How to upgrade to Windows 10 and what to consider first
It’s July 29th, and Windows 10 is rolling out to anyone who would like it. It’s free, and it represents a shift in the paradigm of Windows as an operating system.
If you’d like to read about how Windows 10 could affect you as a musician/pro audio user, please read our blog here: https://pcaudiolabs.com/windows-10-for-pro-audio/
You can see our list of Pro Audio developers who have released their statement on compatibility with Windows 10 for Pro Audio here: https://pcaudiolabs.com/windows-10-pro-audio-compatibility-list/
This list will be ongoing and growing as more developers release their own findings.
Firstly, a note on Windows 10 from PCAudioLabs:
Windows 10 is working fine in all our current tests, but as the industry will need to catch up and release any new versions of DAWs to ensure compatibility, Windows 10 is not yet a selectable OS in our build configuration. Many audio developers have not yet released their updates to address Windows 10.
We cannot say how long it will take for pro audio developers to give their stamp of approval on Windows 10. We hope it is quick. However, as with any new OS, we would urge you to wait at least a week past release date for any major needed updates. A service pack will probably be due soon enough, as well. If you would like to upgrade your system now, please read on for instructions on what you should do first, before you pull the trigger.
Before you upgrade to Windows 10
FIRST: BACKUP.
Before you upgrade, we urge you to first backup your computer. It’s very easy to do, using built-in Windows tools, and it will save you headache, should you have an issue. You can roll back your upgrade of Windows 10 should you choose to, but we urge you to backup your computer. If you are in the middle of a project, please, do not upgrade your computer. Please wait.
To learn how to backup your computer, please follow our instructions: https://pcaudiolabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/PCAL-Windows-System-Restore-and-Backup.pdf
You should also ensure you’ve backed up important projects, files, and other data, to another hard drive.
Upgrade to Windows 10
Again, we are stating at this time that it is best to wait at least a week to upgrade your operating system, but if you want to take the leap now, it is easy to do.
Look for the Windows 10 upgrade icon in your dock
If you have not seen the Windows upgrade icon showing up in your taskbar, next to your clock, please run Windows update (Control panel/security/Windows update) until you do see the icon. it looks like a small Windows icon (or your start button), but next to your clock.
You can then click that icon, which will prompt you to walk through the process of scanning your computer for compatibility. In most cases, you probably won’t see many issues listed. You may have to reinstall some drivers for some devices. Remember, not all devices/apps are going to be compatible at this moment.
What version of Windows 10 will I get?
If you are running Windows 7 versions that are not Pro or Ultimate, you’ll get Windows 10 Home. Otherwise, you get Windows 10 Pro.
If you are running standard Windows 8, you’ll get home, if you are running Windows 8 pro, you’ll get Windows 10 pro.
If you are running Windows XP, well, sorry, time to upgrade!
Run the upgrade assistant
The Windows 10 upgrade assistant will then walk you through downloading and installing Windows 10, which should happen without needing to burn any DVDs or make any USB boot disks.
Upgrade your system and Test
Once your system is upgraded, you’ll want to test it. Open your applications, check your projects, plugins, files, and anything else important to your workflow. If you have issues, remember; Windows 10 was just released. Updates will be coming in quick and fast, and issues will get resolved with time. You may also want to run another backup, this time to a separate hard drive (so as to not overwrite your previous backup image which you made in our earlier steps), to be able to roll back in case of any issues with Windows 10.
Dispelling rumors
There have been a lot or rumors about Windows 10, and they are unfounded.
First off, yes, Windows 10 is free for a year.
Secondly, no, you won’t have to pay for Windows 10 after a year. There is no subscription cost. There are not pre-installed apps that have to be “plugged in” to work or paid for. You don’t pay to be able to access other parts of the OS. If you want remote desktop, you purchase the Pro version. Most people do not need this.
Thirdly, Windows is an operating system, and it, like most, is commonly used to connect to the Internet, where privacy can be tricky. Remember that when using any online service.
If you have an issue after upgrading, you can also call PCAudioLabs, at 818-986-2673.
Windows 10 looks to be the best Windows yet, and as with everything PCAudioLabs does, we will be on the cutting edge of new technology before any other pro audio computer builder. If you have questions, please ask, we are happy to answer !