The Official Windows 10 thread

[rotNdude]

There have been many threads started because folks are seeing that new little icon in their system tray on older versions of Windows. In an effort to keep all the questions to one thread, this is it.

You will be given a choice to upgrade to Windows 10 over a one year period after it is officially released on July 29th and you're running a qualifying OS for upgrade. You can do it when it's released or wait until later.

If that new icon bothers you, you can get rid of it. If you do get rid of it, you can still upgrade later, assuming you do it within that one year period.

http://venturebeat.com/2015/05/31/microsoft-starts-prompting-windows-7-and-windows-8-users-to-reserve-their-free-windows-10-upgrade/

If you have questions about Steam compatibility, post it here. If you have questions about game compatibility, post it in the game forum of interest.

If you have general questions relating to problems with the OS or upgrading, ask them here.

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Edit by rotNdude for Badmotha
So to further set the record straight, every Windows OS user should go through and understand this:

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/ultimate-windows-10-activation-license-faq
This is a much much newer write-up that explains all you really need, in fully details, and is new enough to explain how Windows 10 (and previous OS) terms have changed as well as that with the Win10 1511, u no longer need to install the upgrade first to help ensure proper activation.

My suggestion also, if you downloaded and created a Win10 media backup prior to Nov 2015, make a new one using Win10 Media Creation Tool again. This will make your new hard copy the latest official build. Microsoft will continue to update the downloadable ISO build as later builds become official. If you like the Beta builds, you get those within your OS through Windows Insider Program opt-in.
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Edit from Badmotha
Can u please update the main Sticky to include this important Win10 Users Tip:


Motherboard BIOS Firmware update can trigger Windows 10 Inactive
http://www.guru3d.com/news-story/motherboard-bios-firmware-update-can-trigger-windows-10-inactive.html
Suggest that users check and/or update their Laptop / Desktop to latest BIOS prior to Win10 install for best results, and to avoid head-aches.


Also Microsoft is rolling out some major Win10 updates come November; once of which will simplify the way you activate your Win10 by allowing users to simply input their current qualifying Win7 SP1 or 8.1 Product Key during the Clean Win10 Installer, so that Upgrade method won't be required.

http://www.guru3d.com/news-story/next-big-windows-10-release-will-simplify-activation-procedures.html


Also in Nov during these Win10 updates, XboxOne users will see their console get a full Win10 Upgrade; this will not only help the Xbox performance overall, but help with regards to Win10 streaming Xbox to PC. MS is also looking to allow PC game streaming to the XboxOne, so users won't need device like Steam Link (or Streaming PC) if they have Win10 PC and an XboxOne.


In December, Win8 Phone users will get options for full Win10 OS updates.

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Edit by Spawn of Totoro:

For those who wish to do a clean install of Windows 10, here is a nice article explaining how to do so.

http://lifehacker.com/how-to-do-a-clean-install-of-windows-10-1720775893

And for those who want to create a log-in with out a Microsoft Account:

http://www.baldnerd.com/install-windows-10-without-a-microsoft-account/
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EDIT by rotNdude posted by Azza

The Windows 10 upgrade is being rolled out over time by Microsoft, so you won't see the icon until the upgrade is ready for your machine or the icon might disappear on you.

Now you might be wondering why? Your friend got it, but you reserved it before them and still waiting for ages, arrr!!!

Firstly they are releasing the upgrade download in waves (to avoid server overload).

There are two ways to jump this wait. This might actually be slowing down your own turn to upgrade. However, I personal don't recommend using them yourself - even though others might of jumped in front of you, in the long run it doesn't actually help too much (and can seriously cause more issues).

Manual trigger ( wuauclt.exe /updatenow ) - As it causes download issues (not just for you, but the others) and your own activition/unlocking might be still delayed or cancelled. Most people attempting this end up with only a part downloaded, then download error message.

Manual download tool ( if you really can't wait ) - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10 - is a better option at least.

Just note: They are taking a measured approach to ensure that we only upgrade users when we have a high confidence level for the compatibility of their device. So the automatic waiting on your Operating System upgrade is in place for a reason to be ensured it will work with all your hardware/software.

I suggest actually waiting, this might take another day or even weeks, but at least then you will not run into so many issues (when first released). They will start off with a lot of support, zero day patching, and issues - as with any new major service. A mad rush to get it, just causes more problems than it's worth.

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If you never got to reverved your copy of Win 10

Ensure if...

Win 7 - You have Service Pack 1 installed.
Win 8 - You have it updated to version 8.1.

Then go to Control Panel > Windows Updates

Ensure patch KB3035583 is installed (This is the GWX notification and download manager)

If that doesn't work, see Manual download tool above.

If all else fails getting that patch (manually):

Start > Run > type "cmd.exe" (without the quotes) and right-click it from the list, run as admin.

Under that admin evaluated command prompt type:
dism /online /get-packages | findstr KB3035583 > NUL

That's just telling Windows Updates to download the patch KB3035583 (as mentioned before). Then once that's installed, update your registry if required...

reg add "HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AppCompatFlags\UpgradeExperienceIndicators" /v UpgEx /t REG_SZ /d Green /f

and try launching it...

%SystemRoot%\System32\GWX\GWX.exe /taskLaunch

then refresh it...

%SystemRoot%\System32\GWX\GWXConfigManager.exe /RefreshConfig


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Since people keep asking me over and over, I'll drop this note here...

Note there's an offical Windows 10 thread:
http://steamcommunity.com/discussions/forum/11/618463446162617695/#p21

Mods - Feel free to merge it, I just assumed it might get overlooked there.
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[Bad 💀 Motha]

Messaggio originale di banzaigtv:

So I recently installed a new 1 TB SSD for gaming and media files. I have an older SSD booting Windows 8.1 and 10. If I want to shrink down to one hard drive for everything and disable the old drive, could I clean install Windows 10 on the new drive without removing it from the old drive and have no issues with activation? Do I need to uninstall single-PC licensed programs from the original Windows 10 install first? When the anniversary update is released, I want to keep the old drive as a backup Windows drive, make the new drive an all-purpose drive, and boot faster with only one hard drive connected.

This applies to my "Zeus" build shown in my Steam profile.

You can reinstall or have separate installs of your various OS' as many times as you like; as long as they do not go from one system to another; as the OEM ones are tied to the Motherboard they were activated on. And there is no real limits to re-installs. Now if the board goes bad and gets replaced, those circumstances technically do allow the user to still keep/reinstall their OS; but this generally will require that you contact Microsoft and follow the re-activation process/instructions.

[banzaigtv]

Messaggio originale di Bad-Motha:

Messaggio originale di banzaigtv:

So I recently installed a new 1 TB SSD for gaming and media files. I have an older SSD booting Windows 8.1 and 10. If I want to shrink down to one hard drive for everything and disable the old drive, could I clean install Windows 10 on the new drive without removing it from the old drive and have no issues with activation? Do I need to uninstall single-PC licensed programs from the original Windows 10 install first? When the anniversary update is released, I want to keep the old drive as a backup Windows drive, make the new drive an all-purpose drive, and boot faster with only one hard drive connected.

This applies to my "Zeus" build shown in my Steam profile.

You can reinstall or have separate installs of your various OS' as many times as you like; as long as they do not go from one system to another; as the OEM ones are tied to the Motherboard. And there is no real limits to re-installs.

OK, thanks. Guess I'll just semi-retire Windows 8.1 and just keep it on the old drive as a reserve OS. No point in really using it as long as everything runs on Windows 10. And I engaged manual security updates in Windows 10 Pro, so all good there.

[Bad 💀 Motha]

If you're going to do any kind of a Dual-Boot with regards to WinOS; I'd have them separated what ever you do. Meaning they get installed separately to separate drives; never on the same drive, and thus they never see one another.

In which I might suggest having two installs, one for Win7 and one for Win10; there really is no reason to keep 8 or 8.1 at all; just switch to 10 and be done with 8 altogether; no point to have both.

[banzaigtv]

Messaggio originale di Bad-Motha:

If you're going to do any kind of a Dual-Boot with regards to WinOS; I'd have them separated what ever you do. Meaning they get installed separately to separate drives; never on the same drive, and thus they never see one another.

In which I might suggest having two installs, one for Win7 and one for Win10; there really is no reason to keep 8 or 8.1 at all; just switch to 10 and be done with 8 altogether; no point to have both.

That's what I actually am wanting to do. Just put Windows 10 on the new SSD, leave the old Windows installations on the old SSD, and disconnect the old SSD. I could upgrade the Windows 8.1 license to Windows 10, but I need another PC to put it on or I'll have an unused Windows license just floating around.

[Bad 💀 Motha]

Messaggio originale di LoneWolf:

I've read on a few site's to do it yearly or so. I think they mention old files building up & slowing down ur PC.
So thats untrue?

Hmm yea pretty much; we have not had this issue per-say since the days of Win 95/98/ME

[Bad 💀 Motha]

Messaggio originale di banzaigtv:

Messaggio originale di Bad-Motha:

If you're going to do any kind of a Dual-Boot with regards to WinOS; I'd have them separated what ever you do. Meaning they get installed separately to separate drives; never on the same drive, and thus they never see one another.

In which I might suggest having two installs, one for Win7 and one for Win10; there really is no reason to keep 8 or 8.1 at all; just switch to 10 and be done with 8 altogether; no point to have both.

That's what I actually am wanting to do. Just put Windows 10 on the new SSD, leave the old Windows installations on the old SSD, and disconnect the old SSD. I could upgrade the Windows 8.1 license to Windows 10, but I need another PC to put it on or I'll have an unused Windows license just floating around.

You can have both 8 + 10 separate dual-boot situation on the same system; or pick one and stick with that. As long as you hurry and activate your free Win10 off of your legit Win8 product key, you are free to use either OS, or both... but they must remain on that system.

To ensure you get the latest/current Win10 version, use their Media Creation Tool to download and make a bootable Win10 installer media (have a blank DVD or USB Flash Drive handy)

Then connect just the installer media, Drive (SSD) u wish to wipe and then clean install Win10. Make sure you download the 64bit one; you will be asked which version to install during the actual Win10 installer once booted up into that (Home or Pro). The use of Home vs Pro must coorispond to the edition of Win7 or 8 u have; Win7 SP1 Home or Win8.1 non-Pro would mean you must stick to using Win10 Home for your freebie. Win10 Pro requires a key from Win7 SP1 Pro, Ultimate; or Win8.1 Pro

Once your free Win10 is installed you wish to activate using your previous OS, once at the Desktop level of your now installed Win10 OS, go to Start > Settings > Activation (ensure online connection first) then click Activate and enter the Product Key from your previous qualifying OS.

[banzaigtv]

Messaggio originale di Bad-Motha:

Messaggio originale di banzaigtv:

That's what I actually am wanting to do. Just put Windows 10 on the new SSD, leave the old Windows installations on the old SSD, and disconnect the old SSD. I could upgrade the Windows 8.1 license to Windows 10, but I need another PC to put it on or I'll have an unused Windows license just floating around.

You can have both 8 + 10 separate dual-boot situation on the same system; or pick one and stick with that. As long as you hurry and activate your free Win10 off of your legit Win8 product key, you are free to use either OS, or both... but they must remain on that system.

It's actually two separate licenses; a full Windows 8.1 Pro retail license and a Windows 7 Pro OEM license upgraded to Windows 10 Pro. I once tried dual-booting with Windows 7, but that did not quite work out, so I just converted Windows 7 to Windows 10.

[PunkSteve]

Messaggio originale di Bad-Motha:

Messaggio originale di LoneWolf:

I've read on a few site's to do it yearly or so. I think they mention old files building up & slowing down ur PC.
So thats untrue?

Hmm yea pretty much; we have not had this issue per-say since the days of Win 95/98/ME

I was thinking, as far as old files slowing ur system, isn't that what CCleaner, Defrag ect. are for anyway?

PS: thanks for answering, i was trying to work-out how to edit quotes, thats why i deleted that comment.

[Bad 💀 Motha]

Messaggio originale di banzaigtv:

Messaggio originale di Bad-Motha:

You can have both 8 + 10 separate dual-boot situation on the same system; or pick one and stick with that. As long as you hurry and activate your free Win10 off of your legit Win8 product key, you are free to use either OS, or both... but they must remain on that system.

It's actually two separate licenses; a full Windows 8.1 Pro retail license and a Windows 7 Pro OEM license upgraded to Windows 10 Pro. I once tried dual-booting with Windows 7, but that did not quite work out, so I just converted Windows 7 to Windows 10.

Ok, that Win8 Retail can be activated on another machine; the Win7 OEM can not.

[Bad 💀 Motha]

Messaggio originale di LoneWolf:

Messaggio originale di Bad-Motha:

Hmm yea pretty much; we have not had this issue per-say since the days of Win 95/98/ME

I was thinking, as far as old files slowing ur system, isn't that what CCleaner, Defrag ect. are for anyway?

PS: thanks for answering, i was trying to work-out how to edit quotes, thats why i deleted that comment.

Exactly, keep your OS cleaned up, and also with SSDs today, install to one of those; with these two factors, the OS really should never "slow down over time"

[banzaigtv]

Messaggio originale di Bad-Motha:

Messaggio originale di banzaigtv:

It's actually two separate licenses; a full Windows 8.1 Pro retail license and a Windows 7 Pro OEM license upgraded to Windows 10 Pro. I once tried dual-booting with Windows 7, but that did not quite work out, so I just converted Windows 7 to Windows 10.

Ok, that Win8 Retail can be activated on another machine; the Win7 OEM can not.

Yeah. I have an old Windows 7 PC which is possible to dual-boot with Windows 10 using the Windows 8.1 key. However, I always thought that if you have two separate Windows 8.1 installs on the same PC and upgrade one to Windows 10 for personal gain, then Microsoft will not like that.

[Bad 💀 Motha]

Messaggio originale di banzaigtv:

Messaggio originale di Bad-Motha:

Ok, that Win8 Retail can be activated on another machine; the Win7 OEM can not.

Yeah. I have an old Windows 7 PC which is possible to dual-boot with Windows 10 using the Windows 8.1 key. However, I always thought that if you have two separate Windows 8.1 installs on the same PC and upgrade one to Windows 10 for personal gain, then Microsoft will not like that.

What you mean "upgrade one"
There is no difference; you can have 10 drives all with the same OS & Key; that is legal to do. Why? Because they will never be ran more than one at a time, thus is fits into what is legal as per the terms.

If you have two Win8 for example on your system; both are the same product key; one remains as "8" and the other is "upgraded to 10" guess what you did here? Hmm all you did was take your 8 key and activated it on 10. That is all. Nothing more/less. 10 gets activated due to have a legit 7 or 8 key; that is all; this falls under "Digital Entitlement"; this does not in any ways make your 8 and 10 separate. Not in a manner in which they can be actively housed on two separate systems; and run at the same time.

If you wish to have 10, given u have 2x of the same Win8 installed; but seperate. Then best bet is pick which one to keep, then wipe out one of the Win8 installs and install Win10 fresh. There is no reason or point to do the "upgrade"

[banzaigtv]

Messaggio originale di Bad-Motha:

Messaggio originale di banzaigtv:

Yeah. I have an old Windows 7 PC which is possible to dual-boot with Windows 10 using the Windows 8.1 key. However, I always thought that if you have two separate Windows 8.1 installs on the same PC and upgrade one to Windows 10 for personal gain, then Microsoft will not like that.

What you mean "upgrade one"
There is no difference; you can have 10 drives all with the same OS & Key; that is legal to do. Why? Because they will never be ran more than one at a time, thus is fits into what is legal as per the terms.

If you have two Win8 for example on your system; both are the same product key; one remains as "8" and the other is "upgraded to 10" guess what you did here? Hmm all you did was take your 8 key and activated it on 10. That is all. Nothing more/less. 10 gets activated due to have a legit 7 or 8 key; that is all; this falls under "Digital Entitlement"; this does not in any ways make your 8 and 10 separate. Not in a manner in which they can be actively housed on two separate systems; and run at the same time.

If you wish to have 10, given u have 2x of the same Win8 installed; but seperate. Then best bet is pick which one to keep, then wipe out one of the Win8 installs and install Win10 fresh. There is no reason or point to do the "upgrade"

OK, so now you say that I cannot dual-boot using the same product key? Now that makes more sense.

[Bad 💀 Motha]

Messaggio originale di banzaigtv:

Messaggio originale di Bad-Motha:

What you mean "upgrade one"
There is no difference; you can have 10 drives all with the same OS & Key; that is legal to do. Why? Because they will never be ran more than one at a time, thus is fits into what is legal as per the terms.

If you have two Win8 for example on your system; one remains as "8" and the other is "upgraded to 10" guess what you did here? Hmm all you did was take your 8 key and activated it on 10. That is all. Nothing more/less. 10 gets activated due to have a legit 7 or 8 key; that is all; this falls under "Digital Entitlement"; this does not in any ways make your 8 and 10 separate. Not in a manner in which they can be actively housed on two separate systems; and run at the same time.

So basically I could install Windows 7 on one hard drive and Windows 10 on another hard drive on one PC? Then dual-boot Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 => Windows 10 on the old HP Pavilion machine? (But a 120 GB SSD is not enough for two OS's and that PC's HDD bay has room for only two hard drives.)

Well you don't want more than one OS per drive anyways.
And as far as the limited space of say an HP desktop, you're only really limited by SATA Ports and USB 3.0 ports. The drive does not have to be internal; just that I would not suggest it run off of USB 1.1/2.0 And if you have more SATA ports and lack internal room, SSDs fit any where really. As long as you don't have an SSD with an exposed PCB, then u can just lay it inside the chassis, or velcro it, etc. Does not have to go into a specific slot.

[Bad 💀 Motha]

Messaggio originale di banzaigtv:

Messaggio originale di Bad-Motha:

What you mean "upgrade one"
There is no difference; you can have 10 drives all with the same OS & Key; that is legal to do. Why? Because they will never be ran more than one at a time, thus is fits into what is legal as per the terms.

If you have two Win8 for example on your system; both are the same product key; one remains as "8" and the other is "upgraded to 10" guess what you did here? Hmm all you did was take your 8 key and activated it on 10. That is all. Nothing more/less. 10 gets activated due to have a legit 7 or 8 key; that is all; this falls under "Digital Entitlement"; this does not in any ways make your 8 and 10 separate. Not in a manner in which they can be actively housed on two separate systems; and run at the same time.

If you wish to have 10, given u have 2x of the same Win8 installed; but seperate. Then best bet is pick which one to keep, then wipe out one of the Win8 installs and install Win10 fresh. There is no reason or point to do the "upgrade"

OK, so now you say that I cannot dual-boot using the same product key? Now that makes more sense.

No... you can dual-boot with the same key; cause only one can run at a time.

Microsoft does not care about that; again because since only one can be actively running at any given time, overall this still remain a single actively running system. It's not as if you are some how separating your Win8 and free 10 (coming from the 8 product key activation in 10) on two separate machines at the same time; this is what would be illegal to do.

If you want to talk more, just add me and talk. That would be fine.