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The Agora => UK & World News => Going Geek info => Topic started by: Maik on Wednesday, 21 January, 2015 @ 20:00:44

Title: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Wednesday, 21 January, 2015 @ 20:00:44
Quote
Microsoft has announced that its next operating system will be offered as a free upgrade to owners of devices running Windows 8, Windows 7 and Windows Phone.

The announcement marks a change in strategy to its previous policy of charging for major updates.

The offer, which is limited to the OS's first year of release, may aid its adoption.

Windows 10 brings the same operating system to devices of all sizes, rather than having different ones for PCs/tablets, mobile phones and the firm's Xbox games console.

One of the features highlighted at the presentation was how Cortana - the voice-controlled digital assistant previously limited to Windows Phone handsets - would now work on PCs.
http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-30924022
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Thursday, 22 January, 2015 @ 10:52:29
Different tech websites interpreted Microsoft's pricing announcement in different ways, this is from the official MS website:

Quote
We announced that a free upgrade for Windows 10 will be made available to customers running Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows Phone 8.1 who upgrade in the first year after launch.

This is more than a one-time upgrade: once a Windows device is upgraded to Windows 10, we will continue to keep it current for the supported lifetime of the device – at no cost.
http://blogs.windows.com/bloggingwindows/2015/01/21/the-next-generation-of-windows-windows-10


If it said "we will continue to keep it current for the supported lifetime of Windows 10" I might understand but what is the 'supported lifetime of the device'? And, just in case it's another dud, will it be possible to roll back to previous OS without reformatting and reinstalling?
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: TonyD on Thursday, 22 January, 2015 @ 11:10:22
Quote
... once a Windows device is upgraded to Windows 10, we will continue to keep it current for the supported lifetime of the device – at no cost...

Subtle change indeed. Previous OS'es have been maintained for the lifetime of the Operating System, not the Device.

It's difficult to see how a Device supported platform would work. Would they really be able to code updates based on individual devices? My own laptop has 12 model variants, for instance.

I've not seen any reference to the previous MS statements that they would be changing their pricing/purchase model for the new release of W10. Most commentators suggested a rolling monthly/yearly subscription. Although the "continue to keep it current...at no cost" now suggests otherwise.

Reading between the lines, perhaps W10 (as opposed to "Device") will live on in fully supported perpituity?

How does any of this help XP users (as of Dec 2014, they still outnumbered W8 users) or help MS to retain them as Windows customers?
Might it have made sense to offer those users the W10 upgrade route?

All in all. Clear as mud.
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Wednesday, 18 March, 2015 @ 18:40:42
Follow-up to this and the Replacement Windows (http://goinggreek.info/index.php?topic=1292.msg6452) topic:

Quote
In a separate interview, Meyerson told Reuters that the company plans to deliver free Windows 10 upgrades to all customers, even those running pirated versions of Windows. "We are upgrading all qualified PCs, genuine and non-genuine, to Windows 10," Meyerson told Reuters.

A Microsoft spokesperson confirmed via email that the plan to allow free upgrades for non-genuine copies of Windows applies to all markets and is not limited to China.
http://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-10-to-launch-this-summer-with-free-upgrades-for-pirated-copies/

I'm not totally clear on this but I read it that if you're using a genuine copy of XP or Vista you won't be eligible for a free upgrade but if you're using a pirate copy of Windows 7 (or 8.1) you will.

Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: TonyD on Wednesday, 18 March, 2015 @ 20:21:56
I'm interpreting that statement the same way...

Seems an XP or Vista user would have two options, but both starting with obtaining an "unauthorised" copy of Win7 or Win8

1) Backup XP or Vista data using MS Easy Transfer (Win7 version) to a USB, DVD or other autonomous device; Install pirated Windows; Update to free WinX; Restore users/data with MS Easy Transfer - however, you'd need to find and reinstall all software to use your data.

2) Create an Image of your XP or Vista (various tools available - VMWare Converter, SysInternals Disk2VHD); Install pirated Windows; Update to free WinX; Install VMWare Player, or Oracle VirtualBox etc; Load your XP or Vista image into the new Virtual Machine (VM) and all data and programs immediately available to run

I already use VirtualBox and have DOS6.22, Win95, WinNT4, Win98.....all the way through to Vista running inside Windows 7 - so I can emulate all the various combinations when dealing with user problems

(yes, I support a DOS6.22 user who logs turnstile clicks at a stadium via an RS232 interface - I installed it in '87)

Either way, there doesn't to be a downside to the WindowsX upgrade, does there? Until MS introduces a monthly/yearly subscription for continuing updates, a few years down the line (just my theory)
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Wednesday, 18 March, 2015 @ 20:36:25
a DOS6.22 user who logs turnstile clicks at a stadium via an RS232 interface

No doubt still doing want he wants it to do.


Until MS introduces a monthly/yearly subscription for continuing updates, a few years down the line (just my theory)

Well...

Quote
Windows 10 is designed to support continuous, rolling updates
http://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-10-to-launch-this-summer-with-free-upgrades-for-pirated-copies/

and MS is going down the yearly subs route with Office 365 Home (http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msuk/en_GB/pdp/Office-365-Home/productID.286445200), so I was wondering the same thing.
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: TonyKath on Thursday, 19 March, 2015 @ 19:47:11
RS232... those were the days! 

Microsoft - an annual/monthly charge - surely not! ;)

Unless they guarantee the pricing model who will sign up??

Tony
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: BeeTee on Monday, 06 April, 2015 @ 20:54:52
Windows 10 downloader for Windows 7 and 8.1 arrives in an update

Quote
In a recent update for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1, Microsoft has silently installed Windows 10 downloader which signifies the company is getting prepared to welcome its next big OS – Windows 10. Microsoft released an optional update which states “enables additional capabilities for Windows Update notifications when new updates are available to the user”.

http://news.thewindowsclub.com/windows-10-downloader-windows-7-8-1-arrives-update-76339/
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Saturday, 11 April, 2015 @ 14:44:33
'Fraid I don't always understand (or, er, care) WTF MS are talking about. First noticed this with Windows 8 and Metro - whatever that was.

Quote
And then it was Windows 8-style. And then it was Modern. And then it was Windows Store. And then it was Universal. And today, Microsoft has decreed that henceforth these apps—which are all ultimately based on Windows Runtime—will be known as Windows apps.

Historically, of course, "Windows apps" (or "Windows programs") referred to standard, Win32-based executables that ran on the Windows desktop. Under the new naming scheme, these Win32 apps will now be called Windows desktop applications.
http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/03/dont-call-them-metro-microsoft-rebrands-universal-apps-as-windows-apps/

Then there was the who-gets-Windows-10-for-free-and-for-how-long mystery.

All as clear to me as the sales waffle from some dodgy geezer on the doorstep trying to flog replacement windows, “enables additional capabilities for Windows Update notifications when new updates are available to the user” had me baffled. But, according to The Register, what it means is:

Quote
Microsoft uses Windows Update to force Windows 10 ads onto older PCs
'Recommended update' turns Windows 7, 8 into new OS plug
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/04/09/microsofts_mystery_update_will_push_windows_10_onto_window_7_8_machines/

Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Jolly Roger on Saturday, 11 April, 2015 @ 22:32:36
'Fraid I don't always understand (or, er, care) WTF MS are talking about. First noticed this with Windows 8 and Metro - whatever that was.

Quote
And then it was Windows 8-style. And then it was Modern. And then it was Windows Store. And then it was Universal. And today, Microsoft has decreed that henceforth these apps—which are all ultimately based on Windows Runtime—will be known as Windows apps.

Historically, of course, "Windows apps" (or "Windows programs") referred to standard, Win32-based executables that ran on the Windows desktop. Under the new naming scheme, these Win32 apps will now be called Windows desktop applications.
http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/03/dont-call-them-metro-microsoft-rebrands-universal-apps-as-windows-apps/

Then there was the who-gets-Windows-10-for-free-and-for-how-long mystery.

All as clear to me as the sales waffle from some dodgy geezer on the doorstep trying to flog replacement windows, “enables additional capabilities for Windows Update notifications when new updates are available to the user” had me baffled. But, according to The Register, what it means is:

Quote
Microsoft uses Windows Update to force Windows 10 ads onto older PCs
'Recommended update' turns Windows 7, 8 into new OS plug
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/04/09/microsofts_mystery_update_will_push_windows_10_onto_window_7_8_machines/

I have updates set so that I can choose if and when they are installed. Maybe worth looking out for KB 3035583 and giving it a miss?
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Friday, 17 April, 2015 @ 18:47:13
Looks as though there have previously been several updates to prepare people's PCs for Windows 10, it should be possible to remove them but may seem a bit fiddly: How to remove Windows 10 upgrade updates in Windows 7 and 8 (http://www.ghacks.net/2015/04/17/how-to-remove-windows-10-upgrade-updates-in-windows-7-and-8/).

Certainly looks like MS are keen to get everyone on to Windows 10 but I can't see them planting anything too pushy on peeps' PCs or there'll be an uproar.

Edit: typo
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Thursday, 23 April, 2015 @ 19:34:07
Quote
Microsoft takes security to a new level with Device Guard

Microsoft announced a new feature called Device Guard that prevents unauthorized or malicious code from executing on a Windows system.

Malware and exploits have a distinct advantage: they always get the first move. Traditional antimalware and security tools are reactive and based on detecting and blocking known threats. A threat can't be known, however, until it exists and affects something or someone first. It's a poor model for defense. Microsoft proposes to change that with Device Guard.

There are already controls in place within Windows that make determinations about whether or not an application can be trusted and should be allowed to execute. The Achilles heel of that approach is that some rootkits and exploits are capable of compromising Windows at the kernel level--below where those decisions are made. That means the malware itself can alter, override, or circumvent those decisions and execute anyway.

Device Guard takes the protection to a new level. It uses technology embedded at the hardware level, combined with virtualization, to separate the decision-making process from the Windows operating system.
http://www.techrepublic.com/article/microsoft-takes-security-to-a-new-level-with-device-guard


Quote
Windows 10 Device Guard: Microsoft's effort to keep malware off PCs
You'll need a machine with the right IOMMU tech

The details are a little vague... but from what we can tell, Device Guard wraps an extra layer of defense around the operating system to prevent malware from permanently compromising a PC.

Device Guard, when enabled by an administrator, checks to see if each and every application is cryptographically signed by Microsoft as a trusted binary before it is allowed to run. Device Guard itself runs in its own pocket of memory with its own minimal instance of Windows, and is protected from the rest of the system by the IOMMU features in the PC's processor and motherboard chipset.

There is, of course, a catch. To get Device Guard working, a supported IOMMU setup must be present in the PC or device. However, AMD and Intel processors, and even certain ARM and MIPS cores, have had IOMMU protection mechanisms built-in for a while now.

When Windows 10 comes out this summer, computer giants such as HP, Lenovo, Acer, and Toshiba, will tout their hardware as Device Guard-capable or Device Guard-ready.

Device Guard-ready systems will have the required IOMMU hardware present, kernel drivers optimized for Device Guard installed, and the security feature enabled. Device Guard-capable devices will have just the IOMMU hardware present, leaving the driver installation and configuration up to the user.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/04/23/microsoft_windows_10_device_guard


Could be a big step forward against malware, could also be that MS is trying to tie users into the MS Store for signed software.

Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: TonyKath on Friday, 24 April, 2015 @ 18:31:19
There would have to be user created whitelist of software otherwise it would get really annoying at best and at worst unusable.

Tony
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Saturday, 25 April, 2015 @ 03:25:26
Quote
Dustin Ingalls, Microsoft's group program manager for operating system security, told The Register... Device Guard will approve trusted universal apps on Windows 10 desktops, tablets and phones. Applications available from the Windows Store will be signed off and ready to run via Device Guard. Enterprises with legacy apps can send hashes of the executables to Redmond to be signed within minutes, we're told.

"When apps are submitted to the Store, those apps go through vetting and all kinds of checks," Ingalls said.

"But if an enterprise is saying 'Hey, sign this for me,' it will be done with a key that only works for that company. If that enterprise wants to sign bad stuff, they are entitled to do that – we're not trying to say we'll only sign this or that. All we're doing is trying to make it easy for you to get an app signed so the new defenses will allow this piece of software to run."
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/04/23/microsoft_windows_10_device_guard/


Not sure MS will be willing/able to do that for SOHO (Small Office / Home) users, if users can whitelist software then all manner of 'great little freebies' will be running on their PC  :iroll:
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: TonyD on Saturday, 25 April, 2015 @ 10:18:28
Agreed. The little information so far doesn't sound good. I use several "legacy" programs, some dating back to DOS. Wonder if MS will whitelist those for me? No, me neither.

So far, looks as if MS want to consider WinX a starting point for program releases, as opposed to all previous Win releases that one way or another  supported legacy software (compatability mode and VM)
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Saturday, 09 May, 2015 @ 08:44:35
Quote
Microsoft to stop producing Windows versions

Windows 10 is going to be the last major revision of the operating system.

Jerry Nixon, a Microsoft development executive, said in a conference speech this week that Windows 10 would be the "last version" of the dominant desktop software.

His comments were echoed by Microsoft which said it would update Windows in future in an "ongoing manner".

Instead of new stand-alone versions, Windows 10 would be improved in regular instalments, the firm said.

In a statement, Microsoft said Mr Nixon's comments reflected a change in the way that it made its software.

"Windows will be delivered as a service bringing new innovations and updates in an ongoing manner," it said, adding that it expected there to be a "long future" for Windows.
http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-32658340
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: TonyKath on Sunday, 10 May, 2015 @ 14:17:48
I guess it depends on how frequent the updates are and even more how much they charge us.  I know there are other OSs around but many of worry that we have software that might not run on e.g. Linux. 

Tony
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: BeeTee on Sunday, 10 May, 2015 @ 14:26:49
I guess it depends on how frequent the updates are and even more how much they charge us.  I know there are other OSs around but many of worry that we have software that might not run on e.g. Linux. 

Tony

This might be worth a read.

 http://news.thewindowsclub.com/windows-10-without-patch-tuesdays-mean-users-78245/

It seems that Microsoft will do away with the Patch Tuesdays.
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: TonyKath on Sunday, 10 May, 2015 @ 14:48:16
Thanks BeeTee - looks like it will be Patch Anytime!

Tony
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: U4ea on Sunday, 10 May, 2015 @ 15:15:11
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1z3nzjNbra4

Sorry! Couldn't resist it. ;)
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Sunday, 10 May, 2015 @ 15:36:28
we have software that might not run on e.g. Linux.

Windows programs won't run on Linux, well, not unless you use Wine (https://www.winehq.org/about/).

Usually there's - free - alternatives for Linux, e.g. LibreOffice instead of MS Office, though if you're accustomed to how e.g. Photoshop works then The Gimp may seem strange and inferior (until you get accustomed to it).

I'm thinking Windows 10 may have to be bl**dy amazing to tempt away users of Windows 7.
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: expat on Sunday, 10 May, 2015 @ 18:54:00
I have windows 8.1, it is fast but I do not like it! I thought that win 7 was better, I will upgrade to 10, if that is no better then I will revert to Linux and never ever touch windows again, full stop, I have had enough of windows continual updates.
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: TonyKath on Sunday, 10 May, 2015 @ 20:04:40
Quote
Wine (originally an acronym for "Wine Is Not an Emulator") is a compatibility layer capable of running Windows applications on several POSIX-compliant operating systems, such as Linux, Mac OSX, & BSD. Instead of simulating internal Windows logic like a virtual machine or emulator, Wine translates Windows API calls into POSIX calls on-the-fly, eliminating the performance and memory penalties of other methods and allowing you to cleanly integrate Windows applications into your desktop.

https://www.winehq.org/about/ (https://www.winehq.org/about/)

So that decides it then!   :blink:   (Actually it just about makes sense.)

Tony
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Sunday, 10 May, 2015 @ 23:08:58
Actually it just about makes sense.

It does?? :dunno:

Well, it seems to work, anyway :yiamas:
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Sunday, 10 May, 2015 @ 23:53:01
'Fraid my interest in and knowledge of Windows 10 is a little lacking but just had a thought after re-reading the link BeeTee posted.

MS want Windows 7 and 8.1 users to upgrade to Windows 10, even offering a free upgrade. If you've got W7 SP1 then, although mainstream support ended 13 Jan this year, you'll get free updates until January 2020. W8.1 users will get extended support until January, 2023. But what happens if those users take the free upgrade? Assuming Windows 10 is to be a rolling release with yearly subs, will they, before their purchased product reaches EOL, be expected to pay yearly subs to continue getting updates?

Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Saturday, 16 May, 2015 @ 13:44:21
Extract from the latest news on the free upgrade:

Quote
I thought I would provide answers to some questions we’ve received regarding how this will work for Genuine vs. Non-Genuine Windows.

With Windows 10, we have extended an offer to our Genuine Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 customers to upgrade to Windows 10 for free. Once a customer upgrades, they will continue to receive ongoing Windows innovation and security updates for free, for the supported lifetime of that device.

When we can’t verify that Windows is properly installed, licensed, and not tampered with, we create a desktop watermark to notify the user. If you ever encounter this watermark on a new machine, I encourage you to return the device immediately to the retailer from whom you purchased it and request a Genuine Windows device. Non-Genuine Windows has a high risk of malware, fraud, public exposure of your personal information, and a higher risk for poor performance or feature malfunctions. Non-Genuine Windows is not supported by Microsoft or a trusted partner.
http://blogs.windows.com/bloggingwindows/2015/05/15/genuine-windows-and-windows-10/

So, *looks* like users of pirated versions of Windows won't be eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 10.

I'm still puzzled by "the supported lifetime of that device".
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: BeeTee on Monday, 01 June, 2015 @ 09:49:31
Any one else get this?

I turned on laptop this morning and noticed in the notification area (bottom right) here is a new item. Hover over it and it say 'Get Windows 10'.

 Right click on it and it says

 'Reserve your free upgrade'
 'Go to Windows Update'
' Get to Know Windows 10'
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: BeeTee on Monday, 01 June, 2015 @ 10:05:51
Any one else get this?

I turned on laptop this morning and noticed in the notification area (bottom right) here is a new item. Hover over it and it say 'Get Windows 10'.

 Right click on it and it says

 'Reserve your free upgrade'
 'Go to Windows Update'
' Get to Know Windows 10'

Just tried the "Get to Know Windows 10" option and get

"We are sorry, the page you requested cannot be found"
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Monday, 01 June, 2015 @ 13:24:55
Running on Linux so free of the Windows 10 promo stuff but, while reading about it online, I've found some links to the MS website which, when followed, came up with 'page not found'. Hey ho!
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: expat on Monday, 01 June, 2015 @ 14:07:00
The windows 10 offer has just appeared on my windows 7, if I click it, it gives me the option to reserve win10 download, 3gig. cant check my win8.1 laptop until tomorrow, I would imagine its the same. I shall wait, rumours abound that Microsoft will charge for updates after a year, plus for some uses you have to use a Microsoft account, don't like the thought of that, bad enough google watching me, without Microsoft doing the same. I would imagine my tinfoil hat will block most attempts, we shall see.
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Monday, 01 June, 2015 @ 14:38:06
I was tinkering with the thought of trying the Windows 10 preview version but having to register for a MS account decided me Linux works OK for me.

We now have a release date:

Quote
Update: It's official: Windows 10 is coming on July 29 as a free upgrade to Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users (for one year). Microsoft's latest OS will be available to pre-order in the coming weeks when it launches in 190 different markets around the world.
http://www.techradar.com/news/software/operating-systems/windows-10-release-date-price-news-and-features-1029245

Available for pre-order at $149.99 for Professional, $109.99 for Home version (both OEM) on newegg.com (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100006587%2050001149%2040000368&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&ActiveSearchResult=True&hisInDesc=10&SrchInDesc=10&Page=1&PageSize=30).


Edit: How to block Windows 10 Upgrade notifications in earlier versions of Windows (http://www.ghacks.net/2015/06/01/how-to-block-the-windows-10-update-notification-in-earlier-versions-of-windows/) (at own risk)
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: TonyKath on Monday, 01 June, 2015 @ 19:37:22
They're closing on us!  Tinfoil might not be enough...  :blink:

Tony
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: TonyD on Tuesday, 02 June, 2015 @ 11:47:53
XP still meeting my needs.

As I'll be heard saying to my dying day, just how much time do you spend using Windows, as opposed to the programs you've installed?

I might be tempted to download WinX though.
Just to see how well XP runs in a virtual machine.

Appy days ;-)
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Tuesday, 02 June, 2015 @ 14:57:31
As I'll be heard saying to my dying day, just how much time do you spend using Windows, as opposed to the programs you've installed?

Quite agree. If you can use gmail, Facebook and VLC Player on Windows you can use them just as easily on Linux. That said, Linux won't suit everyone so, before anyone rushes off to download the latest great freebie... Windows 10: what you need to know before you upgrade (http://www.ghacks.net/2015/06/02/windows-10-what-you-need-to-know-before-you-upgrade/)

Even if I was using Windows 8.1 I'd leave it a while before up(?)grading to Windows 10... just not totally certain it's 100% ready. JMO.
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Tuesday, 02 June, 2015 @ 15:07:42
Bit more before anyone makes the change:

Quote
Microsoft explains what you’ll lose by upgrading to Windows 10
Say goodbye to Windows Media Center and control over your updates

More annoyingly, perhaps, Microsoft has also changed how updates will work with Windows 10. Although the Pro and Enterprise editions will both be able to defer updates, Windows 10 Home users will not have the option. Updates will instead be downloaded and installed automatically as soon as they're available.
http://www.theverge.com/2015/6/1/8696949/windows-10-feature-loss

Been quite a few problems with duff Windows Updates recently, taking away the option when/if to install them might not be universally popular.
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Monday, 29 June, 2015 @ 14:31:29
Quote
Windows 10 is due in one month: Will it be ready?
It's do-or-die for Microsoft's new operating system on 29 July
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/06/29/windows_10_is_due_in_one_month_will_it_be_ready/
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: U4ea on Monday, 29 June, 2015 @ 15:18:39
I spoke last week to the guy who built my desktop PC. he's one of the beta testers for Windows 10 and is very impressed with it.

It's run every programme he's tried on it without having to mess around with downloading new drivers etc.
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: TonyD on Monday, 29 June, 2015 @ 16:45:59
"Every programme".... mmmmm ;-)

Can you ask him how it handles a 1983 copy of Supercalc with an Epson dot matrix printer and a 300 baud RS232 acoustic coupler?

Or the PSION database suite

Only kidding. But I'm not sure what problem Windows(10) is supposed to be addressing.
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Wednesday, 29 July, 2015 @ 08:35:03
Quote
Windows 10 launch: Microsoft releases new operating system
Windows has started rolling out Windows 10 to customers around the world, but not everyone who has pre-registered will get the upgrade today
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/microsoft/windows/11767674/Windows-10-launch-Microsoft-releases-new-operating-system.html
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: TonyKath on Wednesday, 29 July, 2015 @ 20:10:49
If anyone here tries it let us know!

 :hmm:

Tony
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Friday, 31 July, 2015 @ 13:52:30
Quote
Windows 10 and Privacy
http://www.ghacks.net/2015/07/30/windows-10-and-privacy
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Saturday, 01 August, 2015 @ 23:33:00
Quote
Windows 10 Is Spying On You: Here’s How To Stop It

Windows 10‘s privacy settings very much need to be frowned at. Essentially: unless you pay close attention to the fluffy options offered when you first install Microsoft’s new operating system, it’s going to quietly track your behaviour and use it to fire targeted ads at you, as well as keeping tabs on your location history, data from messages, calendars, contacts and God knows what else.

Importantly, you can opt out of what seems to be all this stuff (time will tell) either during installation or afterwards, though Microsoft swaddle it in a combination of dissembling “hey, this stuff’ll really help you get the information you want’ fluff and 45 pages of service agreement documents.
http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2015/07/30/windows-10-privacy-settings/

Via (http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/windows-10-spying-how-to-opt-out-of-microsofts-intrusive-terms-of-use-10432300.html)


 :hmm: Got a feeling I might pass on Windows 10
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: TonyKath on Sunday, 02 August, 2015 @ 14:25:57
Extremely scary and potentially worse than Google.  Both articles are essential reading. 

 :rant:

Tony
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Sunday, 02 August, 2015 @ 21:27:12
Quote
Windows 10: You might be wise to wait before upgrading

Windows 10 was released this week, to much fanfare.

Some people love it, and say that it's a great upgrade to the operating system. Microsoft itself is trumpeting that more than 14 million computer users were running Windows 10 within 24 hours of its release.

But I think it might be wise for many computer users to wait before upgrading.
https://grahamcluley.com/2015/07/windows-10-wise-wait-upgrading/
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Thursday, 06 August, 2015 @ 17:46:28
Quote
Windows 10 is free, but makes you pay to use its DVD player
Microsoft's official DVD player app costs £11.59 as software does not play DVDs as standard

Alternatively, one can use one of the several excellent free DVD players, such as VLC (http://www.videolan.org/vlc/releases/1.1.10.html).
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/microsoft/windows/11787329/Windows-10-is-free-but-it-makes-you-pay-to-use-its-DVD-player.html


Quote
Windows 10: Microsoft charges $15 to watch DVDs on new operating system
But users probably don’t want to use the company’s app anyway

The newly-released operating system doesn’t let its users play DVDs out of the box. Instead, Microsoft recommends that they buy its official DVD player from the Windows app store, spending $15 or £11.59 to do so.

But many have warned that the app isn’t much good and that users should take advantage of the many free options that are at their disposal. VLC media player is the usual choice — as well as being free and offering the same DVD capabilities, it also offers many more playback options and will play almost every kind of video.
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/windows-10-microsoft-charges-15-to-watch-dvds-on-new-operating-system-10442460.html


Quote
Windows 10: Now you have to pay to play Solitaire
Gamers are not impressed after discovering that they now 'have to pay to be alone'
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/11774939/Windows-10-Now-you-have-to-pay-to-play-Solitaire.html
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Thursday, 06 August, 2015 @ 18:14:13
Article on ghacks.net (http://www.ghacks.net/2015/08/05/want-dvd-playback-on-windows-10-that-will-be-14-99-thanks/) reckons some users will get the new DVD player f.o.c. but that it isn't as good as free alternatives such as VLC Player.
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Friday, 07 August, 2015 @ 12:51:07
Quote
Windows 10 wipes your child safety settings if you upgrade from 7 or 8

That means any existing age-related website controls, app and game restrictions, PC time limits, plus your ability to view recent activity, won’t work on Windows 10.

Adults must now create a completely new set of family settings through a long-winded procedure in Windows 10 that requires the child’s participation.

Microsoft had explained the new controls, here (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows-10/set-up-family-after-upgrade), but the details will be lost on many millions following Microsoft’s advice to run Windows 10 on existing PCs.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/08/05/windows_10_wipes_child_safety_settings_upgrade/
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Wednesday, 12 August, 2015 @ 10:31:17
Quote
One of the first major updates to Windows 10 has completely broken the computers of those who have installed it.

The update, codenamed KB3081424, is referred to as a “cumulative update” — intended to collect up a range of bug and security fixes and push them out in one go.

But for many users it is freezing their computers, forcing them into a loop that sees them try to restart, give up and shut off, before trying to reboot all over again. When the update fails to install, it tries to start all over again.
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/windows-10-microsoft-update-breaks-computers-and-forces-them-to-keep-rebooting-10449790.html
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Jolly Roger on Friday, 21 August, 2015 @ 14:15:01
Quote
Some may choose to wait and hear what friends and family have to say about Windows 10 before taking the plunge. However, with the ongoing investment in this version of the platform from both Microsoft and the millions of Insiders who will continue to provide feedback after launch, Windows 10 may prove to be not only the last but also the best version of Windows.

All the features explored in this article.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/microsoft/windows/11768202/Windows-10-preview.html



Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: TonyKath on Friday, 21 August, 2015 @ 16:11:47
Thanks Roger.  This is obviously a much more positive view of what's on offer.

Tony
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: TonyD on Saturday, 22 August, 2015 @ 00:54:46
That Telegraph (p)review, printed on 28th July, must have been on a Win10 Preview installation, rather than the full Release Candidate that came on 29th

I've got WinX running on two PCs at the moment - one installed as an upgrade, the other as a clean install - and have only positive findings.

How about a 30 second startup, instead of nigh on 5 minutes?
Or that all my Win7 programs made it through the in-place upgrade?

There's good news in the feature that let's you revert fully, back to your original Win7 or Win8, within 30 days of the upgrade. How can you not upgrade?

The really good news for those that need to upgrade an older OS (NT, ME, 2000, XP, Vista) is that it appears the install key generated by the Update can be used for installs on other PCs (I used Jelly Bean and the revealed key to install X on an old XP PC - it worked!)

Have seen a couple of upgrade problems (or rather, I got called about...)
The Upgrade locks up with a message "working on it" - for hours if you leave it.
Fix is shutdown/restart PC and use Computer/Properties/Windows Update to kick-start the upgrade
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Jolly Roger on Sunday, 23 August, 2015 @ 19:01:15
Sorry to report that my upgrade from W7 did not go very well. After about four hours, it was up to 86% installed. Then for the next hour, it didn't change. So I decided it wasn't going any further and I pulled the plug! Then I had to do a system restore to get back to W7. I may try again, but will make sure I have backed everything up first.
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Thursday, 27 August, 2015 @ 12:00:52
Quote
Windows 10 automatically sends parents detailed dossier of their children's internet history and computer use
The feature, which is enabled by default during upgrading, could put children at risk as well as being a huge potential cause for embarrassment
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/windows-10-automatically-sends-parents-detailed-dossier-of-their-childrens-internet-history-and-computer-use-10472226.html
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Jolly Roger on Sunday, 30 August, 2015 @ 10:03:35
I successfully upgraded to W10 on my second attempt. All my programs seemed to transfer without any problems. However, it would not allow me access to my Pictures and Videos files. I eventually sorted this and then found that the Video file was empty and the Pictures file had some pictures, but all those filed under each month for the last 10 years were missing. Ok, I had backed up all except this year, which I didn't have room for, on my external drive.
Another thing I didn't like was having to put in passwords all the time. I could have sorted that given time, but in the end I had to restore to W7. I will stick with something I am familiar with, at least until the winter when I have more time!
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Bryan-in-Kilkis on Sunday, 30 August, 2015 @ 13:38:18
When you restored to Windows 7, Roger, was everything as before, or did that create issues (in other words, if you had a particular "theme" on Win7, did you have that after you restored, did all your programs work etc?)  I am extremely hesitant about upgrading, mainly because it would affect my work methods if things went wrong/awry/slightly off!!
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Jolly Roger on Sunday, 30 August, 2015 @ 19:54:17
When you restored to Windows 7, Roger, was everything as before, or did that create issues (in other words, if you had a particular "theme" on Win7, did you have that after you restored, did all your programs work etc?)  I am extremely hesitant about upgrading, mainly because it would affect my work methods if things went wrong/awry/slightly off!!

One big issue when I went back to 7 was that all my emails had gone from Windows Live Mail! This included all the Storage folders as well, so was a bit of a disaster. I now have restored the Storage folders, but have still lost all my Inbox items and Sent items.
Otherwise, all programs and files are back as before. I advise having a backup of everything before upgrading (or going back).
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Bryan-in-Kilkis on Sunday, 30 August, 2015 @ 20:09:49
Thanks for that, Roger - the more I read, the more I think I'll stick with Windows 7...!!  Ideally, I'd like to go over to Ubuntu for good, but I use too many programs for my work that just won't work on that platform.  To be brutally honest, I wish I lived in the 1600s!!!  Now, where's that quill???   :lol:
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: TonyD on Sunday, 30 August, 2015 @ 22:05:53
Roger, did you Restore to Win7 via Win 10's "Programs, Uninstall, Win10" option?
or some other method?
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Jolly Roger on Monday, 31 August, 2015 @ 09:06:31
Roger, did you Restore to Win7 via Win 10's "Programs, Uninstall, Win10" option?
or some other method?

I can't remember the exact route to reinstall W7 Tony, but it was via the approved MS method and not a System Restore. It was actually very quick compared with the time taken to install W10.
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Monday, 14 September, 2015 @ 15:58:16
Quote
Microsoft is downloading Windows 10 to your machine 'just in case'

MICROSOFT HAS CONFIRMED that Windows 10 is being downloaded to computers whether or not users have opted in.

An INQUIRER reader pointed out to us that, despite not having 'reserved' a copy of Windows 10, he had found that the ~BT folder, which has been the home of images of the new operating system since before rollout began, had appeared on his system. He had no plans to upgrade and had not put in a reservation request.

He told us: "The symptoms are repeated failed 'Upgrade to Windows 10' in the WU update history and a huge 3.5GB to 6GB hidden folder labelled '$Windows.~BT'. I thought Microsoft [said] this 'upgrade' was optional. If so, why is it being pushed out to so many computers where it wasn't reserved, and why does it try to install over and over again?

Microsoft told us: "For individuals who have chosen to receive automatic updates through Windows Update, we help upgradable devices get ready for Windows 10 by downloading the files they’ll need if they decide to upgrade.

"When the upgrade is ready, the customer will be prompted to install Windows 10 on the device.”

In other words, if you are patching via Patch Tuesday, as you should of course be, then you are going to get a big hefty folder on your hard drive ready so you can update to Windows 10 on demand.
http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2425381/microsoft-is-downloading-windows-10-to-your-machine-just-in-case
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: TonyKath on Tuesday, 15 September, 2015 @ 15:28:04
Thanks Roger - sounds pretty grim.  Don't think I'll bother. 

And don't like the idea of getting the download without requesting it. 

Tony
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Friday, 16 October, 2015 @ 11:22:05
Quote
Windows users report Windows 10 upgrades are enforced on their systems

Reports are coming in that Windows 10 upgrades seem to be enforced on some systems without users explicitly giving permissions beforehand to download and install the upgrade to Microsoft's newest operating system.

Two new types of Windows 10 upgrade messages appeared lately on systems running previous versions of Windows.
http://www.ghacks.net/2015/10/15/windows-users-report-windows-10-upgrades-are-enforced-on-their-systems/


Article on arstechnica.com (http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/10/windows-10-upgrade-installing-automatically-on-some-windows-7-8-systems/) reckons it could be due to a pre-ticked 'optional extra'.

Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Friday, 16 October, 2015 @ 14:26:29
(http://goinggreek.info/gallery/1_16_10_15_2_25_24.jpeg)
http://thehackernews.com/2015/10/windows-10-upgrade.html
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Saturday, 17 October, 2015 @ 19:05:05
For anyone who's getting pestered by the 'optional' Windows 10 upgrade there's a freebie that might be worth investigating further:

Quote
GWX Control Panel (previously named GWX Stopper) is a free program that you can use to configure and exit the “Get Windows 10” system tray application which continually pops up on PCs that are still running Windows 7 and Windows 8. GWX Control Panel really works, is safe and easy to use, and gives you the option to re-enable the icon and upgrade notifications if you're ever ready to move forward with Windows 10.
http://www.neowin.net/news/gwx-control-panel-11


From what I've read it's safe and effective. More info, and download, available at the creator's website: ultimateoutsider.com (http://blog.ultimateoutsider.com/2015/08/using-gwx-stopper-to-permanently-remove.html)
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Saturday, 24 October, 2015 @ 09:52:30
Quote
WINDOWS 10 will get a significant update within weeks, according to reports. The Windows 10 Fall Update, codenamed Threshold 2, is planned for the first week in November, and will contain many of the enhancements already seen in builds from the Windows Insider programme.

These include many that were originally slated for the July release but for one reason or another were delayed.

This will instantly be the de-facto Windows 10. The shift to the software-as-a-service model adopted for the latest OS means that anyone upgrading to Windows 10 will get this new version of Windows.

There would have been an out-of-the-box version on disk in the old days, and this update would have been considered a 'service pack'. Now, however, Threshold 2 will become Windows 10 and all other versions will cease to exist.

Furthermore, if you are already on Windows 10 you won't have to do anything. The controversial move to silent updates means that one morning you'll wake up and there it is.
http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2431779/microsoft-will-release-first-major-windows-10-update-in-early-november
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Friday, 30 October, 2015 @ 13:28:39
Quote
Beware, Microsoft plans to push Windows 10 on even more Windows 7 and 8 systems

Microsoft wants computer systems that run Windows 7 or 8 to be upgraded to Windows 10, there is no doubt about that.

Windows 7 and 8 users who want to upgrade can do so easily, but those who don't, fight an seemingly endless battle against Windows 10 upgrade patches that prepares their systems for the upgrade.

Microsoft plans to deliver Windows 10 as an optional update soon in order to make it easier for users to find it.

Optional updates are not installed by default but listed in Windows Update alongside recommended and important updates.

Then early next year, it plans to re-categorize Windows 10 as a recommended update which is a significant change as it will initiate the upgrade process automatically on systems configured to install recommended updates automatically just like important updates.
http://www.ghacks.net/2015/10/30/beware-microsoft-plans-to-push-windows-10-on-even-more-windows-7-and-8-systems/
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Friday, 13 November, 2015 @ 09:47:59
Quote
Windows 10's Latest Update Will Be Delayed For Some Users, But There's A Fix

This is essentially a whole new version of Windows 10. This is, obviously somewhat backed up by Microsoft’s claim that Windows 10 would be the “last” version of Windows. Because of this, we won’t really see service packs any more, but just a new version of the OS.

The update is, apparently, bringing some major speed advances, offering boosts of 30% over Windows 7 machines running identical hardware.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/ianmorris/2015/11/12/windows-10s-latest-update-will-be-delayed-for-some-users-but-theres-a-fix/


Quote
Windows 10 Threshold 2 (November Update) Installation Problems
Users report installation freezes for the new update
http://news.softpedia.com/news/windows-10-threshold-2-november-update-installation-problems-496086.shtml
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: TonyKath on Saturday, 14 November, 2015 @ 19:51:21
Proves us "late adopters" - if that's what we eventually become - are right!

Tony
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Saturday, 14 November, 2015 @ 21:33:32
Quote
If you’ve already installed Windows 10 Threshold 2, the chances are that some of your desktop applications might be missing because it turns out that the update is actually removing a number of programs from computers.
http://news.softpedia.com/news/windows-10-threshold-2-removes-some-desktop-programs-during-install-496120.shtml

Quote
But at the same time, Threshold 2 also reinstalls the apps that you previously removed, such as Xbox and Edge, all of which come with the operating system. Windows 10 ships with a series of pre-installed apps, and users can remove them with PowerShell commands, but after installing Threshold 2, all of them are brought back on your PC.
http://news.softpedia.com/news/windows-10-threshold-2-automatically-reinstalls-all-previously-removed-apps-496165.shtml


Where's that breeze come from... oh, it's Tony rushing to upgrade to Windows 10  ;)
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Sunday, 15 November, 2015 @ 07:38:48
More info about that: Make sure to check default apps and settings after the recent Windows 10 update (http://www.ghacks.net/2015/11/14/make-sure-to-check-default-apps-and-settings-after-the-recent-windows-10-update/)
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: TonyKath on Sunday, 15 November, 2015 @ 18:33:44
Quote
If you’ve already installed Windows 10 Threshold 2, the chances are that some of your desktop applications might be missing because it turns out that the update is actually removing a number of programs from computers.
http://news.softpedia.com/news/windows-10-threshold-2-removes-some-desktop-programs-during-install-496120.shtml (http://news.softpedia.com/news/windows-10-threshold-2-removes-some-desktop-programs-during-install-496120.shtml)

Quote
But at the same time, Threshold 2 also reinstalls the apps that you previously removed, such as Xbox and Edge, all of which come with the operating system. Windows 10 ships with a series of pre-installed apps, and users can remove them with PowerShell commands, but after installing Threshold 2, all of them are brought back on your PC.
http://news.softpedia.com/news/windows-10-threshold-2-automatically-reinstalls-all-previously-removed-apps-496165.shtml (http://news.softpedia.com/news/windows-10-threshold-2-automatically-reinstalls-all-previously-removed-apps-496165.shtml)


Where's that breeze come from... oh, it's Tony rushing to upgrade to Windows 10  ;)

 :bat:

Sounding more like a bloody nightmare.

Tony
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Friday, 20 November, 2015 @ 00:03:25
(http://goinggreek.info/gallery/1_20_11_15_12_02_50.jpeg)
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Friday, 29 January, 2016 @ 02:25:20
Quote
TripAdvisor app to be preloaded on Windows 10 devices

Microsoft is giving away Windows 10 for free until mid 2016 to customers running Windows 7 or Windows 8 machines. The move, designed to get as many users as possible on the platform, raised questions in regards to how Microsoft will make money with the operating system if it hands it out for free.

Some suggested that Windows 10 would be turned into a subscription service after the first year period or shortly thereafter, but there is no indication that this is going to happen.

Travel site TripAdvisor revealed (http://www.tripadvisor.com/PressCenter-i7536-c1-Press_Releases.html) in a press release on January 27 that its new universal Windows 10 application will be preloaded on "millions of Windows 10 compatible devices".

Interestingly enough (https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2016/01/27/plan-your-next-trip-with-tripadvisor-for-windows-10/), Microsoft's own take on the launch of the TripAdvisor universal application for Windows 10 does not make any mention of the application being preloaded in 2016 on machines running the operating system.

No further details about the preloading were offered by TripAdvisor either, which means that it is unclear right now on which devices the app will be preloaded on.
http://www.ghacks.net/2016/01/28/third-party-app-preloading-coming-to-windows-10/#comment-3806616


Got a funny feeling it might be included in one of the automatic updates, which might not be a big problem for Trip Advisor users but might not go down well with folk who don't like having stuff foisted on them.
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Tuesday, 02 February, 2016 @ 14:39:47
Quote
Windows 10 now a 'recommended' update for unsuspecting PCs

Microsoft said it would push Windows 10 upgrades onto people's PCs much harder this year – and Redmond has been true to its word.

From Monday, Windows Update will start making the upgrade to version 10 of the operating system a recommended update, rather than an optional one (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/10/30/windows_10_updates/), a spokesperson for the software giant confirmed. So if you've got automatic updates set up on your computer, expect to download and install a few gigabytes of code for the move to Windows 10.

Also be aware that if you have switched to manual updates you still may end up downloading the new OS anyway. Windows Update is automatically preselecting the optional download as desired, so there's no need to click on the box to get it.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2016/02/02/microsoft_ups_pressure_win_10_holdouts/
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Monday, 28 March, 2016 @ 16:11:06
Windows 10 launched on 29 July 2015 so, if you haven't up(?)graded for 'free' yet, you've got four months before the offer is due to expire. Currently Windows 10 Home is up for grabs on the Microsoft store (http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msuk/en_GB/cat/Windows/categoryID.70034700) for £99.99, discounted prices available elsewhere.

Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: BeeTee on Monday, 28 March, 2016 @ 18:44:54
I found this article 'You Don't Need a Product Key To Install Windows 10' on the How-to Geek site

http://www.howtogeek.com/244678/you-dont-need-a-product-key-to-install-and-use-windows-10/

Quote
Microsoft allows anyone to download Windows 10 for free and install it without a product key. It’ll keep working for the foreseeable future, with only a few small cosmetic restrictions. And you can even pay to upgrade to a licensed copy of Windows 10 after you install it.

Whether you want to install Windows 10 in Boot Camp, put it on an old computer that isn’t eligible for a free upgrade, or create one or more virtual machines, you don’t actually need to pay a cent.


The windows 10 download is totally legal and direct from a Microsoft site. I've tried this on a vista laptop that isn't eligible for free upgrade but wanted to see if it would run on it. I created a separate partition, downloaded the Windows 10 ISO to DVD, rebooted with the DVD loaded (remember to pick the custom install option), chose the new partition and followed the instruction in the article and Windows 10 installs after a while. With a network connection the latest updates get downloaded and installed. There are a few cosmetic restrictions and it tells you that the system needs activating but it doesn't nag you.

How long Microsoft will allow this I don't know but it is a great way to find out if your old vista laptop and hardware (my 15 year old printer still works on Windows 10) will handle Windows 10 and whether or not you like Windows 10 enough to pay for it.
 
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: TonyKath on Tuesday, 29 March, 2016 @ 17:51:37
Anybody else tried the upgrade?

Tony
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: BeeTee on Wednesday, 13 April, 2016 @ 21:18:30
The free upgrade to Windows 10 only applies to Windows 7 or 8.1 users. I was thinking about maybe upgrading a Vista system to Windows 10 using Windows Easy Transfer only to find out that Microsoft no longer supports this for Windows 10. However, Microsoft have partnered with Laplink to use PCmover Express instead. Link below...

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows-10/windows-easy-transfer-is-not-available-in-windows-10
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Tuesday, 24 May, 2016 @ 16:48:26
Quote
Microsoft sheds light on Windows 10 update policy
http://www.ghacks.net/2016/05/24/microsoft-windows-10-update-policy/
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: TonyD on Tuesday, 24 May, 2016 @ 23:25:39
Here's a useful little utility. It's just a tool to toggle some registry settings.
It makes no permanent changes to your system. It does not install.
It shows you if Win10 Update files have already downloaded, and how much space they're taking

Download it here (https://www.grc.com/never10.htm), and save to your desktop for easy access

You can choose;

Disable Win10 Upgrade, Enable Win10 Upgrade, Delete already downloaded files

(http://goinggreek.info/gallery/16_24_05_16_11_17_09.jpeg)
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: U4ea on Wednesday, 25 May, 2016 @ 01:40:54
29th July is (currently) the last date to install Windows 10 for free. This may of course change as we get closer to that date.......
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: BeeTee on Wednesday, 25 May, 2016 @ 10:42:08
Get Windows 10 free after July 29 with a little prep now...

Quote
Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 10’s free upgrade offer will expire on July 29, 2016. After that, you’ll have to pay $119 to upgrade on any computer that hasn’t already made the leap. But with a few simple steps, you can “reserve” that free copy now, so you can upgrade after July 29 without paying.

We know not everyone wants to upgrade to Windows 10 right now, and that’s fine. But one day, you’ll probably have to. And you don’t want to have to pay $119 for it. By upgrading a computer now and then rolling back to Windows 7 or 8, you’ll get to keep your original version of Windows, but “reserve” that free Windows 10 license for all your PCs.

How This Works
When you upgrade to Windows 10 from a PC running a genuine and activated Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 operating system, your PC receives a “digital entitlement.” Basically, Microsoft notes on its servers that your particular PC’s hardware is eligible for Windows 10 going forward.

Once your PC is eligible, it’s always eligible–you can reinstall Windows 10 from scratch and it’ll automatically activate, without you even entering a product key. You can even install a different operating system–like Windows 7 or Linux–and reinstall Windows 10 later, fully activated and genuine.

Note that this is tied to your computer’s specific hardware, not your Microsoft account. The free Windows 10 license you receive will only work on that PC–if you upgrade the motherboard or try to install Windows 10 on another PC that doesn’t have the digital entitlement, it won’t work.

So, in order to “reserve” Windows 10, we’re going to walk you through the steps of upgrading to Windows 10 on your machine, then reverting to Windows 7 or 8. You get to keep the version of Windows you love, but your PC will be entitled to Windows 10 at any point in the future, without having to pay $119.

We’ll walk you through two methods: A simple method that involves upgrading and rolling back, and a slightly more complex method that involves cloning your current disk, so everything is exactly how you left it.

Full article here...

http://www.howtogeek.com/253901/get-windows-10-for-free-after-july-29th-with-a-little-prep-now/
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: BeeTee on Wednesday, 25 May, 2016 @ 19:53:37
Microsoft Windows 10 Upgrade Popup Labelled ‘Nasty Trick’ As It Forces Users To Update

Quote
Microsoft has got itself in a spot of bother.

The company has been accused of playing a ‘nasty trick’ on those people who haven’t yet upgraded their PCs to Windows 10.

Anyone who hasn’t upgraded yet has been receiving fairly regular hints and popups suggesting that they do so.

Well now Microsoft has gone a step further: When a user tries to close the popup box by clicking on the ‘X’ in the top right-hand corner the computer registers that as a consent to upgrade.

This is unfortunate. The ‘X’ button on Windows has always traditionally been associated with performing one action: to close that window.

This has unsurprisingly gone down about as well as a USB drive full of ransomware and experts are already taking to Twitter to express their anger.

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/microsoft-windows-10-upgrade-popup-labelled-nasty-trick-as-it-forces-users-to-update_uk_574571aae4b0ebf6a328e9c8?
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: TonyKath on Sunday, 05 June, 2016 @ 19:28:38
Tried to update our laptop yesterday.  Found the instructions difficult to find and follow, strangely enough.  Took ages to download on a fast broadband connection, then even longer to install and then realised it had stuck on 99 percent.  Not much help via Google to my surprise but some peeps saying leave it a LONG time.  So still stuck after 20 hours overnight and into today.  Restarted and black screen after DOS screen and a brief flash of Win7 .  Gave up and used safe mode and then system restore. 

Might try again but might not.  Not sure it's worth bothering with.  It was only with Kath getting annoyed with the reminders and an email hinting at Live Mail changes from the end of July that made think why not try.

NB IF YOU DO ATTEMPT TO UPGRADE YOU MUST CREATE A MANUAL RESTORE POINT FIRST.  The upgrade did create an restore point but only at about 12 hours in to the process! 

Can anyone recommend a decent email client, not from MS ?!

Tony


Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: HiFi on Sunday, 05 June, 2016 @ 20:00:52
Didn't know Marks & Sparks provided?
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Monday, 06 June, 2016 @ 13:23:22
Can anyone recommend a decent email client, not from MS ?!


Hm, Marks & Sparks seem to have avoided the browser battle. There's quite a few to chose from (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_email_clients), some free, some not. I tried Pegasus Mail (http://www.pmail.com/) some years back, it was OK but I preferred Mozilla Thunderbird (https://www.mozilla.org/en-GB/thunderbird/). Or you might like Opera Mail (http://www.opera.com/computer/mail).


PS: Can't honestly say I'm missing Windows much.
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: janey on Monday, 06 June, 2016 @ 14:16:45
I've not read all the posts but this is my experience.
After saying no the upgrade numerous times it decided it would do it by itself! It took best part of 3 hours, I clicked on next and got to the accept conditions, clicked no and it restored everything in about 10 mins and I hadn't done a back up.
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: TonyKath on Monday, 06 June, 2016 @ 22:32:45
Can anyone recommend a decent email client, not from MS ?!


Hm, Marks & Sparks seem to have avoided the browser battle. There's quite a few to chose from (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_email_clients), some free, some not. I tried Pegasus Mail (http://www.pmail.com/) some years back, it was OK but I preferred Mozilla Thunderbird (https://www.mozilla.org/en-GB/thunderbird/). Or you might like Opera Mail (http://www.opera.com/computer/mail).


PS: Can't honestly say I'm missing Windows much.

Thanks Maik.

The email from MS was clearly extra pressure to sign up to WinX.  After studying it in some detail it might be that Live Mail won't sync with with some features which I don't use but having found out about them could be interesting.  Live Mail itself might continue beyond the end of July 2016.

So I'll bear this in mind and might try one!

And Janey - "lucky" you.  Although you got the upgrade unwanted.  At least it ran OK.

Tony
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: TonyKath on Sunday, 26 June, 2016 @ 01:15:14
Latest from me:  Tried three times on the laptop including a "Clean Install" (takes everything else off except Win10) -> zilch.  Tried once on the PC and obviously got a lot further but "Failed at the Second Boot".  Wouldn't risk a clean install in case I lose on much needed software.  So gave up.

Lot of time and emotional effort spent especially trying to make sense of the Windows Community pages all for nothing.  At least I didn't pay for it.  Just maybe that's why they're giving it away free - we are in effect beta testers! 

 :rant:

Tony
 
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Tuesday, 28 June, 2016 @ 19:20:28
Quote
A few days after Microsoft released Windows 10 to the public last year, Teri Goldstein’s computer started trying to download and install the new operating system.

The update, which she says she didn’t authorize, failed. Instead, the computer she uses to run her Sausalito, Calif., travel-agency business slowed to a crawl. It would crash, she says, and be unusable for days at a time.

“I had never heard of Windows 10,” Goldstein said. “Nobody ever asked me if I wanted to update.”

When outreach to Microsoft’s customer support didn’t fix the issue, Goldstein took the software giant to court, seeking compensation for lost wages and the cost of a new computer.

She won. Last month, Microsoft dropped an appeal and Goldstein collected a $10,000 judgment from the company.
http://www.seattletimes.com/business/microsoft/microsoft-draws-flak-for-pushing-windows-10-on-pc-users/

Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Ian_E on Tuesday, 28 June, 2016 @ 21:45:20
I gave up on winblows at xmas, after installing win 10 when it came out my PC was utter sh1t1e crashing all the time and unstable, almost every time i turned it on it was trying to do an update which often left me with a blank screen which i had to hard reboot from which then made winblows throw a wobbler self checking etc

Don't get me wrong win 10 had some great features, but I was sorry I didn't stick with win 7

I'm running a MAC now and I doubt I will be going back in a rush
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: BeeTee on Wednesday, 29 June, 2016 @ 10:55:11
Complaints prompt Windows 10 update change

Quote
Microsoft is to offer "clearer options" for users upgrading - or not - to Windows 10.
The move comes following months of criticism that Windows 10 was being forced upon users using what has been described as a "nasty trick".
This week, a Seattle woman successfully sued the company for $10,000 over disruption caused by the software installing without, she said, permission.
In recent months, in an apparent bid to accelerate adoption of Windows 10, Microsoft altered the way it asked users if they wanted to upgrade. It gave the Windows 10 update "recommended" status, normally reserved for critical security updates.
If when prompted to update to Windows 10 users clicked the red "X", the upgrade would not immediately start. However, the update process would automatically be scheduled for a later time.
From this week, Microsoft said it would change that process, admitting that it was confusing.
"The new experience has clearer options to upgrade now, choose a time, or decline the free offer," said Terry Myerson, executive vice president, Windows and Devices Group, in an emailed statement.
"If the red-x is selected on this new dialog, it will dismiss the dialog box and we will notify the device again in a few days.
"We continue to recommend all of our customers upgrade to Windows 10 before the free upgrade offer expires on July 29."
Microsoft is resolute in promoting Windows 10 as a better computing experience with added security features over previous versions of the operating system.
Some users, however, are reluctant to upgrade citing worries about the strain the software may put on hardware, and suggestions that Windows 10 tracks its users too closely.
To date, around 300 million devices worldwide have upgraded to, or are using, Windows 10.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-36657890
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Thursday, 30 June, 2016 @ 14:42:43
Quote
Windows 10 Anniversary Update available August 2

Some have said that the Anniversary Update turns Windows 10 into the operating system that it should have been from the start.
http://www.ghacks.net/2016/06/28/windows-10-anniversary-update-available-august-2/


Windows 10 free upgrade offer expires 29 July. If you're still using Windows 7 or 8.1 then decision time is approaching.
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: TonyD on Thursday, 30 June, 2016 @ 18:06:21

Windows 10 free upgrade offer expires 29 July. If you're still using Windows 7 or 8.1 then decision time is approaching.
A tip

If you upgrade(?) before the expiry date, and then use the 30 day Roll Back to immediately return to Win 7 or 8, you'll still be able to move to Windows 10 after 29th July - at your own convenience.

Upgrading before 29th July registers your (and your PCs) details on the MS system permitting download after the Free period expires.
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: TonyKath on Monday, 11 July, 2016 @ 19:38:33
Went into Excelixis computer shop in Argostoli for internet access to print something from our email.  MS security on email "from an unusual location" was impenetrable even with all the right passwords etc.  So not able to print the stuff.   :rant:   Nice guy in the shop said I could have the time (just under 30 mins) for free and this happened quite often. 

We then got into a discussion about Win 10 and he says he tried it and then decided not to have it on any of his machines in the business.  Another Brit customer joined in and said he had an unwanted install after clicking the red X.  He soon after rolled back to Win 7.

Tony
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Tuesday, 12 July, 2016 @ 17:42:43
Time rolls on...

5 Reasons to upgrade to Windows 10 (http://www.ghacks.net/2016/07/09/5-reasons-to-upgrade-to-windows-10/) / 5 Reasons not to upgrade to Windows 10 (http://www.ghacks.net/2016/07/08/5-reasons-not-to-upgrade-to-windows-10/)

Perhaps worth noting that extended support for Windows 7 expires in a little less than four years time... by which time you might want to buy a new PC anyway... with Windows 10 on (or start saving for an Apple Mac).

Registering your details, as Tony D suggests, sounds interesting...
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: BeeTee on Tuesday, 12 July, 2016 @ 20:14:00

Windows 10 free upgrade offer expires 29 July. If you're still using Windows 7 or 8.1 then decision time is approaching.
A tip

If you upgrade(?) before the expiry date, and then use the 30 day Roll Back to immediately return to Win 7 or 8, you'll still be able to move to Windows 10 after 29th July - at your own convenience.

Upgrading before 29th July registers your (and your PCs) details on the MS system permitting download after the Free period expires.

I posted something similar to this back on May 25th.
 
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: TonyD on Wednesday, 13 July, 2016 @ 19:47:48
Only slightly off topic....

Yesterday was Patch Tuesday, a monthly event with essential MS updates released.

Usually these install automatically. Suggest you make sure they did, as they resolved a rather large 47 vulnerabilities this month.

Be warned though. My PC (XP) took three hours to install 15 Updates when I shut it down earlier today.
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Thursday, 14 July, 2016 @ 14:14:42
I posted something similar to this back on May 25th.

Indeed you did (http://goinggreek.info/index.php?topic=1157.msg12929#msg12929)! And an important point therein:

Quote
Note that this is tied to your computer’s specific hardware, not your Microsoft account. The free Windows 10 license you receive will only work on that PC–if you upgrade the motherboard or try to install Windows 10 on another PC that doesn’t have the digital entitlement, it won’t work.
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Tuesday, 26 July, 2016 @ 17:07:35
Bit of info on how to Reserve Windows 10 without using it (http://www.ghacks.net/2016/07/25/reserve-windows-10-without-using-it/)

Sounds fun!?!  :unsure:
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Phil on Wednesday, 27 July, 2016 @ 00:27:36
Like many people, I have been holding back till just before the deadline to upgrade to Win10 for free.

Last week, as a test, I upgraded my old Samsung Netbook which was running Win7. The Netbook had been running so slow it was virtually unusable and I hadn't used it for a few months for that reason. I really wasn't expecting Win10 to perform on the low spec netbook, but after a bit of tweaking I am amazed that Win10 performed much quicker than Win7 did.

I have since upgraded my Ultrabook and that is working OK. Surprisingly, a beta version of some software that a friend developed for Windows 3.1 is working fine on 64 bit Win10.

So far so good. But I am using "Classic Shell", so I might not be viewing the interface that MS intended!

Has anyone else bit the bullet?

Phil


 
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: U4ea on Wednesday, 27 July, 2016 @ 12:13:47
Hi Phil,

I've upgrade 3 over the past week. It was not without problems but they are all working fine now.

Neighbours Windows 8.1 Desktop went very smoothly.

Wife's Windows 7 laptop would go all through the installation phase as far as 99% and then revert back. After a lot of checking found it was a hard drive issue. Got a replacement drive and cloned the old one to it and it upgraded very quickly after that.

My own Windows 7 Desktop loaded everything ok but I found that any programmes I opened couldn't be reduced in size on the screen, they were always fully maximised. This was very frustrating as I'm used to have 2 sometimes 3 open. After a bit of digging I found that it was in Tablet mode. Changed this in Settings and all was fine. later I found that my wife's Laptop had the same issue.

One thing that worried me was the amount of Information about my and what I do that the System wants to send back to Micro$oft. I knew I'd seen something about this and that there were 2 levels of options. I eventuaally found a link from an old email and was able to change the settings.

http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/bitwise/2015/08/windows_10_privacy_problems_here_s_how_bad_they_are_and_how_to_plug_them.html

I don't know where I got the Link originally, it might even have been from Maik on here.
 
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Phil on Wednesday, 27 July, 2016 @ 19:19:45
Hi U4ea
On one of the final screens during installation there are options to change the default settings. However, the link to do so is not (deliberately?) obvious. It is at the lower left end of the screen.
When the installation on Monica's laptop gets to that stage I will confirm the details. But don't hold your breath as it is taking forever to update her machine .......

Phil
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: U4ea on Thursday, 28 July, 2016 @ 19:41:50
Hi again Phil
Hope you're all sorted now.
You may have noticed that in the Link the writer says to avoid Edge because Micro$oft hadn't published any Security details or options. The article came out in April 2015. The details for Edge were given in January 2016, accessed through SEttings on the Edge hope page. They can be set to make the use of Edge a lot more private. On that basis, I'm using it, abut along with other browsers rather than instead of them.

Cortana takes a lot on an user's personal information in it's default configuration. It is possible to reduce this by clicking on the Privacy Statement. That will show not only how much data about you that Cortana wants to take but also a whole hopst of the other Micro$oft products. I'm not bothering with Cortana at least for while.
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Monday, 22 August, 2016 @ 16:47:29
Quote
Microsoft's first major update to its flagship operating system is breaking customers' webcams.

Affected webcams are those that use the MJPEG or H264 video format, such as the Logitech C920. Those that use YUY2 - a separate format - are unaffected.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2016/08/22/windows-10-update-is-breaking-millions-of-webcams---how-to-fix-i/
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Tuesday, 30 August, 2016 @ 18:59:17
Quote
Windows 10 users report crashing computers when they plug in their Kindles
 
Those running the Anniversary Update and using a Paperwhite or Voyage e-reader appear susceptible to the issue. More Anniversary Update woe reported by frustrated users
http://home.bt.com/tech-gadgets/tech-news/windows-10-kindle-crash-error-anniversary-update-11364083013397
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: BeeTee on Friday, 23 September, 2016 @ 19:39:57
KB3184143 Update to remove Get Windows 10 offer out

Quote
Microsoft released the update KB3184143 "Remove software related to the Windows 10 free upgrade offer" yesterday which uninstalls several related and no longer needed updates on machines running Windows 7 or Windows 8.1.

Get Windows 10 helped push the company's Windows 10 operating system for a year thanks to a free offer and malware-like behavior at times.

Windows users who did not want to upgrade to Windows 10 had to endure update after update of Get Windows 10, and pay close attention to other updates sneaking in that would prepare the operating system for the upgrade to Windows 10.

While the prompt had a "no thanks" button at times, later upgrade prompts lacked it and added to the confusion.

The update will remove the following Windows Updates from devices running previous versions of Microsoft's Windows operating system:

KB 3035583 -- Update installs Get Windows 10 app in Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 SP1
KB 3064683 -- Windows 8.1 OOBE modifications to reserve Windows 10
KB 3072318 -- Update for Windows 8.1 OOBE to upgrade to Windows 10
KB 3090045 -- Windows Update for reserved devices in Windows 8.1 or Windows 7 SP1
KB 3123862 -- Updated capabilities to upgrade Windows 8.1 and Windows 7
KB 3173040 -- Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 SP1 end of free upgrade offer notification
KB 3146449 -- Updated Internet Explorer 11 capabilities to upgrade Windows 8.1 and Windows 7
A restart of the computer may be necessary to complete the installation of the update.

It makes sense to remove those updates from devices running Windows 7 or 8 as they serve no purpose anymore. It is unclear whether the update will also clean up any files left behind by the Get Windows 10 application on the system. If I had to guess, I'd say it is unlikely that it will touch those files.

So, if you have not removed or blocked those updates yet on your machine, the update will at least remove these Windows Updates from it.

In related news: it seems still possible to upgrade to Windows 10 for free using a working product key of Windows 7 or 8. Windows 10 will install and activate just fine in that case. 

http://www.ghacks.net/2016/09/21/kb3184143-update-remove-get-windows-10/
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Tuesday, 18 October, 2016 @ 20:18:09
Quote
KB3199209 yet another Windows 10 patch without information

While it installs just fine, and there is no restart either, it lacks any information whatsoever other than its Knowledgebase ID and title.

While that is not a problem for users who install any update the company puts out, it is highly problematic for users and administrators who want to know what an update is all about.

Some users noticed that Windows Defender's real-time protection has been enabled after running the update, even with third-party antivirus software running on the system.
http://www.ghacks.net/2016/10/18/kb3199209-yet-another-windows-10-patch-without-information/
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Sunday, 25 December, 2016 @ 02:01:38
Quote
Twas the week before Xmas ... not a creature was stirring – except Microsoft admitting its Windows 10 upgrade pop-up went 'too far'

Microsoft's marketing boss Chris Capossela has confessed the infamous your-Windows-10-upgrade-is-ready pop-up that tricked so many people into installing the thing was a step "too far."

The pop-up asked users to schedule an upgrade but if they clicked on the red X on the top right of the box it didn't just close the window – it scheduled the update anyway.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2016/12/23/microsoft_windows_10_upgrade/
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Wednesday, 11 January, 2017 @ 14:03:54
Quote
New Windows 10 privacy controls: Just a little snooping – or the max
Microsoft offers two settings – on and almost off – and a dashboard of collected data

Microsoft has built an online dashboard of privacy controls in an attempt to soothe lingering anger over Windows 10 and its ability to phone home people's private information.

The new web portal lists some of the personal data that is collected from PCs and devices and sent back to Redmond, and allows people to somewhat limit the snooping. Meanwhile, Microsoft will also tweak Windows 10's built-in privacy controls, giving Home and Pro users a choice between some system surveillance or full-blown system surveillance.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/01/11/microsofts_new_windows_telemetry_manager/
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Friday, 03 March, 2017 @ 14:28:39
Quote
Windows 10 to offer update 'snoozes'

Microsoft will enable Windows 10 users to choose when security updates are installed once they arrive rather than enforcing them straightaway.

Users have complained that the reboots required for some updates, which cannot currently be deferred, are disruptive.

People using Windows 10 devices will now be able to schedule an update within three days of receiving notification, the firm said in a blog.

However, delaying security updates can be risky, experts say.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-39152770
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Tuesday, 11 April, 2017 @ 17:29:19
Quote
Windows 10 Creators Update general rollout begins with a privacy dialogue
Review your privacy settings, or no update for you

Microsoft's rollout of Windows 10 Creators Update has begun, complete with a privacy dialogue box shown by default to all users.

When will you get the update? Microsoft says “the first phase will target newer devices … we will then expand the Creators Update release to additional devices based on the feedback.”

The process will take “several months”, but if you are impatient, you can upgrade immediately using the Update Assistant.

“Microsoft collects and uses information including your location and location history, contacts, voice input, speech and handwriting patterns, typing history, searching history, calendar details, content and communication history for messages and apps, and other information on your device. In Microsoft Edge, Cortana uses your browsing history.”
https://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/04/11/windows_10_creators_update_general_rollout_begins_complete_with_privacy_dialog/
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Monday, 24 July, 2017 @ 14:06:37
Quote
Microsoft is planning to kill off Paint after 32 years
Long-standing basic graphics editing program, used throughout childhoods since the 1980s, has been marked for death

Microsoft’s next Windows 10 update, called the Autumn (or Fall in the US) Creators Update, will bring a variety of new features. But one long-standing stalwart of the Windows experience has been put on the chopping block: Microsoft Paint.

First released with the very first version of Windows 1.0 in 1985, Paint in its various guises would be one of the first graphics editors used by many and became a core part of Windows.

Paint was never one of the most capable apps... The most recent version of Paint for Windows 7 and later was much improved, but still considered feature poor compared to other free alternatives such as the third-party Paint.NET.

When Microsoft Paint will officially be removed from Windows has yet to be confirmed.
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/jul/24/microsoft-paint-kill-off-after-32-years-graphics-editing-program


Paint.NET available from getpaint.net (https://www.getpaint.net/)
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Tuesday, 25 July, 2017 @ 13:18:17
Quote
Microsoft Paint avoids brush with death

Microsoft has confirmed that it will continue to offer its graphics program Paint.

Microsoft suggested it would not remain on Windows 10 by default but did say it would be available for free on the Windows Store.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-40714395


"Microsoft Paint avoids brush with death"...  :doh:
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Tuesday, 10 October, 2017 @ 13:07:29
Quote
Beware: Update KB4046355 removes Windows Media Player

The Windows 10 update KB4046355 for the Fall Creators Update -- listed as FeatureOnDemandMediaPlayer - Windows 10 for x64-based Systems (KB4046355) removes Windows Media Player from the operating system.

It is unclear at this point in time whether that is done by accident, and whether this may impact devices running stable versions of Windows 10 as well.

This change may not be an issue for Windows users who run third-party media players like VLC Media Player, but it may be shocking to those invested in Windows Media Player.

The update removes Windows Media Player from the device (files and context menu entries), but it does not prevent users from installing it again.
https://www.ghacks.net/2017/10/09/beware-update-kb4046355-removes-windows-media-player/

VLC Media Player (https://www.videolan.org/vlc/index.en-GB.html) plays most things
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Saturday, 24 March, 2018 @ 11:13:13
Quote
Windows 10 version 1607 reaches end of life next month

With Microsoft pushing out two feature updates per year, and each feature update supported by 18 months only, it is a regular occurrence that Windows users upgrade their Windows 10 PCs to a new version.

For those of you who still run Windows 10 version 1607, generally known as the Anniversary Update, it is time to fire up the update engine and update to a newer version of Windows 10 as support for Windows 10 version 1607 will run out next month.
https://www.ghacks.net/2018/03/24/windows-10-version-1607-reaches-end-of-life-next-month/
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Monday, 30 April, 2018 @ 14:28:40
Quote
Windows 10 April 2018 update: everything you need to know
Microsoft has released the latest version of Windows 10, adding improvements to task management, Cortana, Edge and sharing

Will it be forced on Windows 10 users?

In a word, yes. While there are ways to stop Windows 10 from downloading it, Microsoft only supports older versions of Windows 10 for two years or less from release.

That means that the Windows 10 Anniversary Update, which was released in August 2016 is no longer supported and will not receive further bug fixes and security updates. The Creators Update, released in April 2017 will no longer be supported from 9 October this year, so the only way to keep using a supported version of Windows 10 is to keep upgrading.
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/apr/30/windows-10-april-2018-update-microsoft-task-management-cortana-edge-sharing
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Friday, 04 May, 2018 @ 14:31:10
Quote
Windows 10 update bug locks machines running Chrome, Cortana and others
Microsoft working on fix for machines and suggests temporary solutions to bug caused by installation of April 2018 update

The Guardian can confirm that the bug affects some but not all Windows 10 machines updated to the April 2018 update, and appears to impact newer computers with Intel’s integrated graphics chips.
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/may/04/windows-10-april-2018-update-bug-locks-machines-running-chrome-cortana
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Friday, 12 October, 2018 @ 14:24:50
Quote
Windows 10 update causes people's files to disappear
https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/windows-10-update-files-delete-disappear-microsoft-latest-version-1809-a8574066.html

 :blink:
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Saturday, 13 October, 2018 @ 13:18:38
Quote
Windows 10 Audio Not Working After Installing Latest Windows Updates

Lot's of reports are coming in that Windows 10 users are finding that their audio is no longer working on their computer after installing the latest Windows updates.

Windows Updates have become a complete mess lately, with the latest October 2018 Update deleting user's files, Patch Tuesday updates causing crashes because of incompatible keyboard drivers, and now users are finding that their audio drivers are broken.

While there has been no word about this from Microsoft, numerous users are posting on Reddit, the Microsoft forums, and Twitter about their audio no longer working after installing this week's Patch Tuesday updates.  Windows 10 just states "No Audio Device is installed".

Thankfully, users have come up with a solution on their own, which is described below.
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/windows-10-audio-not-working-after-installing-latest-windows-updates/
Title: Re: 'Free'* Windows 10 upgrade
Post by: Maik on Tuesday, 05 February, 2019 @ 22:08:14
Quote
Windows 10 Update Continues Having Issues After DNS Fixes

Windows 10 users continue to have problems performing Windows Update even after Microsoft reportedly has fixed the problem that users were having last week.

Last week we reported that users were complaining that they when they tried to perform a Windows Update, they were greeted with the message "We couldn't connect to the update service. We'll try again later, or you can check now. If it still doesn't work, make sure you're connected to the Internet."

It was discovered that you could bypass this error and get Windows Update working again by changing your DNS servers to another service like Google's 8.8.8.8 or Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1.

Microsoft has confirmed that was indeed a DNS issue and that it should be resolved now. You can review this article to learn more about this and what you can try to do if you still have issues.
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/windows-10-update-continues-having-issues-after-dns-fixes/