Should I upgrade to Windows 10?

This is a question we in IT hear a lot from our clients.  The truth isn’t a simple yes or no question.  However,depending on what programs you utilize, and what setup you need for your office or home, many different variables can determine the actual answer.

 

Would I lose anything going to Windows 10?

 

Yes and no. Data files, such as word documents, spreadsheets, photos, and videos would all be transferred over with no issue. Any shortcuts on your desktop would remain where they are, and even your desktop background image would remain the same

 

Where you might see some change in is the programs that carry over. Any current supported software will transfer over no problem (ie. Office 2010-2016). Anything that is no longer supported with updates will be uninstalled during the upgrade (ie Office 2003 and below). Anything that has not seen continued support will not make the jump over to Windows 10, so be sure to check which software you use regularly and check with the manufacturers to ensure that the software carries over properly before you attempt an upgrade.

 

One big mention in this section will be for home users. Windows Media Center is no longer supported by Microsoft for Windows 10. If you were using Windows Media Center to watch DVDs for example,you will need to find a replacement program to be able to do this.

 

What benefits would I gain from updating to Windows 10?

 

There are a good amount of benefits to be had from the upgrade. Windows 10 is probably going to be the last iteration of Windows. What this means is that there will be no Windows 11, or Windows 2018, this will be it. Much like Apple’s OSX operating system for their Macbook line of computers, Windows 10 will be receiving free planned updates for any improvements that will need to be made.

 

A feature called Taskview has made it into this iteration of Windows. What task view allows you to do is to have multiple desktops set up, depending on what you need to be viewing that day, or for more organizational features. It allows you to rotate between desktops with different windows open for whatever you are working on in the moment.

 

The start menu is back. A big drawback of Windows 8 and 8.1 was that there was no longer the traditional start menu. Instead, it was replaced by a separate screen with “Tiles” and other applications.  This was a huge hurdle for newer consumers to get over. Windows 10 brings that start menu back, with a little bit more customizability for the user.

 

What are some of the bigger drawbacks to upgrading?

 

One of the biggest drawbacks we find is that there is no longer a way to modify how you receive windows updates with the basic version of Windows 10. This means that you will have no control over when or how you receive updates other than delaying them until you were intending to turn off the computer next. This means that if there were an issue with an update that needed to be fixed by Microsoft later down the road, that there would be no real control to wait until the fixed update is released.

 

A new interface means learning new things. A lot of things are familiar, it being a Windows environment, but the new features could be daunting to some, especially after the reign of Windows 7 as the in-office champion for businesses. While the Start menu remains, Microsoft did incorporate some of the tile system from Windows 8.1.  It could take some learning to get used to these new items.

 

Our Recommendation

While Windows 10 will be the final iteration of Windows, and it appears that swapping to it sooner would be a good idea to , we still recommend waiting at this point.  This applies especially for business users.

The newer system still needs some time to grow, and it isn’t without its fair share of bugs or small issues at the moment. Windows 7 will still be supported by Microsoft until 2020, and while we don’t recommend waiting the entire time to switch, waiting to make the switch could save you from hassles that Microsoft will fix in the meantime.

 

In another 6 months to a year or more, we will know for sure how Windows 10 is really shaping up, and we will probably see larger corporations moving over to it at this time to fully utilize the new operating system. Until we see some more solid success in the workplace, we will most likely recommend on an as-needed basis.