Microsoft’s Final Push for Free Windows 10 Upgrade

​With the end date of July 29th for the free Windows 10 upgrade rapidly approaching, Microsoft is making one more attempt to try and get people to upgrade with the following full screen splash screen:

This screen is both good news and bad news.  The good news is that Microsoft has moved on from their recent practice of sneaking an upgrade in without the user realizing this would happen.  The bad news is that it is yet another example of Microsoft’s yearlong nagging program to try and get you to upgrade.  Should you decide to upgrade to Windows 10 after July 29th, that will cost you $119.00.
 
With this new screen, one’s choices are very clear:

• Upgrade now
• Remind me later
• Notify me three more times (and then stop)
• Do not notify me again

Whether you actually see this screen or not depends on several things, including whether your computer is compatible with Windows 10, whether you upgraded and then restored your previous operating system, whether the upgrade was attempted and failed, and other factors.

​I have blogged several times on whether to upgrade or not.  Here is my bottom line:

• If you have Windows XP or Vista, you cannot upgrade for free to Windows 10.
• If you have Windows 8 or 8.1 you should upgrade.
• If you have Windows 7, things aren’t quite as clear.  Windows 7 is a fine operating system and will continue to be supported until January 14, 2020.  If you have older applications or devices or do not want to deal with learning a new user interface, then you should stay with Windows 7.  Otherwise, consider upgrading to Windows 10.

 
Windows 10 will likely be on the next computer you purchase as finding Windows 7 computers is getting harder and harder.  If you plan on purchasing a new Windows computer in the future, that may also influence your decision as to whether you should upgrade now or not in that you might want to get a jump on gaining competency on Windows 10.
 
Finally, should you decide to upgrade, make sure you have everything thoroughly backed up before you begin the process.