Windows 10: Should I upgrade to Windows 10?

I currently run Windows 7 and have been thinking about upgrading to Windows 10, however I have heard that Windows 10 has privacy issues which is really putting me off upgrading. Also when I upgrade, will all my application work with Windows 10 like they do in Windows 7?

Thanks,

Ender Gamer *Biggrin

P.S Sorry if I put this on the wrong forum. I'm new to this stuff XD

:)

 

I should wait to upgrade ?

The Windows 10 Anniversary Update (Redstone) will only be free for computers already running Windows 10.

Frequently
Asked Questions Windows 10 Anniversary Edition codename Redstone

also see:

Windows
10 Free Upgrade On Schedule to End July 29TH 2016 - What are your options?

I would upgrade to Windows 10 now while I can.

then try upgrading manually:

Option 1:

Download the Media Creation Tool Now

Right click the MediaCreationTool.exe file then click
Run as administrator.





Note: How
to verify if you downloaded or installed the Windows 10 November Update

How to create a ISO or USB drive.

Select Upgrade this PC now then click Next



Option 2:

Pre-requisite Task

When making significant changes to your computer such as updating the operating system, you should always backup.
See links to resources about backing up by clicking the link for the respective version of Windows you are running:

Windows XP,
Windows Vista,
Windows 7,
Windows 8/8.1

• How to manually backup and restore your files
  
• How to free up disk space in Windows
  
• How to: 10 Tips before installing Windows 10
  

then

• How
  to download official Windows 10 ISO files
• How to: upgrade from previous versions of Windows using
  Windows 10 ISO file

then

• Disable
  (preferrably uninstall) your Antivirus utility before attempting the upgrade.
• Restart a few times then try again.
• Disable General USB Devices (example - Smart Card Reader).
• If you are using a SCSI hard disk, make sure you have drivers available for your storage device on a thumdrive and it is connected. During Windows 10 setup, click the Custom Advanced Option and use the Load Driver command to load the appropriate driver
  for the SCSI drive. If this does not work and setup still fails, consider switching to a IDE based hard disk.
• Perform a
  clean boot, restart then try again.
• If you are upgrading using the .ISO file, disconnect from the Internet during setup, if you are connected by LAN (Ethernet) or Wi-Fi, disable both then attempt setup again.
• If you are updating through Windows Update, when the download reaches 100% disconnect from the Internet LAN (Ethernet) or Wi-Fi then proceed with the installation.
• If that does not work, try using the .ISO file to upgrade if possible.
• If you are connected to a domain, switch to a local account.
• If you have any external devices attached to the machine, disconnect them (example, gaming controllers, USB keys, external hard disk, printers, non-essential devices).

 

Should I upgrade to Windows 10?

If you have windows 7, do not up-date
to Windows 10 or 8 it's a no ending pain! I wanted to go back to Windows 7, as Windows 8 was almost as bad as Windows 10, which is worse! Besides going back to Windows 7 and 8 are out-of-date! Bummer!

 

If you do a custom install you can turn off all the MS privacy and security setting
on install. There is a tutorial guide here in the forum.

I would also suggest skipping the MSN user setup also and go with your own
user name.

 

Just what privacy issues are you worried about?

 

There are no privacy issues in Windows 10, unless you are discussing something that Homeland Security would be interested in. People are often confusing privacy issues with security issues. These are the same kind of people who believe organic, GMO-free, etc is worth the extra money despite what legitimate science tells them. I may considering dumping my 401K in stock of tin foil providers, as the amount of tin foil hats people are wearing should ensure my long-term retirement goals are met.

 

Ooooh, Deacon posted just before me. Basically said about the same things in terms of privacy vs security, so I was able to redact most of my post.

For Apps, most will work just fine coming from 7. I won't make that a 100% guarantee, because I don't know everything you are running.

 

To take the contrary view:

I don't recommend upgrading from Windows 7 to 10.

It's a better upgrade from Windows 8. The integration of the Windows desktop and the interface once known as Metro was (IMHO) really lousy in 8. It's much better in 10.

 

Actually.. I would perform a clean install with 10 and just use the 7 key. Nothing like starting off with a
clean instillation.

Jeff

 

FWIW, I agree with BunnyJ: I've done the upgrade and the clean install somewhere from dozens to hundreds of times (I've lost count: I write about this stuff for a living, so I do it all the time), and I've invariably obtained better results from a clean install than an upgrade. I'm talking in terms of system stability, disk layout and integrity, file corruption issues (as detected by SFC and/or DISM), and so forth. It's up to you what to do with your system(s), so take this input for what it's worth.
Best of luck, whatever path to Win10 you follow.
--Ed--

 

In spite of snide comments like this, many people do have a concern. By default Windows 10 collects data on usage and user behavior. If you see this as a privacy issue you can disable much of it.

I don't understand the comment about security issues.

 

I've upgraded 2 home computers from Windows 7 Pro to Windows 10 Pro, without ANY problems. Both run Windows 10 Pro just fine.
I cleaned installed this one from Windows 8.1 Home, to Windows 10 Pro (retail license) Guess it depends on how you want to install Windows 10. *Smile

 

What the OP is likely concerned about is the collection of personal data and that's not taking place. It's only use telemetry.

 

I am not a fan of Windows 10 (not just the privacy thing, but other reasons), I like 7 and 8 (with a 3rd party menu).

However, if you upgrade you can try it for awhile (1 month) before the upgrade is permanent. It has a restore to previous version option available and works without a hitch. If you go beyond the 1 month then you will have to reinstall your old Windows 7, via disk or OEM disks, if I am not mistaken.

 

Not really true, you could make a complete image backup, before upgrading to Windows 10, then go back to your old OS anytime you want. *Smile

I would not use Windows to make that image backup thou. Use a free program like Macrium Reflect to make your complete image backup.