Microsoft passed its original June estimation for release of Windows 10. It appears to be set for the July 29 release of the new operating system. So much so that you might have even got a notification to reserve your copy today.
I know this because my system began dragging this morning for no apparent reason. A notification appeared on my task bar alerting me to reserve my copy of Windows 10. I clicked it to get the window in the graphic above which led me to the window following.
If you are operating in Windows 8.1, a notification should have appeared in the notification section of your task bar to the right. This notification is to reserve your copy, not to download it. You will be notified when the installation files have been added to your system. You can proceed with the installation anytime thereafter.
According to the Windows 10 Q&A page:
For devices running Windows 7 SP1 or Windows 8.1 Update with Windows Update enabled, the app shows up automatically as a Windows icon in your system tray at the bottom right-hand side of your screen.
The only requirements are that a) your device is compatible, and b) you’re running genuine Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1) or Windows 8.1 (Update).
Windows 10 is designed to run on Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 PCs. That means your device is likely compatible and will run Windows 10.
There are many theories as to why Windows 10 and no Windows 9. The fact is, however, that Windows 10 will be the newest upgrade to the Microsoft operating system.
The upgrade is absolutely free and will be available to those using Windows 7 SP1 or later. This is probably because Microsoft is rather red faced about the worse operating system since Vista. Microsoft is hoping to correct many of the terrible features of the Windows 8 operating system. If the videos produce on line are any indication, they may have succeeded.
Apps will now be adjustable in size and you can use them while remaining in the desktop. You will be able to snap up to four windows in place on your screen and swtich between them simply by selecting them. They will have the familiar “X” on the right side of the menu bar at the top like any other program or application. You simply click on it to close it out. Instead of having to go to the “Apps Page” to start an app, you will be able to pin it to the Windows Start menu button on the desktop. There are a myriad of other proposed improvements. Some have been tried in the beta copies and some may not make it into the final version.
The Q&A page goes on to explain that it could take up to an hour to complete the installation on older systems. On newer systems, it could take as little as 20-minutes. They recommend that you plan for an hour. It is also a good idea to back up any important data whenever installing any upgrade this massive.
After you reserve your upgrade, you can confirm whether or not your device is compatible with Windows 10.
Between reservation and when your upgrade is ready, the files you need for the upgrade will be downloaded to your PC to make the final installation go more quickly. Then, when your upgrade is ready after July 29, 2015, you get a notification that lets you get started with your upgrade.
Get Windows 10 is an app that’s designed to make the upgrade process easy. It checks to make sure your device is compatible, and it reserves your free upgrade; it also has information to help you learn about the features in Windows 10.
It will be interesting to see if, this time, Microsoft lives up to its own hype.