Windows 10 Install Tips

So, Windows 10 launched today and you’re trying to work out why you haven’t got it yet? You do know that because Microsoft is releasing its new OS in waves, not everyone can get it right away? Or perhaps you merely prefer to have a little more control with a USB Windows 10 Installer or a DVD? Whatever you want, the choice is all yours.

Furthermore, some users are having trouble with Windows Update. Thankfully, there’s a simple workaround.

All you need is a genuine copy of Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, Microsoft’s Windows 10 Media Creation Tool, and an Internet connection. This is the manual version of everything the “Get Windows 10″ tool is supposed to handle for you.

Windows 10

The generic, unaltered, run-of-the-mill Windows 10 desktop

If you’re running a 32-bit copy of Windows, download the tool from HERE. If you’re running a 64-bit copy of Windows, download the tool from HERE. If you’re not sure, hold the Windows key and press the pause/break button. See what it says under “System type.”

Note 1: If you have Windows 7 or 8.1 Starter, Home Basic or Home Premium you will be upgrading to Windows 10 Home. If you have Windows 7 or 8.1 Pro or Pro Student, you will be upgrading to Windows 10 Pro.

Windows 7 and 8.1 Enterprise are not permitted to upgrade to Windows 10! If you have an Enterprise edition and are desperately seeking Windows 10, then you’ll have to think outside the Microsoft box. Tip: Change your Windows licence key to a Pro version and then use Remove WAT (Remove Windows Activation Technology) 2.2.6.

“N” and “KN” editions of Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro are also available and include the same functionality as the standard editions, except that they do not include certain media related technologies (Windows Media Player, Camera, Music, Films & TV) and does not include the Skype app. … It’s a European thing.

For information on the differences between Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro, see http://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/windows-10-editions.

Note 2: Microsoft is only offering the Windows 10 Upgrade for one year. So I suggest you get your USB or DVD version while you can and keep it in storage. If you do need to use it at a later date, just tell your computer it’s Thursday July 29, 2015 again. 😉


WARNING!

If you are upgrading from Windows 8.1 and you are running a replacement Windows 7 facsimile START MENU, make sure you shut it down prior to beginning the installation process.

Any automated pre-startup temp file cleaners like Yamicsoft’s Windows 8 Manager – One Click Cleaner should also be closed down prior to beginning your installation of Windows 10.

Lastly, if your Windows 7 or 8.1 is less than legit and you’ve used some Windows Activation Technology get-arounds, you may need to supply a genuine Windows 10 licence code. Or try playing around with Remove WAT (Remove Windows Activation Technology) 2.2.6, KMSpico Activator or some genuine Windows 7 or 8.1 licence codes. I have not tested it, but KMSpico Activator may also activate Windows 10 after you’ve installed using a non-activatable Licence Code.

Hidden your Windows 7 or 8.1 licence code and you can’t figure out what it is? Try this: magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder. It’s safe to install, but do make sure you read before agreeing, or you will install bullshit you do not want.

What I do not like

The Start Menu. While it is there and is probably going to satisfy most people’s needs, I prefer the older, more configurable Windows 7 style Start Menu. However, that’s not a problem; Just add your own Windows 7 style Start Menu from numerous sources.

Windows 10
Windows 10 with a Windows Vista style Sidebar,
Stardock Start10 Menu and Stardock Fences
(Creativity Folder is stored on a remote Hard Disk Drive elsewhere on RaHoWa Net Pte)

 

Apart from that, upgrading to Windows 10 is as easy as installing a Service Pack. Any previously installed software and settings will be retained, right down to your choice of desktop wallpaper. The only complaints should be from die-hard Windows 7 purists and those freaks that get their rocks off on Windows 8.1 and its back to Windows 3.11 For Workgroups scheme.

Enjoy your Microsoft freebie while you can.

UPDATE: January 2016

Reports have it that when you do a clean install of Windows 10, you can now use your Windows 7 or Windows 8 serial/key. That means you are no longer forced to upgrade from an older and perhaps faulty operating system. You can wipe and begin again.

Windows 8 – Windows 10 Start Menu

Where is the Start menu?

The Start screen replaces the Start menu in Windows 8/8.1, Windows 10 and Windows RT.

How to Use it

Open Start by swiping in from the right edge of the screen (or if you’re using a mouse, pointing to the upper right corner of the screen and moving the mouse pointer down), and then tapping or clicking Start. Update: 8.1 has returned the Start Button – but still no Menu. The version that came out with Windows 10 will serve the needs of most, but many will prefer the older Windows 7 style Start Menu.

Well, fortunately you have a few options:

1. Suck it up and get used to Windows 8/8.1 or make do with the new Windows 10 style Start Menu.

2. If you are using Windows 8/8.1, upgrade to Windows 10

3. Add a Windows 7 style Start Menu using Third Party software.

Since you are reading this, I doubt you are willing to suck it up, and so it’s Third Party software that you want.

Stardock Start8 and Start10

Cost: Free to try for 30 days, and then $4.99. Or you can jew Start8 with a simple search of tehPARADOX.com Online Sharing Community or half a million other places around the net.

System Requirements: Windows 8/8.1 or Windows Server 2012

Where to Get it: http://stardock.com/products/start8/

http://www.stardock.com/products/start10

What is Start8/Start10?

  • Windows 7-style Start menu with Windows 8 enhancements
  • Search for Windows 8-style (Modern UI) apps
  • Pin desktop and Metro apps to the start menu
  • Jump List support
  • Unified Search for apps, settings and files
  • Boot directly to the Windows 8 desktop
  • One click access to shut down, devices, music, documents, and videos
  • Optionally disable the desktop Windows 8 “hot spots”
  • Supports WindowFX 5.1 start menu animations
  • Includes .ADMX template (in GroupPolicy folder)

Start8 – A Start Button for Windows 8

 

Lee-Soft ViStart 8.1

Cost: Free

System Requirements: Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Vista or XP

Where to Get it: http://lee-soft.com

ViStart 8 has all the functionality the Windows 7 Start menu has and then some more. ViStart 8.1 is completely skinable and there are already a lot of extra start menu skins and start menu buttons available to customize your Windows look that you can download from the lee-soft.com website.

  • The original features of the windows 7 start menu
  • Boot directly to the windows 8 desktop
  • Advanced search (includes also windows “metro” apps and displays them in a separate category)
  • Search & start “metro” apps directly from the start menu
  • Pin “metro” apps to the start menu
  • Switch button in the start menu to switch to the “metro” app desktop
  • Custom start buttons “there is a selection of free start buttons on the lee-soft.com website)
  • Completely skin able “ you can give your start menu a custom look”
  • Free skins “ there is a special gallery with free skins on lee-soft.com to customize you start menu”

ViStart – A Start Button for Windows 8