The new, streamlined Microsoft business model created enormous success for the Windows 10 operating system. Long a first choice for entrepreneurs, Windows now fills screens in millions of office buildings, homes and classrooms around the world. This popularity contributed to public interest in the upgrading process. People wondered whether they could get Windows 10 free of charge, how long beta stages would last, how to get the latest version, and whether all users (including existing Microsoft customers) must first obtain a product key. Questions circulated in public about “digital entitlement“.
Upgrading in The Past
Previously, customers using Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 had to depend on Windows Update in order to reserve a copy of Windows 10. This process often involved delays. It also used extensive bandwidth, making it unpopular with some ISPs. Users couldn’t foresee when it was going to download and weren’t given notice of when it would do. All they could do was wait to be prompted that their free upgrade is ready.
When sudden power outages or heavy Internet traffic compromised the process, customers without stable connections sometimes experienced update failures. They could not do a clean install without the waiting period required to establish digital entitlement. Some users gained access to the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool directly from Microsoft’s site, but this information did not get widespread use because most users weren’t made aware of that option unless they followed popular tech blogs.
A Key Point Concerning the New Update
Some users were cautious about upgrading to Windows 10, putting it off until they are sure it’s safe as they knew that they had a whole year to make up their mind. And while Windows 10 brought a variety of features worth upgrading for, Microsoft recently released its first major Windows 10 update, codenamed “Threshold 2.” This release corrects a large amount of reported issues. It offers numerous new features, too. All of this should convince more users to join the Windows 10 community.
Rather than dwelling on all these changes, two key points deserve close attention: the updates impacted boot time and performance by changing memory management and upgrade process itself has now changed, becoming virtually effortless.
How Updating Works Now
If you haven’t upgraded yet, you have probably avoided a lot of issues that other users had to face a few months ago. Windows 10 now permits a clean install without any need to upgrade first in order to obtain digital entitlement. That is done using your Windows 7, 8 or 8.1 product key. The previous process involved security checks to make sure any upgrades would apply to legitimate copies of Microsoft software, a measure intended to protect all customers.
Today, customers can download Windows 10 without having to reserve a copy. They only have to use Windows Update and they should be prompted with the possibility of downloading Windows 10. They can also use the Media Creation Tool.
It included the Threshold 2 update, but for some reason Microsoft removed it from the installation package. Several weeks later, they brought it back. Thankfully they brought it back to shorten the overall installation of Windows 10. The process has become rather simple as you can download the upgrade and go through a very intuitive installation process.
“Free” Windows 10 Clarified
The expression ”free” Windows 10 generated considerable confusion in some quarters. Today, many online visitors have grown accustomed to free browsers used to navigate across the Web. Even long time computer users sometimes fail to distinguish between a browser and an operating system. The latter represents a far more comprehensive piece of required software.
Microsoft offered Windows 10 as an upgrade to its existing customers using Windows operating systems free for one year since the release date. This generous promotion only applies if someone already uses a previous version of Windows that will support the upgrade.
These customers enjoy the option of a roll-back within 30 days. This process restores the previous Windows operating system on a customer’s computer. Microsoft did not extend the free upgrade to those potential customers who could not take advantage of reliable rollback technology.
The Future
The new Windows 10 received a warm welcome from the public. Microsoft’s new business model contributed to this response. Perhaps for this reason, Windows 10 does not appear likely to grow obsolete any time in the near future.
Indeed, Microsoft has announced plans to keep working on Windows 10. As with other Microsoft products, ongoing improvements will continue to maintain security and promote enhancements. Customers who have already implemented this upgrade want to pay close attention to further improvements. While the prospect of a new operating system obtaining release after Windows 10 excites many people, reliable predictions cannot occur about that subject at this time.
Yet one stark fact emerges: customers using other Microsoft operating systems need to consider that support for many older systems has ended, last being Windows XP. They should use the free upgrade while it’s available or purchase upgrades to the new Windows 10 as soon as possible in order to stay current.
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