Migrating from Windows 7 to 10: Here’s Everything You Need to Know!

Released on July 29, 2015, Windows 10 has become the new superhero in town. Exciting features like new login methods, updated start menu, a cool taskbar, an even cooler notification center, support for virtual desktops and a pool of other usable apps are getting businesses closer to their Windows 10 migration.

So how exactly can Windows 10 benefit your business?

It is no surprise that Microsoft has dominated corporate operating systems for years. However, choosing the right operating system has always been a challenge. Microsoft XP had been the most popular operating system ever used until Microsoft ended support in 2014. Despite the fact that the version has no security updates or patches available, many businesses still continue to use it. Because Windows 8 focused on users adopting touch screens, the best option for many organizations was Windows 7.

But the latest version of Windows 10 has combined and upgraded the best features of all previous operating systems to make it more secure, flexible, user-friendly and universal. Plus, Cortana, Microsoft’s personal assistant, is now a part of Windows 10, making it more of an efficient partner for growing businesses. Reports reveal that over 600 million devices have already upgraded to Windows 10, To everyone’s relief, with Microsoft shifting to a service model, Windows 10 could be the last operating system upgrade to pay for. So, if you are prepared to explore the capabilities of Windows 10 for your business, here’s everything you ought to know before you migrate.

Let’s begin by taking a look at the top ways your business can benefit from Windows 10.

  • Data Security

The latest Windows OS provides next-generation protection with advanced threat detection, identity management, and secured data transmission solutions. With Microsoft Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP), Windows 10 enables prompt detection of data breaches, improves security posture and automates security incident response for businesses to securely transfer, manage and handle data.

  • Cortana Assistance

Getting systems more prompt in providing solutions, Cortana is now aiding Microsoft Windows10 to help users navigate through files, apps, internet, and much more through voice search. Other smart functions like pre-addressing emails help users, especially businesses save time and be more productive.

  • New Updates

Taking a Software-as-a-Service approach, Windows 10 is considered to be the last deliberate upgrade of Microsoft operating system. Henceforth, lower-tier versions of the operating system and security patches will automatically be updated, eliminating the need to switch to a completely new OS or taking the effort to learn and train staff on new functionalities. Let’s not forget the time saved and productivity increased with automatic updates.

  • Universal Experience

Delivering a single comprehensive app platform, security model, and deployment & management approach, Windows 10 is creating a universal experience across devices. This provides a consistent, compatible and universal experience for users to work flexibly in any device.

System Requirements

To successfully migrate to Windows 10, it is necessary that your system satisfies a few minimum requirements. The hardware requirements to run Windows 10 is pretty much similar to what was required for the other versions.

  • CPU: 1 GHz with NX, PAE, and SSE2 support (CMPXCHG16b, PrefetchW, and LAHF/SAHF support for 64-bit versions)
  • Graphics: A GPU that supports at least DirectX 9 with a WDDM driver
  • Hard Drive: 16 GB free space (20 GB free for 64-bit versions)
  • RAM: 1 GB (2 GB for 64-bit versions)

STEPS TO MIGRATE

Now that you have a brief idea on how Windows 10 can benefit your business, what are the editions available and what should be the minimum system requirements, let’s jump on to a quick guide to help you successfully migrate to Windows10.

      1. Backup your important data.

Although periodic backup is considered a good routine, it’s notably important that you do so before an upgrade. This will protect your data from any error or crash that occurs during the migration. Not that it will, but it’s always better to take precautions than medicines.

  1. Download Windows 10

Of course, the first step to installation would be to download the Windows 10 Media file. To download, you need to confirm the user account and run the exe file in your system. As the tool opens, the “application notices and license terms” will display on your screen, which you need to accept and continue. If you disagree to the terms, the upgrade will discontinue.

  1. Choose to upgrade

After you accept the terms and conditions, the next page asks whether you want to upgrade or create installation media. Click on the “Upgrade this PC now” and continue to begin the upgrading process. As soon as you click the next button, you’ll find Windows 10 downloading in your device.

  1. After the download

Once the download is complete, click on “change what to keep”. This will, by default, move all your apps and personal files to Windows 10. You will have options to either keep files and app compatible to Windows 10, keep files alone and remove apps, or remove everything on your computer. Ones you have selected what you want, you can click on to the install button to initiate the installation.

  1. During the installation

Your PC might restart a few times and the whole installation might take a few hours. Make sure your PC has a continuous supply of power. In case the system loses power and shuts off during the installation, the whole hard drive might get corrupted. Once the upgrade is complete, you will be able to configure your computer settings from the Windows 10 OOBE.

Migrating to windows is as simple as it sounds. If you are still confused about migrating to Windows 10, here’s a shortlist of the best features of Windows 10, that you’ll definitely not want to miss.

Start Menu

To everyone who had missed the start menu on Windows 8, this should be a piece of happy news. The start menu is not only back on Windows 10, but also has upgraded with new features. You can now quickly access popular apps, emails, weather, maps, right from the start menu.

Continuum

Continuum is a new feature in Windows 10 that detects the device you are working on, to provide more flexibility of use. The OS can now identify between a keyboard attached device and touchscreen tablet to provide a user-friendly interface.

Enhanced Task View 

Microsoft is now enabling multitasking with its new “Task View” feature. This feature lets you view all open windows in one place and also create multiple desktops to better organize apps.

Snap Assist

Enhancing the multiple virtual desktop feature, Windows 10 now provides a snapping feature that lets you resize a window to place them in any part of the screen. It also makes it possible to place windows side-by-side for flexibility at work.

Windows 10 has innumerable of such fascinating features which are just the right ingredients to help your business grow. If you still have not migrated to Windows 10, it’s a better time than ever to upgrade before Windows 7 end of support. To discuss any issues or queries regarding a Microsoft OS update, get in touch with our experts now!