Obtaining Windows-10

Obtaining Windows 10

Windows 10 is a slight departure from Microsoft in that it is promoted as an online service, rather than just a standalone operating system. This means that, by default, Windows 10 is obtained and downloaded online, with subsequent updates and upgrades provided on a regular basis.

The original version of Windows 10 was a free upgrade if it was downloaded and installed by July 2016. However, this offer has now finished and Windows 10 can be bought from the Microsoft website, or through software retailers. A registered version of Windows 10 has to be installed before the free Anniversary Update can be downloaded.

The three main options for obtaining Windows 10 are:

• Upgrade - Replace an older version of Windows, retaining the installed applications and settings. This can only be done with Windows 7 and later: for earlier versions you will need to install a new, full copy of Windows 10.

Don't forget: 

The cost for Windows 10, with a DVD, is US$119 (£99) for the Home edition.

• Clean Install - This has to be done if you have Windows XP or Windows Vista and you want to upgrade to Windows 10.

• Pre-install - Buy a new PC or laptop with Windows 10 already installed, then install the required apps.

For users of Windows 7, 8, or 8.1, Windows 10 has to be installed before the Anniversary Update can be downloaded and installed from the Microsoft website. Ensure Windows Update is turned on within Settings to ensure you are informed about the update. Once it has been installed, you will receive upgrades and updates as they become available.

👉Read also: How to Use the Charms Bar in Windows 10

Some of the steps that the installation will go through are:

Personalize. These are settings that will be applied to your version of Windows 10. These settings can also be selected within the Settings app once Windows 10 has been installed.

Settings. You can choose to have express settings applied, or customize them.

Microsoft Account. You can set up a Microsoft Account during installation, or once you have started Windows 10.