Here are some points to keep in mind when considering an upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10.
Backup Before and After
The free upgrade offer for Windows 10 is only available for one year — presumably through 28 July 2016. If your upgraded computer crashes after that date, you’ll need to purchase Windows 10 to get it up and going again. In other words, it won’t upgrade to Windows 10 for free if you restore your computer to its ‘like new’ Windows 7 state. For this reason, it’s a good idea to create an image backup of your computer before and after the Windows 10 upgrade. This is something you’d want anyway, and with Windows 10 it ensures you can restore your computer to a clean Windows 10 installation.
Buy Used – Get Like New
Now is a good time to buy refurbished computers with Windows 7 installed. As long as the Windows 7 to Windows 10 free upgrade offer is in effect, it will be possible to purchase a Windows 7 computer at a significant discount and get it upgraded for free to Windows 10. If you decide to do this, you’ll want to make an image backup of your computer when it’s fresh from the store. This is just in case you decide to return to Windows 7. Then, once you’re done upgrading to Windows 10, make another image backup so you can always go back to the like-new Windows 10 installation. It’s best not to use the computer much or at all when you first purchase it. Instead, do the backups and perform all the essential updates and software installations first. This is explained in the Windows computer setup checklist.
Wait Times May Vary
Depending on your computer, there may be a wait time before Windows 10 becomes available. Then, you’ll need to wait while it downloads. Once it’s downloaded, you can begin the installation. Because there are millions of people at any one moment who all want their free copy of Windows 10, it may take a while for the availability and/or download of the software.
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