Windows 10 has been out for about 3 months now. Overall, I would give it a big thumbs up.
According to Microsoft, 110 Million PCs now have Windows 10 installed. Teky is responsible for installing more than 60 of those.
Teky recommends Windows 10, for a few reasons:
- It is the latest operating system from Microsoft and therefore will be supported longer than any of the existing ones
- It is the “last” operating system from Microsoft, and so everyone will eventually move to it … why not move now, while it is a free upgrade (to those with a legal copy of Windows 7, 8, or 8.1)
- It is pretty good: fast, stable, compatible, and navigable (i.e. similar to Windows 7 and before)
The second point above is the biggest reason to switch. Over the next few years, hundreds of millions of computers will be switched to Windows 10, so why not switch now while it is free (for most of you).
In most cases, the upgrade goes smoothly. We have seen some video drivers and motherboard drivers that need updating after the upgrade, but that’s usually it. As a result, we often recommend users attempt this upgrade themselves, but to keep Teky’s number handy in case of issues.
Four things to do BEFORE starting the upgrade:
- Start the upgrade at a time when you don’t need the computer for at least 1-2 hours
- Make sure your Windows is up-to-date and that there are no issues before upgrading
- Make sure your data is backed up before installing anything major like this
- Run the System Update Readiness Tool to determine the problems before they arise
Three things to do DURING the upgrade:
- Don’t interrupt the upgrade … and make sure your computer doesn’t lose power
- Near the end of the installation, a window titled “Get going fast” comes up … this is precisely where you should slow down and read the fine print … Teky makes a point of clicking “Customize settings” on this page to turn off ALL of the privacy settings
- Teky recommends using a Local account instead of a new or existing Microsoft account
Five things to do AFTER the upgrade:
- Hide or icon-ize the Search box on your Task Bar … it’s pretty useless
- Unpin Edge from your Task Bar … it is NOT ready for general use (and neither is the new Mail app)
- Unpin ALL the metro-style icons from your start menu, and drag the menu narrower (to reduce clutter)
- Most importantly, click the Start button, type Default Programs, click Default Programs, and set your Default Programs … be sure to select your favourite browser and “Set this program as default”, but also do this for your other favourite programs
- Create shortcuts on your taskbar or desktop for those programs and apps that you use most, because your alternatives are to click Start and type the program name (assuming you know it), or click Start then “All apps” and scroll through a long alphabetical list If there’s a point you don’t understand, just ask your neighbourhood Teky at help@teky.ca or 250-929-5333.