This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
Windows 10 for Windows 7 Users
Prior to the release of Windows 10, it’s fair to say that the last great version of Windows was Windows 7. It was so beloved that most Windows 7 users didn’t upgrade to Windows 8 or 8.1; they kept running 7 on their old machines, and avoided buying new PCs so they wouldn’t have to run the dreaded Windows 8.
But Windows 7 is starting to get a little long in the tooth, and many of those older Windows 7 PCs are really starting to show their age. Fortunately, it’s easy to upgrade from Windows 7 directly to Windows 10—and if your computer is still running Windows 7, it’s something you probably should do.
If you’re a Windows 7 user, you’ll find Windows 10 familiar. I view Windows 10 as the natural upgrade to Windows 7 that Windows 8 should have been but wasn’t. Windows 10 sticks with everything that people liked about Windows 7 and makes some natural and quite useful enhancements.
What will Windows 7 users find new in Windows 10? Here’s a short list:
The interface looks a little different, using a more contemporary flat design with minimal windows “chrome” (which means almost borderless windows).
There aren’t any desktop “gadgets” in Windows 10. Sorry about that.
The Start menu has been substantially revamped. Pinned apps now appear as live resizable tiles on the Start menu, and the Start menu itself is resizable.
You now sign in to Windows with a Microsoft account. You can sign in to multiple PCs (all running Windows 10) with the same account and have your personal options appear on the other PCs.
The newer, faster Microsoft Edge web browser replaces the older, slower Internet Explorer.
Windows Explorer is renamed to File Explorer, with a new ribbon interface.
The Task Manager tool is completely overhauled to make it more functional.
You use Windows 10’s Settings tool, instead of the old Control Panel, to configure most of the operating system’s settings.
The Windows Defender antivirus/antispyware tool is now included, free of charge.
Windows added options to both refresh and reset the operating system in case of severe system problems.
In terms of compatibility, Windows 10 should run just fine on a Windows 7 PC. You may find some compatibility issues with some older software, so check with Microsoft or your software publisher to make sure everything works well together.
You should be able to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10 without losing any of your files, programs, or settings. See the Microsoft website for more information.
