What is Windows 10 and how can I access the free Windows 10 upgrade?
Windows 10 is an operating system developed by Microsoft. It was first released in July 2015 as a significant upgrade from its predecessor, Windows 8.1. Windows 10 introduced a range of new features and improvements, such as a revamped Start Menu, the digital assistant Cortana, a new browser (Microsoft Edge), improved security features, and a more integrated experience with other Microsoft services and applications.
Regarding accessing a free Windows 10 upgrade, Microsoft initially offered a free upgrade to Windows 10 for users of genuine Windows 7 and Windows 8.1. This offer was officially available for a year after the release of Windows 10. However, as of my last update in April 2023, the official free upgrade offer has long since ended.
That said, there were reports that the free upgrade process still worked for many users even after the official period ended. This involved using the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool or upgrading from an already-installed and activated version of Windows 7 or 8.1.
To check the current status of the free upgrade and its availability, I would recommend visiting the official Microsoft website or contacting Microsoft support. They can provide the most up-to-date information on whether the free upgrade is still an option and guide you through the process if it is.
Keep in mind that technology and offers can change, so it’s always best to get the latest information directly from the source.
Windows 10 is a version of the Windows operating system that was released in September 2015. This version of Windows has been designed to provide an “operating system as a service” and includes a number of new features that have streamlined the Windows experience while making it even more accessible. Among the new features offered in Windows 10 are:
- Enterprise Data Protection
- Cortana Personal Assistant
- Mobile Device Management and Device Guard
- Microsoft Edge Internet Browser
- Windows Store
- Built in Apps, including Mail, Groove, and OneDrive
- Windows Hello biometric login
- And much more
Where can I download or purchase a copy of Windows 10?
What is Windows 10 and how can I access the free Windows 10 upgrade?
Faculty and staff may download a free copy/product key of the Windows 10 – Institutional from Activate Windows 10.
How do I install Windows 10 on my device?
To learn how to download and install Windows 10, view the Download and Install Windows 10 article.
Who is eligible to upgrade to Windows 10?
Current faculty and staff are eligible to upgrade to Windows 10 on university-owned computers and devices.
Members of the following categories are not eligible to upgrade to Windows 10:
- Students
- Alumni
- Conference attendees
- Companies and their employees who have been hired on a contractual basis for services either on or off campus (individuals not directly employed by the institution)
- Retired faculty and staff
- Visitors
What are the system requirements to upgrade to Windows 10?
- Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster processor or SoC If installing a 64-Bit OS on a 64-Bit PC, the processor must support CMPXCHG16B, PrefetchW and LAHF/SAHF.
- Ram: 1 GB for a 32-Bit computer; 2 GB for a 64-Bit computer.
- Hard Drive Capacity: 16 GB for a 32-Bit computer; 20 GB for a 64-Bit computer.
- Graphics card: Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 driver.
- Display Resolution: 800×600. A minimum resolution of 1024×768 is recommended for touch screen devices.
- Connectivity: An Internet connection is required to upgrade to Windows 10. The download will amount to ~3GB.
- Touch: A tablet or monitor that supports multi-touch is supported, but not required.
- App snapping: Screen resolution of at least 1366×768
- Windows Store & Apps: Active Internet connection and screen resolution of at least 1024 x 768
- DVD playback: Separate DVD playback software
Additional Requirements will apply for the following Windows 10 features:
- Cortana: Cortana is available for Windows 10 users in the United States, United Kingdom, China, France, Italy, Germany and Spain.
- Speech recognition: A high fidelity microphone array and a hardware driver with microphone array geometry exposed.
- Windows Hello face, fingerprint or iris detection: A specialized illuminated infrared camera for facial recognition or iris detection, or a fingerprint reader which supports the Window Biometric Framework. Intel RealSense (F200) cameras require a separate software update in conjunction with an upgrade from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10.
See the Microsoft documentation at https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-10-specifications for specific notes regarding updating an existing OS to Windows 10. To learn more about the system requirements for Windows 10, view the Recommended System Requirements for Windows article.
How long will it take to upgrade my device?
The time it takes to upgrade to Windows 10 will depend on factors such as the age of your device and how it is configured. Most devices will take about an hour to upgrade. While older devices could take longer, some newer, high performance devices might upgrade faster.*
*information courtesy of Microsoft
What edition of Windows will I get as part of the free upgrade?
Faculty and staff who download the Windows 10 app from Activate Windows 10 will gain access to the Enterprise Institutional edition of Windows 10 that has been customized for use by the University of Maryland.
Will my existing programs, apps, and devices work with Windows 10?
Windows 10 is designed to be compatible with the majority of devices and apps that are currently available.
For details about your specific devices and apps, check the compatibility report that is a part of the Get Windows 10 app. To do this, open the Get Windows 10 app, select the menu in the upper left corner of the app, and then select Check your PC (or Your PC is good to go) to see any known compatibility issues and recommended resolutions.*
*information courtesy of Microsoft
Will I still be able to log into my device with my University credentials after I upgrade to Windows 10?
Yes. Your university credentials should function normally after your upgrade to Windows 10. If you are running Windows on a Desktop computer with a physical network connection and have trouble connecting to the network or logging in to your computer, contact the Service Desk for assistance.
Can I revert my device to my old operating system?
Yes, there are a few different ways for you to go back from Windows 10 to a previous version of Windows:
- If it has been less than a month since you’ve upgraded to Windows 10, you’ll be able to go back to your previous version of Windows from Settings > Update & security > Recovery.
- If your PC manufacturer provided the option, you might be able to restore your device to factory settings.
- If options to go back and restore factory settings are not available, you can use installation media and a product key to install a previous version of Windows.
For more info and requirements, see the go back to a previous version of Windows section of Recovery options in Windows 10.*
*information courtesy of Microsoft
Who do I contact if I encounter technical issues with Windows 10? What is Windows 10 and how can I access the free Windows 10 upgrade?
The Division of Information Technology Service Desk will be the primary point of contact for Windows 10 technical support.
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