Fixing something as broken as users’ trust issues with Microsoft after Windows 8 was released takes time. It’s time, frankly, that Microsoft just doesn’t exist. In a world where the ecosystem determines what people think about their company, Microsoft needs to be ambitious and bold. Ambitious and bold are two perfect ways to describe the free upgrade to Windows 10 that Microsoft rolled out to laptop, desktop, and tablet users last summer.
Microsoft will boldly provide updates for bootless Windows 10 devices for years. The operating system includes updates for almost everything that users encounter every day in Windows. Windows Store apps no longer take up the entire screen, Mail and Calendar aren’t the mess they were in earlier versions of Windows. Here’s how to install the free Windows 10 upgrade today and get these and other benefits that come with an operating system upgrade
before we start
For these users who want to get a free Windows 10 upgrade as soon as possible, Microsoft has created the Windows download tool.
Anyone upgrading multiple PCs to Windows 10 can use the Windows Download Tool to create a DVD or flash drive to upgrade their systems. The tool also works for anyone who wants to update their PC now instead of waiting until later when prompted by Windows Update. If you have a genuine version of Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, this process should be easy. If not, you’ll need to consider other options, including buying a flash drive loaded with Windows 10 directly from Amazon.
Go to the PC you want to update and download the Windows download tool from it. There are two versions, one for 64-bit computers and the other for 32-bit computers. If you’re not sure which one you need, go to the System Properties area under Computer. Open the tabs at the top of the window.
Along with your processor information, you should see a note describing whether your PC is 32-bit or 64-bit.
Because you are performing an in-place upgrade, you will not need a USB flash drive or DVD to perform the upgrade. That said, you will need some free space on your device. The download itself takes up about 4 GB of storage space. Have 10 GB of free storage on your device if you can.
Related: How to fix iOS 8.1.2 poor battery life
You should back up your photos, videos, music, and movies before using the Windows download tool. Your stuff won’t be deleted, but it doesn’t hurt to be safe with your data.
Click on .
Now select from the menu and press .
Your PC will immediately start downloading the free Windows 10 update for you. Microsoft says you can continue to use your PC while the download and preparation takes place in the background. However, that is only partially true. Depending on your Internet connection, you may not be able to browse websites while the download is in progress.
Just follow the other on-screen prompts to guide you through the setup process, and you should be done with your free Windows 10 upgrade within the next hour or so.
People are clamoring to get the free upgrade to Windows 10 because it fixes their problems with Windows 8 and adds features never seen in Windows before. New storage tools let you quickly find out what’s taking up all your space. Snap Assist and virtual desktops make multitasking better than ever in Windows 10. Microsoft has broken down the wall between its mouse and touch experiences, combining them for something easier to use than Windows 8 and Windows 8.1.
Good luck with Windows 10. In addition to adding a Start menu, Windows 10 adds Microsoft’s personal assistant Cortana, better apps for getting things done, and an integrated store that sells apps, music, movies, and videos. To learn more about the various features, check out our Windows 10 review.