Windows 7 and 8.1 PCs will get direct upgrade to Windows 10

Tech Radar Pro ^ | 01/05/2015 | By Desire Athow

[SeekAndFind]

Microsoft's head of Windows Insider program, Gabriel Aul, has confirmed that Windows 10 will require a fresh install on Windows devices older than Windows 7.

Revealed in a reply from his Twitter account, Aul wrote that there won't be any full upgrade paths as these will be solely available for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users.

It makes sense given that some of them might be on older filesystems (e.g. FAT32). That's also assuming that Windows 10 will run on these systems, which although they may have enough resources (RAM/CPU) to power Microsoft's newest OS, may well run into compatibility issues with legacy components/peripherals (rather than software).

Upgrade path

That said, you can upgrade Windows XP to Windows 10 (Technical Preview) and still keep some (if not all) of your applications and settings in place. You will need to adhere to three rules (same bit and language versions) and have access to older Windows ISOs.

Microsoft is set to reveal more details about Windows 10 at an event scheduled on January 21 at its campus in Redmond. There's even talk of an updated version of Office for Mobile being announced there.

[doorgunner69]

You left out Win 2000 from the list, all OS that I managed to avoid. Did have a work computer with 2000 on it for a spell and the thing attracted viruses like mad. A new experience for me at the time.

[Yo-Yo]

That's also assuming that Windows 10 will run on these systems, which although they may have enough resources (RAM/CPU) to power Microsoft's newest OS, may well run into compatibility issues with legacy components/peripherals (rather than software).

The bloatware continues.

[Clyde5445]

Classic Shell works great for a Start Menu.

http://www.classicshell.net/

[GingisK]

Windows 11 at 10:00.

[firebrand]

Thanks, leapfrog. I already bought one that had the necessary hardware and will have 7 installed.

[leapfrog0202]

You’re welcome. Good luck with what you bought!

[editor-surveyor]

We don’t want any more “upgrades” from Micromush.

[rarestia]

As a MCP, I can tell you that this update is almost completely aesthetic. They’ve made some code tweaks for future tech stuff (i.e. cloud), but this upgrade will turn out to be much ado about nothing.

As a Win8.1 power user, I will tell you that I’m not happy with 10. I’ve grown to like the Metro/Modern interface, and some of the changes in 10 capitulated to the complainers too much, IMO.

[HamiltonJay]

Yes, there is an update fix program you can download and run that will reset windows updates etc, and a cache clearing command you have to run in the windows store as well... I did eventually find the right information and get it resolved, but like I said, took 10 hours to do something that should have taken a few.

[GeronL]

World of Warplanes, World of Tanks and other games on Windows let me keep my mind off installing Linux for the time being.

[editor-surveyor]

>> “Any idea of recommended RAM required to run efficiently?” <<

2 gigs more than you can fit on your muthaboard.
.

[GeronL]

lol

[HamiltonJay]

I completely understand capitalism and how technology companies work.

Yes, MS is not a hardware company (xbox and surface not withstanding), but guess what, the end consumer doesn’t give a rats hairy butt.. that’s the facts.

The reality is, mature software, other than incredible niche software, is by and large a $0 game, that’s its value... don’t believe me, go look at the app store, nearly ALL of it is free now, very very few have an up front price of even a $1, other than some incredible niche products, because, folks just won’t pay for it, so the model changes and you make it up in other ways, advertising, buy ups, subscription costs, etc, but the actual software itself is free.

The OS is a free product for the consumer, if MS wants to keep playing in the space, they are going to have to accept it, pure and simple.. People are not going to pay Microsoft $100 or $200 for an OS upgrade, its not going to happen.. businesses may, and manufacturers may pay them, but the general typical user is not going to pay MS to upgrade anymore... its just a matter of time until MS realizes this, if they haven’t already.

MS cannot change the marketplace, no matter what they may want to do for their bottom line. Do you think MS wanted to have its OFFICE on Android and IOS? Let alone have to give it away for FREE?? Hell no, and they tried for years not to, but guess what, reality is, that’s where consumers are...

Capitalism is a two way street, a company may not like having to give something away, but if that’s where the consumers are on something, that’s what they have to do and figure out a way to make profits in another way.

The funny thing about capitalism is, the consumer doesn’t care about your profits, they only care what you are willing to provide for them at a price they are willing to pay, and for the end general purchaser, the effective price of an OS is ZERO. MS will continue to get money from OEM’s they really don’t have a choice, as the consumer market isn’t going to buy UNIX PC’s that offer free OS’s, and while Chrome is nice, its not really going to take over either... And MS will probably still be able to get licensing fees out of corporations for upgrades, but the typical individual, just isn’t going to pay them.. the market has move,d and MS has to figure out a way to make that work for them.

[newfreep]

Oh, you’re so witty...

[editor-surveyor]

Just wait and see!

[Alas Babylon!]

Yes, MS is not a hardware company (xbox and surface not withstanding), but guess what, the end consumer doesn’t give a rats hairy butt.. that’s the facts.

I understand what you are saying, but Microsoft actually makes most of its money selling to business, rather than consumers, and in the light of that won't be changing the core model of software sales to businesses. That too is a fact.

The reality is, mature software, other than incredible niche software, is by and large a $0 game, that’s its value... don’t believe me, go look at the app store, nearly ALL of it is free now, very very few have an up front price of even a $1, other than some incredible niche products, because, folks just won’t pay for it, so the model changes and you make it up in other ways, advertising, buy ups, subscription costs, etc, but the actual software itself is free.

This is why Microsoft has developed such an extensive Cloud ecosystem, as they do see subscriptions as the future way to sell services to business and consumer customers. Additionally, software assurance/volume licensing to business is a huge revenue stream for them, rather than individual sales.

Even so, when it comes to numbers alone, Microsoft is a long way from being overtaken by Apple, any UNIX or Linux variant:

Now, I don't think they have ANY room to rest or expect that to continue! So I do agree with you they need to continue to provide what the market--and by that I mean BUSINESS and consumer--needs. The market is made up of many players. Still, as you say and I'll correct a little, the market doesn't give a rat's a$$ about Microsoft's business model when they see something better.

I used to work (not directly--but using their stuff) for Digital Equipment Corporation. Remember them? I was a PDP/VAX guru. It all came crashing down in about 6-7 years. I constantly am reminded of that as I work (not directly) for/with Microsoft...

[SWAMPSNIPER]

It’s not a matter of start menu, it’s an expensive GPS unit and the associated software mapping programs I can’t use as effectively, if at all.

[usconservative]

Windows 7 is going to be around for awhile, don't kid yourself.

Interesting that you'd call XP a "winner." A "winner" OS doesn't need security patches EVERY SINGLE TUESDAY for the past 15 years to keep it from being hacked.

Sheesh. XP while stable and reliable was no "winner." It was a POS of an operating system from a Security Perspective.

Give me your IP address and I'll prove it.

[dragnet2]

I give that an 8 on the honking hoot scale.

[Professional Engineer]

Any idea of recommended RAM required to run efficiently?

Twice as much as you have.