Should I install Windows 10 or not?
Microsoft has been very persistent that you download and install Windows 10 on your Windows 7 or Windows 8 computer. Should you do this?
It depends. If you now have Windows 7, you have had it for quite a while and are probably comfortable using it. You do not need to install Windows 10. Changing to Windows 10 could cause your computer to stop working and need repair. Most computers will load and run Windows 10 without a problem, but those few that don’t can require several hours of repair to get them working properly or to set them back to Windows 7. Microsoft will continue to support Windows 7 for five more years. In that amount of time, you will probably purchase a new computer and get Windows 10 that way.
If you currently have Windows 8.1, you can go ahead and install Windows 10, but be sure to follow the instructions below before proceeding.
Before installing Windows 10 complete the following steps:
1. Backup your documents, pictures, music and videos.
2. Turn off your virus protection.
3. Check on the website of your computer’s manufacturer for any Windows 10 instructions. Some of them will tell you to download a required driver to work with Windows 10.
4. Go to the Microsoft web site (msn.com) and get an outlook.com account. You will need to register your computer with an Outlook account in order to get the Windows 10 apps from the app store and in order to use One Drive, the Microsoft cloud.
5. Install Windows 10.
6. Turn on your virus protection.
We have observed anxiety on the part of computer club members about whether or not to switch to Windows 10. There is really no need to switch. If you are happy with your current operating system stay with it. You can even remove and disable the ‘Get Windows 10’ notification area icon on Windows 7 and Windows 8 computers. Simply Google “GWX Control Panel.” This is a free download that will eliminate those annoying notices.
