Windows 10 has been the most loved and used Windows operating system ever released by Microsoft. With constant updates and support, Windows 10 offers you free upgrades that enhance usability and functionality. With Windows 11 currently being rolled out, you can still access updates continuously on Windows 10, though at a slower pace, says Microsoft.
The Windows 10 OS continues to offer support for unique functionalities like a voice-based virtual assistant, touch input, face login, Windows Defender security, etc. All of which are augmented with the capacity for enterprise environments to get non-critical updates at a slower pace. In the latest 21H2 version (the 12th and current major update) comes an option to switch your PC to either light or dark mode, and it also supports Wi-Fi 6E, among other new features.
Windows 10 is available to all Windows PC users. Follow the instructions below and I’ll show you how to download it on your PC for free.
Note: Windows 10 latest version is available to all Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise users, as well as compatible Windows 7 and 8.1 PCs.
There are 3 ways to update your PC to Windows 10:
Windows Update Settings
- Head over to your Windows Settings, select Update & Security, then click on Windows Update. To make it quick, you can simply type Windows Update Settings
in the search area and hit Enter.
- The latest November 2021 update (Windows 10, version 21H2) will appear, and you can download and install it.
Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update
- You can continue whatever else you’re doing on your computer while the update downloads in the background.
- To finish the upgrade, you need to restart your system or select a convenient time to do so.
- If your PC is not eligible for the upgrade, you will be notified immediately.
Purchasing Windows License
Alternatively, you can purchase a new Windows computer with the latest version of Windows 10 installed or buy and install a full version of the software as long as your OS is compatible.
Check here to see whether your PC meets the minimum system requirements to run Windows 10 OS. You can also visit your PC manufacturer’s website for more info on supported drivers and hardware compatibility.
Windows Update Assistant
- Click on the download button on the sidebar to go to the Windows 10 update page.
- Click on Update now to download the Windows 10
Update Assistant:
- Double-click on the setup file you downloaded and follow the installation instructions to update your PC to Windows 10 latest
version.
How to Uninstall Microsoft Windows 10
Microsoft Windows 10 keeps your old OS on the hard drive for up to 10 days after the installation. This
allows you to revert or downgrade back to Windows 7 or Windows 8.1.
If you wish to try a different operating system on your PC, feel free to check out any of the other free alternatives below.
You can follow the steps below to uninstall Windows 10 from your PC and revert to Windows 7 or 8.1.
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Click on Recovery.
- Select Go Back to Windows 7, Go Back to Windows 8.1, or Go back to the previous version of Windows 10, as the case may be.
- Follow the prompts on your screen to complete the restoration/uninstallation process.
Windows 10 is one of the several Microsoft operating systems available for personal computers, tablets, and several other kinds of supported devices. Microsoft Windows 10 is preceded by Windows 8.1 and succeeded by the recent Windows 11. Users of Windows 10 have enjoyed continuous free updates since its release to the public in July 2015.
These updates provide you with the latest features and functionalities to stay in tune with emerging tech products, enhance the security of your PC, and help you make the most of your computer. The latest November 2021 Windows 10 update introduced the 21H2 version, which features WPA3 H2E standards support for enhanced Wi-Fi security, enhanced Windows Hello for Business, as well the features in the previous versions.
Features of Windows 10
Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge is an improved version of Internet Explorer and is one of the notable features of Windows 10 that you won’t find in previous versions of Windows. The design is more aesthetically appealing. It is also faster and more secure, with many more features included. While Microsoft Edge replaces Internet Explorer as your default web browser, you can still use Internet Explorer if you choose.
Cortana
You’ll notice the circular icon next to your Windows search bar. This new tool, Cortana, performs similar functions like Siri and Google Now. You can type in your questions or use voice-to-text with your computer’s microphone to enter your queries. Cortana virtual assistant is built with the capacity to do many things for you, such as run calculations, quickly help you join a meeting on Teams, convert currency, give you weather updates, track packages, manage your calendar, and so much more.
Multiple Desktops and Task View
Windows 10 introduces an interesting feature, which is the ability to move some of your windows to a virtual desktop, allowing you to manage your tasks more easily. Also, the new Task View feature allows you to view and manage all of your open windows right from one place.
Switch to Tablet Mode
Tablet mode optimizes your device for touch, so you don’t have to use a mouse and keyboard. In tablet mode, all your apps open full-screen, while the desktop and taskbar are minimized. Windows 10 allows you to switch between the tablet view and desktop any time you wish to. If you’re using a touchscreen PC, you can easily switch to the table view, and if you want to use a keyboard, you can go back to the desktop mode.
Simplified Notification Bar
You can view all your notifications by simply clicking on the Action Center button at the extreme left corner of your Windows taskbar. This way, you catch up on any important update or notice that you might have missed.
Action Center
The new Windows Action Center is expanded to offer you more features like Wi-Fi connectivity, tablet mode, night mode, quick access to reduce your screen brightness, and much more. All notifications appear above the Action Center.
Ubuntu: Ubuntu is a community-developed, Linux-based operating system suitable for laptops, desktops, and servers. Ubuntu is a free open source OS that you get free off the internet. Just like Windows 10, Ubuntu has all the applications you need for browsing, presentation, managing your documents, instant messaging, etc.
Linux Mint: Linux Mint mainly uses free and open-source software. It is one of the most popular desktop Linux distributions serving millions of users. Linux Mint was designed to offer users an elegant, modern, and comfortable OS. It is both powerful and pretty easy to use.
Is Windows 10 free?
Yes, upgrading to Windows 10 is free. But be sure that your system meets the requirements before upgrading. Follow the download instructions above to get Windows 10 for free.
Is Windows 10 Secure?
Yes, it is safe to upgrade to Windows 10. Ensure that you are either buying an original license or downloading from the official website.
Will my Windows 7 or 8.1 apps work on Windows 10?
Yes, they will, but for the best experience, Microsoft recommends installing your applications on your new Windows 10 PC afresh. You can use the Microsoft Store to download and install different third-party applications easily.
Visit Windows 10 Website