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Yesterday Microsoft announced Windows 10, the numerically questionable successor to Windows 8. Now just 24 hours later the ‘ Windows 10 Technical Preview’ has been made available for download, for free, and you can start using it right away .
Read on for how to get it and some important caveats.
First the caveats.
- Want to try out software that’s still in development and like sharing your opinion about it
- Don’t mind lots of updates or a UI design that might change significantly over time
- Really know your way around a PC and feel comfortable troubleshooting problems, backing up data, formatting a hard drive, installing an operating system from scratch, or restoring your old one if necessary
- Know what an ISO file is and how to use it
- Aren't installing it on your everyday computer.
In a final warning (and a nice show of humour) Microsoft reiterates: “We're not kidding about the expert thing. So if you think BIOS is a new plant-based fuel, Tech Preview may not be right for you.”
Lastly be sure your computer achieves the minimum requirements:
- Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster
- RAM: 1 gigabyte (GB) (32-bit) or 2 GB (64-bit)
- Free hard disk space: 16 GB
- Graphics card: Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM driver
- A Microsoft account and Internet access
And know what you will and won’t have to reinstall depending on the version of Windows from which you are upgrading:
As for technical support issues/questions you may have, the best place to head is the Windows Technical Preview forum.
How To Install Windows 10 Technical Preview
If you are happy to go ahead, however, getting the new Windows is fairly straightforward:
- Sign up for the Windows Insider Program
- Double check the system requirements
- Click one of the Download links - Windows 10 Technical Preview x86 (2.9GB), Windows 10 Technical Preview x64 (3.8GB) - to download the ISO (official page)
- Take note of the Windows 10 Technical Preview product key you are given
- When the download is complete, transfer the ISO file to installation media such as a DVD or USB flash drive (the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool still works brilliantly)
- Double-tap or double-click 'setup.exe' from the installation media, and then follow the steps as prompted
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General tips? Having been a part of both the Windows 7 and Windows 8 betas I can say it is fun getting your hands on the latest version of Windows months before everyone else and watching the operating system evolve as you use it - this happens quickly. Both Windows 7 and Windows 8 betas were also very stable, though that doesn’t mean Windows 10 will be the same.
An interesting potential benefit is Microsoft has previously given discounted upgrade prices to beta testers when the final version became available. That said this is no guarantee and with Windows 10 predicted to be very cheap or even free for many upgraders this may not be the carrot it once was.
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There is also no guarantee that you will be able to upgrade to the final version from the beta software (you couldn't with Windows 7, you could with Windows 8) - though previous betas have given a generous 8-12 month period to upgrade before their licences expired.
By now you will have a good idea whether Windows 10 Technical Preview is for you. Yes it comes with many caveats, but can be enjoyable living on the cutting edge and (if your PC meets the hardware requirements) it is certainly better than persisting with Windows XP and its third party security hacks.
Read more: Windows 10: Everything You Need To Know About The New Windows
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