Windows 10 FAQ
What happened to Windows 9?
Microsoft says they skipped Windows 9 to emphasize that Windows 10 is the ” perfect 10?. Most people disagree and think Microsoft skipped Windows 9 to distance Windows 10 from the sales debacle of Windows 8. And also that Microsoft used the number 10 as a symbolic end to numbered or named versions of Windows.
You mean there won’t be any Windows 11 or Windows 12?
Microsoft says there will be revisions and updates of Windows 10 but there won’t be a Windows 11, 12, 13, etc. Keep in mind that Microsoft’s announcements are subject to change without notice.
Will all future revisions of Windows 10 be free?
That’s a good question. There are some who speculate Microsoft is giving away Windows 10 free to Windows 7 and 8 users (until July 2016) in order to get Windows 10 installed on as many computers as possible – then charge for new revisions. There is no official word on this from Microsoft. Microsoft lovers will say no charge for revisions; Microsoft bashers will see a conspiracy to get customers’ money. I am sure we’ll all find out by August 2016.
Can I reserve Windows 10 even if I didn’t get a notification?
(From Microsoft) “Yes. You can reserve your upgrade at any time on any compatible PC by clicking on the Get Windows 10 app or the Windows Update control panel. This update is not required to get Windows 10, you can still get it even though you don’t get the notification…” You can read our tutorial on upgrading to Windows 10 without an “invitation” here. Just remember to download and upgrade by July 29th 2016. We don’t know what’s going to happen after that.
Can I do a clean install using the free upgrade?
Yes. According to Microsoft if you are using a qualifying version of Windows (Windows 7 SP1, Widnows 8.1 or Windows 10 upgrade) you can create an installation DVD or USB and clean install Windows 10. Remember, if you clean install everything will be deleted from your computer – so make sure you have your personal files backed up on an external drive or somewhere other than your Windows drive (normally C:\). Read our guide to creating Windows 10 installation media here.
Do I have to upgrade by July 29, 2016 to get Windows 10 free?
Yes. Unless Microsoft changes its mind and extends the free Windows 10 offer.
Can I dual boot with Windows 10 and my current version of Windows?
If you want to install Windows 10 on a separate hard disk or partition, you will need to purchase a full license. Windows 10 Home is $119. Windows 10 Pro is $199. However, that being said you can install Windows 10 without a key and use it – you won’t be able to personalize it and there will be a watermark in the bottom right corner saying Windows has not been activated – but Windows 10 will still be usable with some restrictions.
If you want to run two separate operating system on the same computer we recommend using Virtual Machine software (like Virtual Box or VMWare) to run the secondary operating system. It’s more convenient as you don’t have to restart to use the second operating system.
Will I lose my programs, pictures, documents or anything else when I upgrade?
No you won’t. We have helped dozens of people successfully upgrade to Windows 10. We’ve never seen anyone lose any personal files. That does not mean you should not keep your personal files backed up. There’s always a chance something might go wrong. Better to have backups and not need them, than need them and not have them. You just never know.
I had you install Windows Mail on my Windows 7 (or Windows 8) computer. Will it work on Windows 10?
Windows Mail works on Windows 10, but after you upgrade to Windows 10, Windows Mail – we are sorry to say – will not work until it has been re-set.
Will all of my programs work on Windows 10?
Anything that worked on Windows 7 and/or Windows 8 should work on Windows 10, according to Microsoft. We have been using Windows 10 for over a year (including the developer versions) and we have not found anything that works on Windows 7 or Windows 8 that won’t work on Windows 10. But your experience may be different.
Will Microsoft ever bring back Windows Mail or Outlook Express?
We don’t work for Microsoft and we don’t have any insider information, but our guess is that Microsoft will never again include a full mail client like Outlook Express or Windows Mail with Windows. The mail app they include with Windows 10, looks like the same rudimentary mail app that was included in Windows 8. It might be OK for a quick read or reply on a smart phone or small tablet, but it but it lacks most of the features laptop and desktop users want in an email program. Who wants to use a smartphone app on a computer for something as important as email?
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When you say ” Windows Mail works on Windows 10, but after you upgrade to Windows 10, Windows Mail – we are sorry to say – will not work until it has been re-set.”
By re-set do you mean reinstalled? I don’t want to loose this program.
No it does not need to be reinstalled, it needs to be re-set. You mail, folders, accounts, etc. are all still there, but Windows Mail won’t work (open) until it’s been reset.
I have 3 computers – what would be the charge to get Emsisoft on all three?