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AP Photo/Richard Drew

Windows 10's free upgrade is ending soon, but should you make the leap?

The clock is ticking.

ALMOST A YEAR HAS passed since Microsoft launched Windows 10 around the world, and the OS has been installed by more than 350 million since then. While it’s not going to achieve its original aim of one billion devices by mid-2018, it’s still a sizeable amount.

That’s mostly thanks to it being offered as a free upgrade for Windows 7 and 8.1 users for the first year, something to help make the switch easier for users.

That free period is nearly at an end as the 29 July deadline is almost here so if you’re still on the fence about upgrading, here’s what you need to know.

What do you get with Windows 10?

If anything, Windows 10 still feels more like the version Windows 8 should have been initially, focusing more on the desktop while having tablet elements like app displays in the background.

As well as familiar Windows features, it introduces a few new things like a simplified interface for settings, apps baked into the start menu, multiple desktops (if you don’t want the one workspace to be filled with all open programs), and constant security updates as it’s the last version of Windows.

The drawbacks are you will have regular updates which can happen at any time – although the anniversary edition due on 2 August will fix that by letting you choose appropriate times – and you need a Microsoft account to use it properly for services like the Windows Store, Xbox Live and Microsoft Office.

What hardware is needed to run it?

Processor: 1GHz or faster
RAM: 1GB for 32-bit or 2GB for 64-bit (the latter is more suited for PCs)
Disk space: 16GB for 32-bit or 20GB for 64-bit.
Graphics: DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver

If the above means nothing to you, you can run a compatibility test by right-clicking the Windows icon at the bottom right-hand corner and finding the option there.

img2.thejournal Windows Windows

How do I upgrade?

If you’re eligible for the upgrade, you should already have received pop-up or full screen notifications saying you can upgrade. If you don’t, you’re either not eligible or you’ve notification turned off. The latter can be solved by clicking on the Windows icon at the bottom right-hand corner.

Alternatively, you can go into Control Panel > Windows Updates and you can update it there.

Should I install it?

However, if you’re planning on upgrading to Windows 10 in the future at any point, then you should.

The initial bugs have been ironed out and while it’s not perfect, it does have the anniversary edition coming up which will add a few tweaks to the formula. However, some older PCs have issues regarding drivers and it recognising hardware like headphones and USB so you may have to reinstall them if that happens.

If that’s the case, you should go into Start Settings Update and Recovery and click Check for Updates. It will start installing anything it didn’t recognise first.

Both Windows 7 and 8.1 will still be supported by security updates for a while (more details below), but if you plan to use it after the cutoff point, then for security reasons alone, you should avail of it. Windows 10 is the last version of Microsoft’s operating system so you won’t have to pay for upgrades after it.

Anything to keep in mind when installing?

While the chances of something going wrong are low, make sure you back up any important files before downloading them.

It’s better to take that precaution first before doing anything in case as something might go wrong in the setup, or you might want to revert and recover your files, especially for programs/apps designed specifically for Windows 10.

When you’re in the installation process, go for custom instead of express. The reason for that is under custom, you can decide just how much data Microsoft has access to when you’re using Windows.

Some can be used for diagnostic purposes and to help improve features, but if you feel unsure about something, it’s better to turn it off. If you missed it, you can change them within settings.

When you have it installed, you should check your most popular programs and see if there are Windows 10 versions available.

Windows 10 PA Archive / Microsoft PA Archive / Microsoft / Microsoft

What if I don’t like it? Can I get Windows 7/8.1 back?

Yes, you can. You have the option to return to your original version provided you do so with 30 days. The files needed to revert back are saved on your computer so provided you didn’t delete them (they’re under the C:\Windows.old folder), you can do this by going into Settings > Update and Security > Recovery > Go back to Windows 7/8.1.

If you think you might revert back, you should back up your files first before you upgrade to Windows 10. This should be done anyway in case any hiccups occur during the installation process.

What happens if I don’t upgrade before the deadline?

Well, nothing significant will happen but if you choose to upgrade later on, you will have to pay €139 for the privilege. This won’t matter if you have to buy a new laptop or PC as it will be automatically included with it, but naturally that’s a more expensive option and your current PC/laptop will likely be able to handle the upgrade.

An eventual problem is when security updates will be phased out. This won’t happen for a while – security updates and fixes for Windows 7 will continue until January 2020 while Windows 8 will be supported until 2023 – but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re keeping your PC for the long haul.

Read: Unlock your phone with your finger? Then you should also replace your PIN >

Read: Ireland’s most popular emojis have been revealed >

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58 Comments
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    Mute alphanautica
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    May 8th 2017, 7:45 AM

    Le Pen may have lost, but % support is increasing dramatically. Just like Sinn Fein, it is only a matter of time.

    97
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    Mute Barry Somers
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    May 8th 2017, 7:51 AM

    @alphanautica: of course the partys are not alike, le pens party is full of racists, shes tried to change its image but the mask keeps slipping.

    51
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    Mute Nick Allen
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    May 8th 2017, 7:55 AM

    @alphanautica:

    Its cyclical and they will lose support over time, look at UKIP in the local elections, completely destroyed

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    Mute alphanautica
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    May 8th 2017, 7:56 AM

    @Barry Somers: both parties do their best to distance themselves from their extreme xenophobic genesis, so they’re not that different. Thankfully the ‘Brits Out’ etc days are over.

    13
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    Mute Willy Malone
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    May 8th 2017, 8:36 AM

    @alphanautica: Our elite congratulations all round , for a man who sees Ireland as a problem . Our corporate tax a major issue for his elitist Europe . Anything to keep elitist Europe in motion. Winds if change growing stronger as you say, only a matter of time ☺

    17
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    Mute TehJurolan
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    May 8th 2017, 9:40 AM

    @Nick Allen: yes, but only after they had played a prominent part in achieving their goal of taking Britain out of the EU.

    1
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    Mute Ryan Comiskey
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    May 8th 2017, 9:57 AM

    @alphanautica:
    Brexit 52-48: “Clear, decisive victory.”
    Trump 46-48: “The people have spoken.”
    Macron 66-34: “OMG France is so divided.”

    34
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    Mute GameOverMan
    Favourite GameOverMan
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    May 8th 2017, 10:13 AM

    @Willy Malone: of course its only a matter of time. And when they’re in, it’ll be a matter of time before they’re out again. The systems not supposed to resolve anything… it has only to be maintained for maximum profit.

    2
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    Mute Diarmuid
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    May 8th 2017, 10:31 AM

    @alphanautica: There are enough decent grown-ups in France and Ireland to keep know-nothing extremists out forever.

    18
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    Mute Mick Jordan
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    May 8th 2017, 12:59 PM

    @alphanautica: Before making any claims of FN support on the rise you should wait and see the results of the French Parliamentary Elections next month. In 1985 they reached a high watermark of 35 MP’s in the current Parliment they have 2 MP’s. If they can match or better their 1985 total then you could say they are on the rise. If they can’t, well it’s just a case of going nowhere.

    3
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    Mute Patricia Cooney
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    May 8th 2017, 4:54 PM

    @Barry Somers: if their is no work and la pen wants to close borders you are racist.what next.

    1
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    Mute Joshua Walsh
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    May 8th 2017, 7:59 AM

    Great to see the French people reject the hate that Le Pen spout.

    94
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    Mute cortisola
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    May 8th 2017, 11:43 AM

    @Joshua Walsh: There will be less and less support for her every year with growing Muslim population in France. She may never win.

    12
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    Mute Mick Jordan
    Favourite Mick Jordan
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    May 8th 2017, 1:02 PM

    @cortisola: She has to survive the Parliamentary elections. If the FN don’t do better than her Father did in 85 with 35 seats the party will turn on her.

    4
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    Mute
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    May 8th 2017, 8:19 AM

    God help France now with this political lightweight and apologist for Islamic terror in power.

    80
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    Mute Diarmuid
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    May 8th 2017, 11:35 AM

    From an apologist for “republican” terror….

    Hypocrisy much?

    16
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    Mute Mick Jordan
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    May 8th 2017, 1:08 PM

    And what makes him a political lightweight? Coming out of nowhere and winning the Presidency from experienced and seasoned Politicians puts him right up in the Heavy Weight division as champion. And if you think he is a lightweight because of his lack of political experience then what does that make Trump a Bantamweight?

    10
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    Mute George Orwell
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    May 8th 2017, 7:50 AM

    His wife gave him a well deserved pat on the head

    73
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    Mute The Thinker
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    May 8th 2017, 9:55 AM

    Glad to see France isn’t as easily led as the US and UK. There’s some hope yet

    30
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    Mute Diarmuid
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    May 8th 2017, 10:33 AM

    Fabulous day for France and Europe.

    The fascist wave is dying across Europe, just like it did in 1945.

    28
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    Mute cortisola
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    May 8th 2017, 11:46 AM

    @Diarmuid: You’re are like these lunatics dancing end of islamic terror after US killed Binladen in 2011. You’ll never get it.

    16
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    Mute Lisa Dorothy
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    May 8th 2017, 3:14 PM

    @cortisola: Get what? That we have to think of it like it is us versus them? Because where has that attitude got us so far?

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    Mute No one
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    May 8th 2017, 7:33 AM

    I guess the French must be misogynist ??

    49
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    Mute Deborah Behan
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    May 8th 2017, 7:50 AM

    @No one: no they’re just less racist.

    41
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    Mute GameOverMan
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    May 8th 2017, 10:20 AM

    @Deborah Behan: …speaking of racists theres Geert doing his best impression of every defeated cartoon villain ever… well done Geert, well done.

    10
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    Mute David Harries
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    May 8th 2017, 8:59 AM

    I wounder could trump find France on a map

    19
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    Mute Ó Connmhaigh
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    May 8th 2017, 11:42 AM

    @David Harries:
    First, he’d have to find a map

    11
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    Mute Dáithí Ó Raghallaigh
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    May 8th 2017, 9:07 AM

    Donald trump may actually have prevented Le Pen grabbing power, People have discovered that voting is racist nutters actually offers no solutions either.

    24
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    Mute Lisa Dorothy
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    May 8th 2017, 3:13 PM

    @Dáithí Ó Raghallaigh: And that is it in essence. Without an overhaul of the system nothing will significantly change no matter who you vote in. So people don’t fall for populist politicians like Trump – they will achieve as much or less than their establishment counterparts.

    1
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    Mute Plus Prom
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    May 8th 2017, 10:32 AM

    I can’t believe all these so-called liberals celebrating the perpetuation of the patriarchy. I guess France wasn’t ready for a female leader. Sad. #ImWithHer

    17
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    Mute Ernest Grinkas
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    May 8th 2017, 11:24 AM

    @Plus Prom: Agree. Complete sexism. Very disappointed by french sexism..

    7
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    Mute Aaron O'Leary
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    May 8th 2017, 1:21 PM

    @Plus Prom: So the US was sexist to elect Trump?

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    Mute Lisa Dorothy
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    May 8th 2017, 3:15 PM

    @Aaron O’Leary: That’s what I was wondering.

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    Mute cortisola
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    May 8th 2017, 11:47 AM

    Most of these congrats should be sent to Merkel really.

    13
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    Mute Yenreit
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    May 8th 2017, 12:16 PM

    @cortisola: Germany’s third invasion of France! Will they ever learn.

    11
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    Mute cortisola
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    May 8th 2017, 1:47 PM

    @Yenreit: Soon all they need to learn will be Arabic and Quaran.

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    Mute Ibhar Mac Suibhne
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    May 8th 2017, 2:57 PM

    @cortisola: Hype up the anti-islam propaganda there sure!

    2
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    Mute Philip Gerard
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    May 8th 2017, 4:37 PM

    @cortisola: Betterh than sending congrats to Putin, fascist tw@.

    1
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    Mute Tosin Williams
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    May 8th 2017, 8:46 PM

    @cortisola: what language is quaran?

    1
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    Mute Toon Army
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    May 8th 2017, 7:46 AM

    Interesting to see how Macron balances his overall centre right ideology with some watered down policies on education and EU reform. Suspect it will be the latter that takes a back seat but wish him all the best.

    11
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    Mute Nick Allen
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    May 8th 2017, 8:33 AM

    @Toon Army:

    But more importantly, will Rafa be in charge come Aug. Well done yesterday

    8
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    Mute Gerry Fallon
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    May 8th 2017, 9:54 AM

    Theresa may congratulated him through gritted teeth.

    8
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    Mute Paul Coughlan
    Favourite Paul Coughlan
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    May 8th 2017, 9:01 AM

    We now have a 39 year old French President married to a 63 year old woman. Merkel would need to watch out. We should replace Enda with an Edna and we would be sure of a listening ear in France. ❤️❤️

    7
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    Mute Larry Molloy
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    May 9th 2017, 11:48 AM

    The deep state are really nice people once you get to know them.

    1
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    Mute Micheal S. O' Ceilleachair
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    May 8th 2017, 8:03 PM

    We will have five years of macronomics!!!!

    1
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