The big day is already here: Windows 10 “launched” on July 29^th. So now you have a single, simple question: Should I upgrade to Windows 10?

Remember: Windows 10 is a free upgrade for current Windows 7 and Windows 8 users until July 29, 2016, after which you’ll need to pay retail pricing if you want to make the switch. Once you install Windows 10 you’ll keep getting updates for a long, long time—no subscription fees, no kill switches, despite what others may say.

So based on what version of Windows you are using currently, take a look at the pros and cons to help you decide:

Windows XP

Run, don’t walk to a new PC with Windows 7 or Windows 10!  You should definitely upgrade to a new system if you’re still using an Internet-connected Windows XP machine, as XP’s been put out to pasture and is a glaring security risk. Unfortunately, Windows XP users can’t partake in the free upgrade party, and almost certainly that hardware that old will NOT work with Windows 10, so do yourself a favor and just buy a new PC.

Quick note: If you’re still using Office 2003 on your Windows XP machine, this productivity suite is incompatible with Windows 8 or Windows 10 so it’s time for a new version of that while you’re at it.

Windows Vista

See above on Windows XP — maybe you don’t have to run, but at least jog quickly to get a new PC if you have Windows Vista currently.  You can’t upgrade for free to Windows 10 and just like XP, you’re old hardware just won’t work with a Windows 10. If you really don’t want to replace your Vista PC, you still have a little time left – Windows Vista will continue to receive security updates through April 2017.

Windows 7

When Windows 8 launched, we recommended against the upgrade on account of Windows 8’s drastically changed interface and dreadful underlying design. Windows 8.1 fixed some of the most glaring issues, but it’s still a big change to what you are used to in Windows 7 and previous versions of Windows. 

When you add it all up with our advice is to stick with Windows 7 for now.  Although Windows 10 has some very nice features, Microsoft has a reputation (well earned) of releasing new versions with some “issues”.  Let everyone else beta test things for a while and if and when the bugs are worked out make the jump to Windows 10.  If your PC is less than 2 years old and in reasonably good condition you can upgrade it with the free upgrade, if it’s older than 2 years or you have had some issues, just wait and buy a new PC with Windows 10 already installed.

Windows 8 and 8.1

Yes. Upgrade. Do it now. There is no reason not to!  There is a very high likelihood that your hardware is compatible with the new version and you have been living with the idiosyncrasies of Windows 8/8.1 so take the plunge!  There are going to be some hiccups with Windows 10, but it’s no worse than what you have now in Windows 8/8.1 

Feel like you’ve got it? For more information on the technology pertaiing to you home visit our FAQ page, Resource Center or send us a quick chat! We’re happy to help. 

There you have it!  Hope this helps and if you do decide to make a change, whether it’s an upgrade or a replacement, drop us a line we would love to help you out in any way that we can whether that’s some advice or we can give you a quote on a new system with the labor to set everything up included!