Microsoft continues to let Windows 7 and 8 users upgrade to version 10 for free. However, this offer comes to an end fairly soon. It will expire on July 29th, the operating system’s one-year anniversary. Users can keep the complimentary upgrade for the full lifespan of any device.
Goals
One reason for this offer is that Microsoft wants to put its latest OS on at least 1 billion computers, tablets and other machines. It also seeks to discourage customers from continuing to use version 7. The company doesn’t want people to hold onto it as they did with XP.
Fewer than three out of every five PCs currently run Windows 7. In May, MS announced that approximately 300 million machines had version 10, so the software giant has made considerable progress toward its goals. At the same time, it appears unlikely that many more people will switch existing PCs to Win10 after July.
Offers
Microsoft hasn’t ruled out additional Windows 10 upgrade deals in the future. Although discounts remain possible, the company probably won’t provide any more free downloads. Customers who want to acquire version 10 in August can expect to pay more than $100.
Why doesn’t MS keep the offer in place? As Computerworld points out, it annoys big companies that need to pay for Windows 10 Enterprise; they don’t receive free upgrades. The offer also makes it harder for manufacturers to sell new PCs. Windows 7 and 8 users have less incentive to buy computers if version 10 remains free.
Concerns
Many people remain wary of accepting this upgrade. One problem is that the latest edition infringes on privacy in several new ways. Although you can disable some forms of data collection, Microsoft servers will continue to gather certain information about your computing activities.
- More tracking and advertising
- Incompatible with older equipment
- Most tablet users prefer 8.1
Hardware and software that remains compatible with Windows 7 or 8 doesn’t always work under version 10. As Avanade’s chief information officer told CIO.com, “Despite significant efforts by Microsoft… some applications and devices may have issues with Windows 10.” This can cause major problems for business software users.
Some people detest the newest operating system’s tablet mode. They find it harder to use and dislike the obligatory app taskbar. The menu system and Web browser design remain controversial as well. It has also become more difficult to change settings and search the Web.
Advantages
At the same time, Windows 10 delivers some important benefits for offices with tablets and a variety of other equipment. It enables smartphones, tablets, desktops and notebooks to use the same operating system. Some business applications will run on all of these devices, eliminating the need to purchase and integrate separate software.
While tablet owners may find this edition problematic in certain ways, most PC users consider Win10 easier to use than its predecessor. The OS isn’t dramatically different from Vista or 7; it has brought back the familiar Start menu. This enables businesses to upgrade without providing many hours of training to employees.
Although Microsoft often moves in the opposite direction, Windows 10 actually runs more quickly than version 7 in multiple ways. The system boots significantly faster, and it also draws three-dimensional graphics more rapidly. Furthermore, the new Edge browser processes and displays most webpages sooner than Internet Explorer.
Windows 10 is right for some people and companies, but not others. If you plan to upgrade, it makes sense to save money by doing so before July 29th. Business owners depend on QualityIP to keep them informed about today’s latest IT news and tips. Please contact [email protected] or call (330) 931-4141 for further details.
QualityIP is the trusted choice when it comes to staying ahead of the latest information technology tips, tricks, and news. Contact us at (330) 931-4141 or send us an email at [email protected] for more information.