Microsoft insists on all its users upgrading to Windows 10 to take advantage of the Operating System’s update cycle. However, many users are still on older versions of Windows, especially Windows 7 and 8.
The other systems work okay, but you might be forced to upgrade to Windows 10, so you could be wondering what will happen if you choose not to upgrade.
Let us take a deeper look to see what happens if you fail to upgrade your system so that you can make a plan;
What Happens If You Don’t Upgrade To Windows 10?
Your computer will still work even if you are using older versions, but you will miss out on the advantages of using Windows 10.
The updates in terms of security and more features are limited in the older versions, and there are none when it comes to Windows 7.
This means that you will be left vulnerable to hackers that Windows 7 could effectively protect you from.
Eventually, all support and updates for versions below Windows 10 will be scrubbed, which will leave you with a stone-age OS that can’t work with the numerous and demanding apps currently in use.
Why Should You Upgrade Your Operating System
You could be running an older version of windows, and you feel like there is no need for you to upgrade since it works fine. The fact is, it is important to have Windows 10 and to keep it updated for your good.
For instance, Windows 7 is rather old since it was launched 11 years ago. In January 2020, Microsoft announced the end of life for Windows 7.
This means that Microsoft stopped releasing any security updates or patches for the Operating System.
The Operating System will still work, but you will be vulnerable to attacks, viruses, and more bugs when using recently made software.
This will put you at risk of losing all your data, and you would eventually have to change the Operating System.
Windows 8 and 8.1 are still officially supported by Microsoft, but they are still old since Windows 8 was launched in 2012.
A lot has changed in recent years, so it would be good to upgrade to Windows 10 to get the best services.
Eventually, Microsoft will revoke all older versions of Windows, and you won’t get any updates on them. This will mean that you don’t get any new features that would otherwise help secure your system.
With Windows 10, you will get the best of Windows 7 and Windows 8 all in one package. You can upgrade to Windows 10 for free, so you don’t need to go through all the issues that come with using an old OS.
It is important to know that it is only free for now; at some point, it will become mandatory for you to pay to get the upgrade. It is a wise move to make the changes now and use the money for something else.
How To Upgrade To Windows 10
Having made up your mind about getting an upgrade, you need a simple and convenient way to get the upgrade. You can go to the Microsoft Store and buy Windows 10, but it will cost you about $139.
You could save this money and get Windows 10 for free online. Make sure your PC has a steady internet connection to make for a smoother upgrade. Let’s jump to the PC and see just how you can do this.
- On your browser, go to www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10.
- Once you get to the landing page, you will see several options and a lot of text, but you need to get a Windows 10 or upgrade. This is done by creating a Windows 10 Installation media.
- Click on the blue “Download Tool Now” button, and you will notice a newly downloaded media creation tool.exe file on your device.
- Give the app all permissions it needs to make changes to your device and install the upgrade. It will start upgrading to Windows 10; it will take some time to download some additional files.
- After the media tool has completed all necessary downloads, a list of license terms will come up, and you can go through them then click on accept.
- The next screen will ask you what you want to do. You need to upgrade your PC, so select the first checkbox for that before moving on.
- The next window will ask if you want to keep all your files and apps; check the box to save yourself the trouble of saving the apps and recreating all the files you had. The tool will then take you through the rest of the process.
- When you are done with the installation, you need to make sure that your Version is activated. To do this, go to settings, then under settings select updates and security.
- On the left side of the new window, you will see a tab for activation. Click on it, and you should see that your Windows is activated, and it should work well from this point with regular updates for security and best operation.
An advantage that comes with this is that the Windows 10 update is tied to your hardware. As such, if you need to format your computer for any reason, the Operating System will reactivate automatically, saving you the cost of installing a new OS.
Advantages Of Upgrading to Windows 10
There could still be some holdouts that are yet to upgrade to Windows 10 since their systems are still working properly.
You might have your reasons for not upgrading, but here are some amazing advantages that come with upgrading to Windows 10.
1. Windows 10 offers better security
Any user can confirm that Windows 10 has better security than any previous versions. It is new and integrated with many security features that were not available in Windows 7 and 8.
For instance, you will get exploit protection with the Operating System. This will help keep your data safe in case you receive corrupted data from malicious hackers. Microsoft is continuously revising Windows 10 to make it even more secure.
2. Window 10 supports DirectX 12
This is a feature that gamers will appreciate since it is an API that allows game creators to configure the hardware in your computer to run the games better.
The new versions of DirectX will allow developers to make better games, and Windows 10 will run more of these games.
3. Universal Windows Apps
Windows also has an app store to download games and apps made by Microsoft and many others. This app can come in handy because it will run on all devices that use Windows 10.
This will work for laptops, desktops, and even an Xbox. Xbox one runs on a modified version of Windows 10, so it can theoretically enable you to run any app that would run on a Windows 10 computer on an Xbox console.
This will help gamers since they will buy most Xbox games and run them on their computers. They are all on the same platform, so you will be able to continue with your game from the last point you saved it.
4. Windows 10 has more Features
This is an advantage that comes with the initial installation and continuous use of the Operating system. At first installation, there are many features in Windows 10 that you won’t find in Windows 8 and 7.
In addition to this, there are constant updates to Windows 10. These updates will give you more features as you progress which will make for a better user experience.
Features like the Nightlight help you be more comfortable while working at night, and it is not present in Windows 7.
The start menu is also designed better in Windows 10 since it’s a combination of Windows 7 and 8. You can customize the settings to meet your specific needs if you want to.
Conclusion
It is important to upgrade your PC to Windows 10 even if it works well with an older version. This is most important when it comes to security and compatibility with more software.
Older systems will not get enough security patches to keep your information safe. If you haven’t made the upgrade, you should do it now while it is still free before you start feeling the weight.
With Windows 10, you will be able to use more features that are convenient and practical. As more updates get created, you will get better services from the same Operating System through simple updates rather than a complete overhaul.
Windows 10 will also be a great choice for gamers since it supports DirectX 12. DirectX will allow your hardware to integrate better with the games you install, which will make for a much better gaming experience.
