Microsoft made a big splash with its launch of windows 11 64bit download 10 on July 29, 2015. For many PC users, switching to the new OS is a no-brainer, while for others, it’s a close call. If you haven’t decided whether your business is ready to make the switch, here’s a closer look at Windows 10 to help you determine if the new OS is truly better, stronger, and faster.
COST
Upgrade to Windows 10 for free! Users with Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows Phone 8.1 can receive the new OS free of charge until July 29, 2016. Windows 10 is free for the lifetime of the device, meaning support and updates at no charge as long as Microsoft supports the operating system.
Windows Vista, XP, 7 Enterprise, 8/8.1 Enterprise and RT/RT 8.1 are excluded from this free offer. These OS’s require a payment of $119 per Home license or $199 per Pro license to upgrade to Windows 10. However, if you have Software Assurance with one of these OS’s, then your upgrade is free.
SUPPORT
Windows 7 and Windows 8 are approaching end of support faster than we’d like to think. By upgrading to Windows 10, you gain years of additional mainstream and extended support. Here’s a comparison of the operating system support lifecycles for Windows 10 vs. Windows 8 vs. Windows 7:
Windows 10 brings added years of mainstream and extended support. End of mainstream support means that Microsoft will no longer enhance the product, but there will still be support for security and reliability issues. End of extended support still provides security and reliability support; however, this marks the end of support for non-security hotfixes, requests for new features and designs, and warranty claims.
The question is what will you do when your OS support comes to an end within the next few years? If you’re an eligible candidate for a free upgrade to Windows 10, it may be worthwhile to upgrade before the offer expires.
SPEED
Is Windows 10 faster? TechSpot put Windows 10 to the test against Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 for speed performance. The new OS ranked within mere seconds of Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 for speed in all performance areas. Here’s a quick look at the difference you may be able to feel on a daily basis with wake up and boot times:
Operating System Hibernation Wake Up Hybrid Sleep Wake Up Boot Time
Windows 7 27 seconds 17 seconds 5 seconds
Windows 8.1 23 seconds 12 seconds 4 seconds
Windows 10 21 seconds 10 seconds 6 seconds
Similar to wake up and boot speed, it’s a close call for Windows 10 against Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 in application, storage, and gaming performance. Windows 10 doesn’t have a clear win over past OS’s in terms of speed in any particular category.
