 7 first just in case the rollback goes screwy). If there's no issue with upgrading and then rolling back immediately in order to keep the option of using 10 in the future, then it does seem wise to keep options open. One last question: how easy is it to identify your Win 10 product key, or does your Win 7 key activate 10 even after the upgrade period has expired? I know you can get your Product ID from "My Computer" but that's not the same as the product key, is it?