Microsoft Makes It Easier To Make Sure You Get Windows 10
It seems very clear that Microsoft wants to push Windows 10 at least as much as it has any previous Windows OS, and it may be that they are not sufficiently confident in the the rate of acceptance by the public thus far. Granted there are by most accounts (including Microsoft's) well over 100 Million devices now running Windows 10 and some put that number well over 130 Million, but in comparison to the total number of devices eligible for the free upgrade to Windows 10 (One Billion perhaps) is it really enough? Maybe Microsoft is not getting that warm and fuzzy feeling about the overall success after just a few months since the public release of Windows 10 on July 29,2015. So how might Microsoft attempt to ensure better numbers in the near future?
In a recent blog by Microsoft's Executive Vice President of the Windows and Devices Group Terry Myerson several points were made regarding how upgrading to Windows 10 will be handled going forward. His blog title is "Making it Easier to Upgrade to Windows 10" (dated October 29, 2015) and includes references to "controlling the Windows 10 upgrade", evolving Windows 10 notifications ("evolving our notifications"), changing the operation of Windows 10 reservations, and even changes to Windows Update in Windows 10. Each of the aforementioned references point directly to Microsoft making the effort to make sure Windows 7 and Windows 8/.1 users end up migrating (or "upgrading") to Windows 10 sooner than later.
Let's be clear - there are many, many people who do like Windows 10. I myself have it installed on 2/7 machines and I was part of the group testing it well before public release. There are caveats and Privacy Settings is one which many might find to be foreboding, however it does have many good aspects. The point is this: Do YOU want Windows 10, and should it be YOU or Microsoft who decides if and/or when you get it? If you have Windows 7 (my personal preference to date) and you like it -- it's extended support is good until January 14, 2020 (at least currently). Therefor, if you want to keep it you should be able to (and we'll Make Sure you can) do so.
What Microsoft Intends To Do With Windows 10 Upgrades
They intend to distribute Windows 10 to as many PC and compatible device users as possible. That's the goal and the end justifies the means. Let's look at the means. Whereas it has been promised by Microsoft that Windows 7 and Windows 8/.1 users can upgrade for free until One Year from the public release of Windows 10 on July 29, 2015, it would serve them well to get as many PC/Device users upgraded within that window of opportunity. It's face saving time. Just imagine if (when) "we're giving it away" turns into "only so many people want it". If that is a concern at Microsoft the solution to the problem ought to be along the lines of getting people to like and trust it as opposed to telling them they ought to get it regardless. According to Myerson the plan moving forward with Windows 10 upgrades has changed and it warrants close scrutiny.
Myerson quickly points out that "At any time during the first 31 days, you can go to “Settings->Update and Security->Recovery and Uninstall Windows 10” to return to your prior version of Windows". This does seem to be a point of egress and might generate trust for many people. As to if you reserved Windows 10 - there will no longer be a lapse between when you reserve and when the process starts - it will be immediate, reportedly with a prompt as to continuing or not. The presence of Windows 10 in Windows Update will also change for Windows 7 and 8/.1 form "optional" to Recommended" and "Depending upon your Windows Update settings, this may cause the upgrade process to automatically initiate on your device". There will reportedly be a prompt as to continuing or not in this case as well. Microsoft wants to give you every possible opportunity to get this upgrade ASAP because it is what they want. If you do not just turn off automatic updating remembering that it should be checked relatively often (security related updates are important) and you can choose which updates you do want and which you do not. YOU should decide what YOU want.
You can read the blog by Terry Myerson Here.
