Windows 10 - Background and Upgrade

The Last Windows (?)

Microsoft speaks of Windows 10 as the "last Windows" because they will release new features, driver and security updates as continuous automatic updates and thus pushed directly to the users without ever having to upgrade to a newer version (only Win 10 Pro and Enterprise users will be able to defer some updates). This means that Windows will become more like a Service. This is analogous to many of the online services we use like Google Maps, YouTube, Soundcloud etc. where nobody cares about version numbers and new features are implemented and released on the fly. This is the intention right now but it wouldn't come as a surprise if we see changes to this plan in a few years.

Everything becomes Windows

Microsoft is targeting 1 billion Windows 10 users within two to three years and they might just meet their goal. Windows 10 is designed to run on PC, Laptops, Smart Phones, Tablets and Gaming Consoles and with the help of their cloud services all your devices and data are connected at all times running the same exact system. So for instance you are able to pause your X-Box game at home and later continue to play it on your tablet when you are sitting in the train. All aligned with Microsoft’s new motto “Cloud first, Mobile first” – with all it’s advantages and disadvantages - but more on that later.

Free Upgrade for 1 Year

To live up to their goal of “everything becomes Windows” Microsoft is making the upgrade free for the first year (don't miss the deadline next year: July 28th, 2016!). This should give most people an incentive to update as soon as possible. Microsoft obviously still wants to make money with Windows 10, but they seem to be doing this through OEM business with manufacturers and support contracts with companies rather than the single user directly.

What’s New and Better?

Updated design, integration of cloud and assistant services and an all over unified user experience across all types of devices makes Windows 10 the way of the future.

• Start Menu: New designs bringing the best of Windows 7 + 8 start menus together
• Cortana: The personal electronic assistant for Window similar to Apple’s Siri (not available in Switzerland at the moment)
• Windows Defender: Enhanced version for security
• Edge: Microsoft’s new and fast browser
• Continuum: Adjust your experience and settings depending on your use case, e.g. touch screen, keyboard+mouse, tablet mode etc.

Read the Windows 10 Blog for more information on new features.

What's Missing?

Microsoft has announced some features from Windows Legacy (XP, 7 and 8.x) will be discontinued.

• Windows Media Center: Windows Media Center will be removed
• DVD Playback: No integrated DVD playback software, a solution needs to be installed after update if you want DVD playback - we recommend VideoLAN player (VLC) which is part of both Neptun Free/Open Source software packs
• Desktop Gadgets: Windows 7 Desktop Gadgets will be removed
• Games: The famous built in games Solitair, Minesweeper, and Hearts will no longer be preinstalled. You can find the games again in the Microsoft App Store.
• Standalone OneDrive application from Windows Live Essentials: Removal of the OneDrive app and replaced by the inbox version of OneDrive

A Note on Privacy Settings

Windows 10 has been getting a bad reputation regarding data privacy and is even considered an evil data mining machine. This has gone as far as the first freeware tools popping up, which automatically deactivate some of the nasty Windows 10 security settings.

We do not recommend any of these “freeware tools” and luckily you can control privacy permissions yourself in the settings app. An in depth review of all privacy settings can be found here: http://lifehacker.com/what-windows-10s-privacy-nightmare-settings-actually-1722267229

Microsoft has released a privacy statement and they are surprisingly open about why they collect your data. Note that if you limit Microsoft from accessing your data you will not be able to use all of the features of Windows 10.

Should you Update?

If you currently have a running system being it Windows 7 or 8.1 we recommend to wait a few more weeks so most of your applications will run flawless on Windows 10 or check with the manufacturer of these applications if they are already compatible. We have tested the upgrade process on a few Neptun laptops and all in all it worked without major problems. There are some If you decide to upgrade make sure multiple backups of your old system are in place (external harddrive, cloud etc.).

If you are using Sophos Endpoint Antivirus make sure that version 10.3.15 is installed. This version is automatically distributed by the update system and we recommend to manually start an update run (in the system tray right click on the Sophos icon and choose "Update now..."). Version 10.3.15 can be migrated without problems. Versions below 10.3.15 will be removed during the upgrade process and you will need to reinstall Sophos manually.

How to update:

1. First read the official Windows 10 Specification Sheet!
2. Check directly with your laptop manufacturer if your current device/system is compatible with Windows 10, mainly if there are drivers available for all built-in devices:
   
   • Lenovo Laptops
   • Hewlett-Packard Laptops
3. Upgrade to Windows 10 (Note: A clean Windows 10 installation requires an upgrade to Windows 10 before you delete your old system. Instructions: Clean Windows 10 Installation)