Seven warnings to read before you upgrade to Microsoft’s Windows 10 operating system

WINDOWS 10 will launch tomorrow but there are features missing, forced updates, and it’s not free for everyone. Here is what you need to know.

Read this before getting Windows 10

MICROSOFT wants 1.5 billion Windows users to install its latest operating system so badly it will give the software away for free for the first time, starting tomorrow.

It is part of a plan to have the software installed on one billion devices in the next two to three years.

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But the technology giant’s free offer comes with significant changes, surprising omissions, and restrictions for users.

Below are seven warnings potential Windows 10 users should heed before downloading Microsoft’s new software.

Fresh start ... Microsoft will update its Start menu in the Windows 10 operating system, launching July 29, 2015. Picture: Supplied.

UPDATE WHEN MICROSOFT SAYS SO

PC users will no longer be able to choose when and if they update software in Windows 10, even if that software is used by an accessory.

Microsoft will introduce mandatory updates in this operating system that will apply to software patches and driver updates.

Previously, users could choose when to use their download allowance on software updates, or hold off until compatibility issues were fixed.

Microsoft says the new system will ensure all PCs are “more secure and automatically up to date,” and its new licence states “by accepting this agreement, you agree to receive these types of automatic updates without any additional notice”.

The change has already thrown up one compatibility issue, however, when Microsoft automatically delivered a software driver to testers that interfered with multiple monitor setups.

HURRY UP AND WAIT

Even if you have “reserved” a Windows 10 upgrade from Microsoft, there’s a fair chance you will not receive it on launch day.

Microsoft will first deliver the finished Windows 10 product to beta testers, or Windows Insiders, on launch day and will notify other users in a “staggered” launch.

As the company describes it, “Starting on July 29, we will start rolling out Windows 10 to our Windows Insiders. From there, we will start notifying reserved systems in waves, slowly scaling up after July 29th. Each day of the rollout, we will listen, learn and update the experience for all Windows 10 users.”

How long will you wait? Microsoft will not say.

New family ... Microsoft’s new family of Windows 10 devices does not include any members of the old family of XP and Vista devices. Picture: Supplied.

OLD WINDOWS USERS NEED NOT APPLY

More than one in 10 Windows users will be excluded from Microsoft’s free Windows 10 offer — the estimated 13 per cent of computer users with Windows XP and Vista machines.

Windows 10 will only be a free upgrade to those using Windows 7 and 8.1 software.

Those using older software will be expected to upgrade their hardware to use Windows 10 though, if their machines allow it, they may be able to buy a copy of the new operating system.

Windows 10 Home will cost $US119 and Windows 10 Professional $US199 at launch, with Australian pricing yet to be confirmed. Windows 8.1 currently costs $149 in Australia.

Users will also need to ensure their computer meets Windows 10 hardware requirements.

Its minimum specifications include a 1GHz processor, 1GB RAM, 16GB storage, a graphics card supporting DirectX 9, and a 1024x600 pixel display.

Phones and tablets ... Microsoft's Surface 3 tablets and Windows Phones will receive a free upgrade to Windows 10. Picture: Supplied.

CORTANA WILL NOT SPEAK AUSTRALIAN YET

Microsoft will introduce a personal assistant named Cortana in Windows 10 but she will not be ready for Australia at launch.

The voice-activated search assistant will appear in the Windows taskbar for users in the United States, Britain, China, Italy, Germany, France and Spain, but will be missing for Australian users unless they change their computer’s language (to US English, for example).

Microsoft has reportedly chosen a voice actor for a local version of the search feature but has not revealed a launch date.

NOT EVERYTHING WILL UPGRADE TO WINDOWS 10

Windows users who “reserve” a copy of Windows 10 can also see their computer has been tested for compatibility with the new system.

That compatibility includes a scan of applications and should increase the chances of a smooth transition. A compatibility report can be opened by selecting the Windows icon in the bottom, right corner of their computer screen.

Not all computer makers are recommending the upgrade, however.

Sony has issued an announcement to its users entitled “DO NOT UPGRADE YET” explaining drivers and upgrade instructions will not be available until November at the latest.

Upgrading to Windows 10 before drivers are available risks rendering some accessories temporarily useless.

No Hearts? ... Microsoft's classic pre-installed Windows card game, Hearts. Picture: Supplied.

GET READY FOR A LARGE DOWNLOAD

Internet speeds and download allowances are becoming more generous but potential Windows 10 users will need to be plugged in, well connected, and prepared for a large incoming file.

Microsoft says the operating system is a three gigabyte download, which is equivalent to streaming a Lord of the Rings film in standard definition.

But a more serious concern could be the speed of the download. At 10 megabits per second, it would theoretically take 40 minutes to arrive.

If you’re only connected at two megabits per second, however, Windows 10 could take more than three hours for delivery.

WINDOWS 10 HAS NO HEARTS

This is not a statement about its features but its games.

If you upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10, the newest software will remove old-favourite Windows games including Solitaire, Minesweeper, and card game Hearts.

New versions of Solitaire and Minesweeper will be available to install but, sadly, the operating system will lack Hearts.

Support groups may be needed, organised in teams of four around green felt tables.