Microsoft is rolling out the Windows 10 as a free download for users running the licensed version of Windows 7 and Windows 8. The update is rolling out in phases and you may not get it right away — I just checked and it’s not available at the moment for me. Directly upgrading the operating system from Windows 8 to Windows 10 shouldn’t be a problem, but if you wish to do a clean install, the official Windows 10 ISO is available for download directly from Microsoft.
Before you get excited and start the download, make sure to read the pre-requisites below:
- An internet connection (internet service provider fees may apply).
- Sufficient data storage available on a computer, USB or external drive for the download.
- A blank USB or DVD (and DVD burner) with at least 4 GB of space if you want to create media. We recommend using a blank USB or blank DVD, because any content on it will be deleted.
- Read the System Requirements.
- If you will be installing the operating system for the first time, you will need your Windows product key (xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx). For more information about product keys and when they are required, visit the FAQ page.
- For Enterprise editions please visit the Volume Licensing Service Center.
You can also use Microsoft’s media creation tool to download the new operating system and install it. It has it’s own set of benefits such as built-in media creation options, optimized download speeds and more.
Windows 10 is a big step forward and offers users with a variety of features, and yes, it also brings back the Start Menu — for those who care about it — along with a handful of new features and improvements over its previous iterations. You can check out our detailed review of Windows 10 and see if it’s really worth the hype it has received.
Further reading: Microsoft, Windows 10
