Windows 10 is officially available in final version. The Redmond firm is betting big with its new OS following the mixed reception of Windows 8. This time, the company sees things big and offers a system packed with new features with the aim of attracting 1 billion users in three year.
So, the update is free for the holders of a license of Windows 7 or 8 (not pirated obviously) during the first year from July 29, 2021. However, all the users will not be able to benefit from it at the same time and according to the devices which they have. Not everyone will be able to have it for free either. We take stock of this issue. Here are the solutions to install Windows 10.
- Read also : Free, price, installation, configuration, everything you need to know about Windows 10
1. How to install Windows 10 on your PC?
1.1 If you have an up-to-date Windows 7 or 8.1 PC
If you are using one or more computers under Windows 7 or 8.1 up to date, know that the installation of Windows 10 is free. Be careful not to wait too long before taking the plunge, free admission is only valid for the first year (i.e. until July 29, 2021). Moreover, the installation is extremely simple.
If your machine is up to date, you should see a small icon in your taskbar at the bottom right informing you that the update is available. If everything is up to date and you don't have this icon, Microsoft has published a (unfortunately complicated) guide to showing it.
Please note, do not expect to receive Windows 10 right away. If you consider it lucky, since Microsoft has planned to deploy it slowly to deal with any bugs that could affect the first installations but also to avoid overheating its servers. Windows 10 could be available within weeks.
1.2 If your PC is not up to date
You have Windows 7 or 8.1 but you don't see the icon, your PC may not be up to date. So check that you have the latest update. If you have Windows 7, check that you have correctly updated to Service Pack 1. To do this, go to the Start menu and search for Windows Update. If you are using Windows 8, you simply need to update Windows to version 8.1. After that you will be able to install Windows 10.
1.3 If you have a PC running XP or Vista
If your version of Windows is XP or Vista, unfortunately for you, you will have to get your hands on the wallet. In your country, the Home version of Windows 10 will cost you 134,99 euros and the Pro version 269,99 euros. You can get them either on the Microsoft site (download) or in CD version or for the first time on a USB key (from August) in partner points of sale.
Warning ! Before making this purchase, check that your PC has the configuration required to run Windows 10. Because if the new Microsoft OS requires the same hardware configurations as Windows 7 or 8, these configurations are greater than those required to run Windows XNUMX. Windows XP or Vista.
1.4 If you have a device running Windows RT
Bad news if you have a rotating device on Windows RT, updating to Windows 10 is not possible. Nevertheless, Microsoft has promised that an update for Windows RT will be available as early as September but has not given any specific information on the subject.
2. The methods to update Windows 10
2.1 Windows Update: the method recommended by Microsoft
This is the most popular method because it is the most promoted by Microsoft. After having reserved Windows 10, you can place yourself on the waiting line to launch the update for free and automatically via Windows Update. Be careful, the wait can be long (several days or even more), Microsoft having warned that the deployment would be spread out over time.
For those in a hurry, there would be a little trick to force the installation of Windows 10. In a console in administrator mode, it would suffice to type the command line: wuauclt.exe / updatenow.
2.2 Media creation tool: this is the easiest method
The second method to update your PC immediately is to go through the media creation tool provided by Microsoft. In just a few minutes you will be able to launch an update, provided you have a compatible device and an activated license. If you do not have this information a message will ask you to enter the serial number of Windows 10. Do not try to go through it, it is impossible.
The tool will then scan your PC to verify that it is compatible with the new OS. Downloading the necessary files and the latest updates will be done immediately. The installation will then take place. Faster, easier and more efficient than going through Windows Update.
2.3 ISOs to be sure to find what you are looking for
Updating a PC is fine, but what about those with multiple machines? Performing the full update for each device either through Windows Update or through the media creation tool can quickly take time.
The media creation tool therefore makes it possible to recover an ISO to meet these types of users. All you have to do is mount it to update: right-click on the .iso file and click “Mount”.
If you are not convinced by this new version of Windows and want to go back, you have 30 days to do so. That's good, we say how to downgrade Windows 10 to an earlier version on this article.
