The buzz surrounding Microsoft’s Windows 10 shouldn’t be anything new to those considering the newest upgrade. You’ve either been pressured by the little box on the bottom right of your screen to make the switch, or you can’t escape the office debates, but no matter how you look at it, upgrading to Windows 10 is a big deal.
Of course you could say the same about any major software or Operating System (OS) upgrade. But when it comes to your OS, you absolutely have to weigh the pros and cons before making the decision to stay or upgrade.
Upgrading too soon can cause frustration and downtime. Neither of which will make the lives of your coworkers or customers any easier. Computers are an integral part of your business, understanding the risks inherent in any OS upgrade is critical in mitigating problems associated with the installation.
We recommend waiting at least six months between the dates the software is released and installing it. Because that six months is almost up (January 29th being the six-month mark of its release) for Windows 10, we came up with a list of the four main talking points—and their pros and cons—to help you avoid the pain of a botched upgrade to Windows 10.
1. Users have until July 28th, 2016 to benefit from the free upgrade
Pros: You still have time to wait for Microsoft to work out any big bugs in the OS before enjoying a free upgrade.
Cons: Waiting to install Windows 10 could be more of a hassle as it gets closer to the deadline if any problems come up during installation, or you wind up with little time to perform the update. Also, if you miss the deadline, you’ll be out of luck for that sweet $0.00 price tag.
2. Windows 10 is an improvement to its predecessors
Pros: Windows 10 has made remarkable improvements to the way your system operates when compared to Windows 7.
Cons: While the above is true, older systems could be rendered obsolete or lose key functionality when you make the switch from 7 or 8.1. And because the OS is still relatively new, systems previously deemed “Windows 10 ready” may in fact not be ready at all, which could lead to significant downtime after you attempt the install.
3. Windows 10 gives you 30 days to love it or leave it
Pros: If your system can’t handle the new OS or you’re just not in love with Windows 10, you have the option to uninstall the software and revert back to your previous operating system.
Cons: You have to install the free trial—and roll back within 30 days—to retain use of your old OS. 30 days may not be enough time for you to decide if Windows 10 is for you or not, but it may be worth the risk if you can just opt in to roll back to Windows 7 or 8.1.
4. Custom software still has to catch up to Windows 10
Pros: Depending on your software and the vendor, whatever tweaks they make in preparation for handling the new OS could help your overall experience run more smoothly.
Cons: Until your vendor provides all the necessary compatibility fixes and support for Windows 10, adopting the new OS is all but out of the question. Unless you want to switch out all of your software, too.
Upgrading your OS—especially a new one—isn’t simple. There’s always the risk of incompatibility issues, problems during installation, and the slew of potential hiccups that can plague a computer hours, days, or weeks after the OS has been installed. Weigh the pros and cons we’ve laid out, know the talking points, and maybe you’ll avoid the inevitable headache that accompanies the Windows 10 upgrade.
If you want to learn more about Windows 10 and how it could affect your business, contact us and let us know how we can help.