Jump the line and get Windows 10 right now
Don't want to wait for Microsoft to push the update to your PC? Here's how to download the new OS immediately.
As you're no doubt aware, today is Windows 10 launch day. If you're already registered for the new OS, now it's just a waiting game as Microsoft pushes out the update.
Don't want to wait? You don't have to: There's actually a Windows 10 download page where you can grab the OS right now. Although it appears to be focused on creating installation media (e.g., a DVD or flash drive), you can use it for in-place upgrades -- no external media required.
Needless to say, you should definitely back up your data first. You may also want to consider installing a rollback tool like Easeus System GoBack. Although Windows 10 has a rollback feature of its own, the option expires after one month. GoBack should work indefinitely.
Next, head to the Windows 10 download page, scroll down a bit and click Download Tool Now. (Most users will want the 64-bit version, but obviously you should go 32-bit if that's the version of Windows your system already runs.)
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Run the tool, then choose "Upgrade this PC." From there it's just a matter of waiting while Windows 10 downloads, verifies and installs -- with the inevitable reboot or two along the way.
I just completed this process on a Nextbook Flexx 11, one that had already been registered for the Windows 10 upgrade. It took the better part of an hour. Your mileage may vary, of course, and although everything worked fine at my end, the smarter move is probably to wait until the "official" update arrives on your PC.
But if you just can't wait, hit the comments and let us know how your "upgrade-by-force" fared.
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Microsoft promotes Windows 10 with new launch site and tutorial guide
Designed to drum up interest in the new OS, the launch site tries to convince you to upgrade, while the tutorial guide explains the new features in Windows 10.
Microsoft is trying to excite the masses about Windows 10 through an official launch site and quick guide touting its new OS.
The new Windows 10 launch site reminds us all that the new OS will officially start rolling out on Wednesday, July 29. Microsoft has dropped a series of hints on the site trying to explaining why Windows users should upgrade. Windows 10 will be a free upgrade for all Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users for the first year. Further, the latest version of Windows offers a host of new features that Microsoft hopes will convince people to upgrade.
Microsoft is counting on Windows 10 to erase the bad taste of the touchscreen-focused Windows 8, which failed to catch on with consumers, especially PC users. The company is trying to get the new OS into the hands of as many people as possible. Beyond offering it free to Windows 7 and 8.1 users, Windows 10 will be available for members of the Windows Insider Program, who have been downloading and testing each new version, or build, of the OS and offering their feedback to Microsoft.
The launch site is trying to stir excitement through Microsoft's Windows 10 "Upgrade your world" theme. The site displays live tweets from Windows 10 fans from around the world as the new OS will be available in 190 different countries. Microsoft also has planned "fan celebrations" on Wednesday in 13 cities around the world. These celebrations will offer hands-on opportunities, demos, entertainment and "opportunities to meet the Windows team," according to the company.
Further, the site has listed 10 reasons why you should upgrade to Windows 10, including:
1. Familiarity in Windows 10
2. Do personal things with Cortana on Windows 10
3. Do unexpected things with Microsoft Edge
4. Game Epically on Windows 10
5. Do multiple things at once with Windows 10
6. Security in Windows 10
7. Say "Hello" to Windows Hello on Windows 10
8. A look at the great built-in apps in Windows 10
9. Continuum on Windows 10
10. Coming July 28th
2. Do personal things with Cortana on Windows 10
3. Do unexpected things with Microsoft Edge
4. Game Epically on Windows 10
5. Do multiple things at once with Windows 10
6. Security in Windows 10
7. Say "Hello" to Windows Hello on Windows 10
8. A look at the great built-in apps in Windows 10
9. Continuum on Windows 10
10. Coming July 28th
From the launch site, you can also click a button to "Upgrade for free," which takes you to a page that explains how to reserve your free copy of Windows 10. There's also a "Read the FAQ" link, which takes you to a Windows 10 Q&A page that answers a host of questions about the upgrade.
To delve more into the inner workings of Windows 10, Microsoft has also published a 14-page tutorial guide highlighting the OS's key features. The guide dives into such features as the Cortana voice assistant, the new Edge web browser, the Xbox gaming app and the new Start menu.
Microsoft will start the launch of Windows 10 on Wednesday by pushing the upgrade to members of the Windows Insider Program. The upgrade will then segue to Windows 7 and 8.1 users who have reserved their free copy. The company is using a phased approach so that it can fix any bugs found in the initial stages and fix them as the rollout moves forward.
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