Windows 10 Technical Preview to Be Available Via Windows Update
If you’re an advanced computer user – or a brave computer user – you can install Windows 10 Technical Preview on your computer via Window Update. Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users will be able to keep their personal files, settings and apps; Windows Vista users won’t be able to keep anything.
Just because Microsoft is making it a lot easier for you to get Windows 10 Technical Preview, it doesn’t mean you should do it. The Technical Preview is pre-release soft and will have bugs and it may change substantially over time.
Also, keep in mind, with all the other “Preview” editions of Windows, when it was finally released to the public as a finished version of Windows, you couldn’t upgrade from your current Preview to the released version. We’re not sure what Microsoft is planning to do with Windows 10 Technical Preview, but we’re guessing they’re going to make it an easy upgrade for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users. But that’s just a guess.
Microsoft is trying hard to dull the bad reputation of Windows 8.x by making Windows 10 Technical Preview availabe through Windows Update.
But, please, before you rush off and get yourself in a place you do not want to be, please read the following information from the Prepare your PC to get Windows Technical Preview page. It’s very important and if you don’t understand some of the things below, it would be a really good idea for you to wait until Windows 10’s public release.
Prepare your PC to get Windows Technical Preview
Follow these steps to prepare your PC to get the latest Technical Preview build from Windows Update in early 2015:
Download and install the preview only if you:
Want to try out software that’s still in development and like sharing your opinion about it.
Don’t mind lots of updates or a UI design that might change significantly over time.
Really know your way around a PC and feel comfortable troubleshooting problems, backing up data, formatting a hard drive, installing an operating system from scratch, or restoring your old one if necessary.
Know what an ISO file is and how to use it.
Aren’t installing it on your everyday computer.
We’re not kidding about the expert thing. So if you think BIOS is a new plant-based fuel, Tech Preview may not be right for you.
Things to keep in mind
Unexpected PC crashes could damage or even delete your files, so you should back up everything. Some printers and other hardware might not work, and some software might not install or work correctly, including antivirus or security programs. You might also have trouble connecting to home or corporate networks.
Also, if your PC runs into problems, Microsoft will likely examine your system files. If the privacy of your system files is a concern, consider using a different PC. For more info, read our privacy statement.
What does it work with?
Technical Preview should work with the same devices and programs that work with Windows 8.1, but you might need to update or reinstall some of them.
Drivers for basic functions like storage, networking, input, and display come with Windows. These drivers allow you to complete the Windows installation and connect to the Internet. You might be able to get more drivers from Windows Update.
For compatibility info, see the Windows 8.1 Compatibility Center.
If you use a mouse and keyboard
Your apps and devices should work as expected, though of course there will be exceptions. We’d love to know what you think about how the new Windows works with mouse and keyboard and whether it provides the best of new and familiar functionality for Windows and apps.
If you have a touch PC
Technical Preview works with touch, but some things will be rough and unfinished. More touch-friendly improvements are on the way. In the meantime, let us know what it’s like to interact with Windows and apps in the preview.
If you want to go back to your previous operating system:
You’ll need to reinstall your version of Windows from the recovery or installation media that came with your PC (typically DVD media). If you don’t have recovery media:For Windows 7 or Windows Vista: Before you update, you might be able to create recovery media from a recovery partition on your PC using software provided by your PC manufacturer. Check the support section of your PC manufacturer’s website for more info.
For Windows 8.1 or Windows 8: You might be able to create a USB recovery drive. For more info, see Create a USB recovery drive . If you didn’t create a USB recovery drive before you installed the preview, you can create installation media for Windows 8.1.
What can you keep?
If you’re upgrading from
Windows 8.1 or Windows 8
You can keep Windows settings, personal files, and most appsWindows RT 8.1 or Windows RT
Technical Preview doesn’t run on Windows RT systemsWindows 7
You can keep Windows settings, personal files, and most appsWindows Vista
You can keep NOTHING—you must boot from media and perform a clean installImportant
If you’re running Windows 8.1, Windows 8, or Windows 7 and your system language isn’t English, Chinese Simplified, or Brazilian Portuguese, you can only keep your personal files when you upgrade. You won’t be able to keep your apps or Windows settings.
If you want to manually install an earlier version of the upgrade on another partition or a virtual machine, you can download an ISO file instead.
Important
Remember, trying out an early build like this can be risky. That’s why we recommend that you don’t install the preview on your primary home or business PC. Unexpected PC crashes could damage or even delete your files, so you should back up everything.
After you install Windows Technical Preview, you won’t be able to use the recovery partition on your PC to go back to your previous version of Windows.
About your privacy
Microsoft will collect data about your installation and use of Windows Technical Preview to help us improve our products and services. See our privacy statement to learn more.This is prerelease software
Windows Technical Preview may be substantially modified before it’s commercially released. Microsoft makes no warranties, express or implied, with respect to the information provided here. Some product features and functionality may require additional hardware or software.Automatic updates
Windows Update will be set to automatically install important updates as they become available. You won’t be able to turn off automatic updates in Windows Technical Preview.Get the facts about Technical Preview
Be sure to check out system requirements and other important information before you install.
If you have read and understand everything above and your computer is running Windows 8.1 or Windows 7 (do not do this if your running Vista; you will lose everything), then visit this page read the information and click the Prepare this PC now button.
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING TO CLEAR UP ANY POSSIBLE MISUNDERSTANDING:
WINDOWS 10 TECHNICAL PREVIEW IS NOT SOMETHING YOU’LL GET VIA WINDOWS UPDATE UNLESS YOU WANT IT, HAVE READ THE SPECIAL INFORMATION ON THIS MICROSOFT PAGE AND CLICKED THE “PREPARE THIS PC” BUTTON ON THIS PAGE . YOU ACTUALLY HAVE TO DOWNLOAD THE SPECIAL WINDOWS UPDATE MODIFICATION SOFTWARE BY CLICKING THE “PREPARE THIS PC” BUTTON ON THIS PAGE . YOU HAVE TO DOWNLOAD THE SOFTWARE ON THAT PAGE TO GET WINDOWS 10 TECHNICAL PREVIEW AUTOMATICALLY VIA WINDOWS UPDATE.
IF YOU DO NOTHING YOU WILL NOT GET WINDOWS 10 TECHNICAL PREVIEW – YOU WILL CONTINUE TO GET NORMAL WINDOWS UPDATES AND NOTHING MORE.
At my stage of life no I will pass , but if I were about ten years younger I would jump on it . I used to really be in to it but not so much any longer , I tend to learn more on the guitar now that I can’t do much else . LOL
I don’t like deet so will stay away until the bugs are gone and you give it the OK. I trust you!
Will the Windows 10 preview be installed automatically if you have auto updates, or is it an option?
Michael – throughout this entire article it mentions how to get the update and cautions that anyone who is not an expert not do it. If you read the article you have to download a special file from Microsoft so that your computer will be chanced to Windows 10 – otherwise, Windows 10 is included in the updates. If you can tell me what part of the article made it seem like it was included automatically, please tell me and I’ll change it. I’d appreciate it because I thought it was pretty clear you had to take some steps to get it – and warned those who were not experts to leave it alone.
LOL
Good question Michael! I’d like an answer to that one, too!
Regarding Windows updates: like all of windows updates, you are in control and have the option to choose which ones you want installed; and if you have your system set to automatically install windows updates which generally are for the critical updates and not the optional ones! Merry Christmas to all!
Thank you H.H.. I just hope Microsoft makes the preview an optional update.
Michael, i am still not sure how you got the impression from this article that this is something everyone is going to get. it is now. i didn’t think the article was confusing at all – several times it was mentioned that only advanced/expert users should install the Tech Preview. But for those who are confused I have modified the article by making it crystal clear that Windows 10 Technical Preview is not something everyone is going to get automatically via Windows Update.
Thank you so very much for assuaging my fears. I was doing my exercises- jumping to conclusions and panicking.
Do I understand that Outlook will not be a part of windows !)?