It’s been 7 days since I upgraded to Windows 10.
Here’s a short video with my thoughts on it plus a warning about something you might like to consider after upgrading.
Click on the video below to watch (8 mins):
What do you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts and, as always, all views are welcome. Drop a quick comment below… Cheers, Rob 🙂
Hi
Note: windows 10 can be reverted to the previous version within the first 30 days after install using the build in restore ability…. I tried after 29 days as i got fed up with slowness of browsing and the lack of the edge browser to support local host development without tweaking the registry.
BUT if you restore the previous windows version and you did update programs in between the update and the restore you might wind up with a crash like i did. Luckily i had a complete partition dump before the update so i could use that. But the restore of win 10 back to win 8 completely wrecked my computer.
Win 10 is a no go for me. It did not bring me anything i did not have in win 7 or win 8. Moreover the pc go more slow then before using the previous version.
It is a no go for me ! What a disappointment !
Hi Rob Many thanks for the video, I have windows 10 and am learning slowly how to use it,
Can you tell me how you are able to have a magnifying glass symbol next to the windows button in the bottom left corner of your screen on the task bar instead of the big rectangle that I have where cortina goes
Many thanks in advance
Barry
Right click on/near the rectangle > Search > Show search icon
Hopefully that will help. If not type the question in the search box and see if Cortana is a smart as they claim 😉
Thanks for commenting.
Cheers, Rob.
Many thanks that did it
Barry
Ouch! Sounds awful Neo.
If it’s any solace I’ve had similar problems in the past, including a complete computer failure 3 days before a big product launch!
Hope it gets better soon, hang in there 🙂
Cheers, Rob.
Hi Rob
Great post as always.
I am due to update windows soon so a timely post Particularly the security issue
Thanks again
Larry
Pleasure Larry and thanks for your comment 🙂
Cheers, Rob.
Thanks Rob…Pretty much what I had thought about the Win 10 upgrade.
However, I was not aware of the privacy elements you mentioned and will address them now before I get sidetracked.
I too don’t want everyone and their dog to be able to find out what I’m doing/working on – and where I am.
As you say, MS probably get some of the data anyway plus I’m sure they also have a highly skilled team of data analysts who can get any other info they want.
I’m not paranoid – but who’s asking?
Cheers for the heads-up.
Haha – yes, pretty much all the big companies want our data now. Rent, sell, profit…
Thanks for your time in commenting 🙂
Cheers, Rob.
Yes I also think Windows 10 is so much better Rob. One thing I just can not find how to do is load a disc. On Windows7, I just popped it in the tower and it came up easily. Today I wanted to play back a photo disc(DVD) and I eventually displayed the icons of the pictures, but could not play one of them. Seems more complicated, this process. Any ideas please.
John
Mmm not sure on that one John. When I insert DVD’s I get a pop up asking me what action I want to take.
If not, maybe try Start > File Explorer and click around on the DVD drive in “This PC”
Either way – good luck I’m sure they’ll be a simple solution.
Glad you like it overall though, thanks for commenting.
Cheers, Rob.
Thanks for the video. Looking to upgrade shortly so I was particularly interested in this. Did you do a clean install as you mention not making the mistake of installing too many programs?
I assumed that if I just upgraded then all the programs I currently have would automatically be installed (may need updating I appreciate) hence we wondering if you did a clean install.
Thanks
Paul
Hi Paul,
Good question and yes I did a clean install. Had to because my Windows 7 was actually corrupt! It also meant I had to pay to buy Windows 10 rather than take the free upgrade.
Not sure on taking the programs with you but to be honest having done it I’d say it’s quite nice to start a fresh from scratch.
Good to see you here on the blog 🙂
Cheers, Rob.
Hi Rob IF you turned get to know me of because you don’t want them to know you I would advise you not to use Google Chrome it is far more invasive into your privacy than microsoft at least microsoft give you the option to turn the items off , Google chrome doesn’t.
Thanks Les, I wasn’t aware of that.
Appreciate your comment 🙂
Cheers, Rob.
Thanks Rob, good review,
I have the same experience…
much faster, but bad privacy attitude…
Thanks & Enjoy Life 🙂
Very interesting Ahrale, thanks for the feedback.
Cheers, Rob.
Hi: Wasn’t it Andy Grove that wrote the book “Only The Paranoid Survive”
When my computer tech recently built me a new computer we discussed the pros and cons of using Windows 8.1 vs Win 10
He referred to Windows 10 as being a keylogger in the sky (its in the cloud you know)
Nuff said
I stuck with 8.1. It’s not that bad if you let a pro do the install and make the right settings for you .
Allen
Hi Allen,
Fair enough – it’s a personal choice and we all use computers differently. I also know people who love Windows 8 too. A bit like Macs as well; some people love them and others hate them!
You’ve done the sensible thing in looking into it though, good call.
Cheers, Rob.
Thanks for the info Rob very helpful. Waiting for the upgrade so interested in the outcome.
Regards
Allan
Good luck with it Allan I’m sure you’ll be pleased with the outcome!
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.
Cheers, Rob.
Hi Rob,
I come from an IT background (50 years) and do not upgrade to new Windows versions for a long time after they are introduced – usually to the x.1 version. I am pleased with Windows 8.1 after having changed many of the defaults and MS determined “forced options”. I prefer to keep things on my local hard drive (email, for example) and my favorite application is a PIM called InfoSelect – great for keeping any information, whether random thoughts, notes, how to’s, or whatever, organized and with instant search capability that actually functions as a separate “brain” for me and I use it constantly all the time I am using my computer(s).
Your comments, posts, responsiveness, and advice are invaluable.
Thanks, Lee
Hi Lee,
Good to see you here on the blog 🙂 Thanks for these insights – just goes to show you can take whatever approach that works for you. Everyone should do that in my opinion.
Cheers, Rob.
Hi Rob,
I am on a Mac but still own a Windows machine.
I also qualify for a free upgrade from 7 to 10 but I heard about the privacy concerns from other people and I haven’t upgraded yet.
With your video I see clearly you can turn all those spying features off so I’ll think it over again.
Thanks for the info.
Hi Nur,
I wouldn’t let it put you off too much. Even using Google creates a privacy issue these days. Still no harm in waiting a bit, I’m sure there are still teething issues to iron out in Windows 10…
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Cheers, Rob.
I got start 10 by stardock and it combines windows ten with features of 7 and 8 fantastick software
Thanks for the tip Joseph, I’m sure that’ll be of interest to others. Off to check it out myself too 😉
Cheers, Rob.
Thanks for the info Rob. I too am happy with Windows 10 but have turned off some of the things you showed in the video which makes me a bit more happy!
Yep, me too Malcolm! Glad you are having a good experience with it and thanks for your time in commenting 🙂
Cheers, Rob.
Microsoft heavily promote Edge their new browser which is fast in many respects. However it does not support many of the browser addins that many of us use like Password Managers and Rob’s Excellent Spybar.
Good old Internet explorer is still available though might not be on everyone’s start menu but it can still be found on drive C:program files. and is version 11 the same as on windows 8.
I would recommend that people don’t just use “Edge” to check on the performance of their own website as it could be very misleading as your visitors may not have the same experience as you.
It is always good practice to check your website in other popular browsers too.
Google are the masters of big data ánd you have to accept they now your interests, and location etc if you want to use their products. i.e. Chrome, Youtube and your ANDROID PHONE.
I do feel it would would have been a good move on Microsofts part to be a little more transparent and give users the choice rather than automatically enabling all options.
We have to except though as internet marketers we also take advantage of that data too with our own advertising campaigns.
Thanks for bringing it too everyone’s attention Rob.
Cheers
Dave
Wise words Dave and agreed on Edge. I will continue to use Chrome for now (just so FAST!) but obviously it’s early days and if Edge takes off then I would definitely consider moving (and even perhaps producing a compatible SpyBar version too).
Great to get your views – thank you.
Cheers, Rob.
Hi Rob. Just wanted to say that I appreciate your emails a lot. I learn from all of them. I believe that you are one of the few marketers that I trust.
Thank you Manuel, you are very kind and that means a lot.
Great to see you here on the blog.
Cheers, Rob.
Hi Rob,
Thanks for your info on W10. Did you have any problems with any of your files please? Did all transfer over well? Or is there a great need to backup every little thing when moving over to 10?.
Anything you can pass over will be most appreciated as I haven’t made my mind up yet as to whether I really want to go to all the trouble of changing over if it is going to be a mind-bogglingly painful experience.
Regards,
Barrie
Hi Barrie,
Most of my files were in Dropbox so it was just 5 minutes installing Dropbox on my new Windows 10 and things were just like before. A few larger files (videos + photos) I downloaded to a USB hard drive (very cheap) and just plugged that into the new computer.
Hopefully the transition would be smooth for you Barrie but obviously computers being computers you never know. Still, I think you would eventually look back and consider it worthwhile even if you do experience some temporary problems.
I should say that I did use Microsoft’s support “Answer Desk” and they were fairly good in helping. Here’s the link if you are in the UK: https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/contactus?wa=wsignin1.0
Cheers, Rob.
Hi Rob,many thanks for your information on video.
I found Windows 10 to be very good and was deep in learning but had to revert to windows 7 because it would not recognise my printer,a Lexmark 5400 series.
Microsoft Tech also confirmed this,but wanted to charge me £100 to install a software to access my printer,which of course I Refused.So beware of their inflated charges.
Hi Lennox,
Yes, I’ve always had problems with printers over the years! Not sure if you have tried searching for drivers and Windows 10 info on the printer’s manufactures site? That did the trick for me.
Thanks for your comment and good luck as and when you try again.
Cheers, Rob.
I too have a Lexmark x5470 printer. I’m using Windows 7 and it says to use the Vista driver so I’m not surprised it doesn’t work properly on W10. I’m having problems with the paper feed so now might be a good time to ditch it and get a new modern printer. The x54 series is now old hat.
Thanks Ian – appreciate your input here.
Cheers, Rob.
Very informative – Thank you Rob!
You are very welcome Robert, thanks for taking the time to comment 🙂
Cheers, Rob.
Thanks for a very informative video.
I my self have just purchased a new desktop pc as my old system HD was reaching it’s capacity. I decided to upgrade to Windows 10 and am running it alongside my old computer on Windows 7, until I have transfered all my files to the new system.
i also like Windows 10, but one little anoying feature is that every time I reboot the computer it automatically switched to US keyboard. Obvious as I am based in the uk it means that I lose the £ key and the @ key, I then need to toggle to UK Keyboard and I am back again, a little anoying but something I can live with.
As usual a great info video from Rob.
That’s a funny quirk – must be a setting for that I’m sure. If not try the Microsoft Answers chat which I found to be fairly good (as helpdesks go…)
Great to hear from you on the blog and thanks for the comment.
Cheers, Rob.
Look in settings Martin you’ll find that when win 10 was installed the default keyboard was accepted change to uk keyboard and delete us keyboard also check your country setting or you’ll be using the wrong spell checkers etc. have the same problem here in australia . Unfortunately Microsoft think everyone is American.
Hi Rob,
Good timely article.
I upgraded to windows 10 as soon as it came out.
I don’t know if it’s just a coincidence but since upgrading; my computer seems to run more slowly. My laptop is only a 6 months old and fairly high spec, so I am surprised.
The main area of concern is downloads and video streaming.
I have also noticed that my computer keeps telling me I need to upgrade my software etc.
It seems to be working on the assumption that I’m still on windows 8.1.
Thanks for the tips on privacy, I had overlooked that area.
Regards,
Mike
Sounds like an internet issue maybe Mike? Maybe try testing your speed using one of the test sites to be found in Google.
Thanks for your comment – great to hear from you on here on the blog :-}
Cheers, Rob.
Hi Rob… Once again a very useful and informative post about Windows 10. I am sitting on the fence as my IT Computer tech has advised not to install, at this stage. I have Windows 7 and find that quite fast and responsive.
Once again I would invite you to check your video sound output… I addressed this with you previously. In the above presentation, I have the sound on maximum and strain to gain audible listening. For example, over past several days I have similar video presentations form other Marketers and Webinars… and my setting is at 50% – Loud and Clear.
warm regards… keep the good information flowing.
Yes, fair enough Roy. I think if you are happy with W7 then no problem in sitting tight for a bit and taking the upgrade later. Gives a chance for any early bugs to be ironed out!
Video sound is the same as other videos at my end and I’ve not had any other subscribers mention it. Not sure what it could be – I’m really quite baffled. Perhaps try clicking through to YouTube and watching there? Perhaps it’s my voice rather than the technical side!
Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts.
Cheers, Rob.
Nice Video again Rob, I always enjoy them.
I upgraded a while ago too, and have turned the privacy settings to off, but doubklle checked after watching your vid.
However I still have to get round to changing my router, as you may have read that with w10 it automatically shares your router access code with your facebook friends when they are in reach of your signal.
It’s no big issue for me as my facebook friends are limited to family and close friends. but it just does make you think about that story a couple of years ago about google stealing your data with their cars when mapping roads for street view.
thanks again for the value 🙂
Paul
Thanks for the feedback Paul, appreciate you highlighting the wifi sharing too. Something else to disable perhaps!
Cheers, Rob.
Hi Rob sharing wifi signal is a myth . My background is network security Win 10 cannot share your wifi signal password with others facebook friends or not. Unless you setup your PC/laptop as a hotspot without a password. Microsoft is very tight on security over networks. One of the big myths is how Macs are more secure than Windos pc’s . Well from experience I can tell you it takes me longer ta hack into a windows PC that is password protected than a mac. With a mac no external software is needed a few buttons pressed and I’m in and no I wont tell you what buttons:)
Hi Rob Win 10 does not automatically share your wifi conenection perhaps this article will help everyone. http://krebsonsecurity.com/2015/07/windows-10-shares-your-wi-fi-with-contacts/
Thanks for this Les, much appreciated.
Also, I would add how to access Wifi Sense (which has caused this controversy) in Windows 10:
Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Manage Wifi Settings
Cheers, Rob.
Word to the wise: If at all possible, try out critical applications on someone else’s Win 10 machine before perhaps accepting the Win 10 upgrade for your machine.
These days, I generally use Linux and have little use for Windows. With one GIANT exception, everything I want to do in Web work, writing & editing, video, scanning, business planning & control etc. I can do just as well, and often cheaper, via applications running on Linux. Besides, those nagging differences between Windows and Linux with regard to forward- vs. back-facing slashes in file paths and the denoting of new lines in text files just disappear, Linux being the Web’s natural platform.
But that GIANT exception makes all the difference, and it is my bookkeeping software. I use Intuit’s QuickBooks, which commands a large share of the bookkeeping market here in the U.S.A. Currently I use QB 2009 Pro on Win 7. It works fine. However, I find Web sources indicating that QB 2009 is not compatible with Win 10. So it seems that I must upgrade to QB 2015. Of course this costs money. Thank you, Microsoft.
A problem like this can ruin your whole day, maybe even mess up your business records. Happily, one can learn about this via research on the Web rather than by bitter experience. Check your apps. Don’t hope for the best and suffer a nasty surprise.
Thanks for your comment Halfnium – like the idea of using someone else’s computer as a guinea pig!
Cheers, Rob.
They are adding a whole bunch of new stuff to 10 in October. I would wait until about December, before installing it, to give them time to work out the bugs.
I tried installing it 4 times and never could get it to work.
Great strategy Gary. Let’s I hope the October update don’t mess everything up!
Thanks for taking the time to comment 🙂
Cheers, Rob.
How to uninstall that annoying “Get Windows 10” advert
I decided that Windows 10 is not for me (I dont need it, I see no marked benefit and I figure it will overload my PC).
But I dont want to be reminded every time I restart my computer that I could get something that I have already decided not to get.
So I did some quick research on getting rid of that irritating advert.
It is called GWX.exe and will be running in the background from when you start up your computer. It is probably another thing slowing your computer down!
So to uninstall it, it is within the Windows update called KB3035583. To uninstall that, go to
Start > Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features > View Installed updates
In the top right search box, search for KB3035583
Right click > Uninstall
You will need to reboot. I needed to repeat this process twice because Windows really wanted that advert to be shown to me, and reinstalled it again, so I had to re-uninstall it!
Then go to Start > Control Panel > Windows updates (search for “updates”). Check for updates. Find the update called KB3035583 which Windows will want you to reinstall. Click into it and untick this update, and also right click and “Hide” this update so it does not get auto-installed in future. Click OK. Close out of Control Panel. Reboot.
Now you wont get bothered by that irritating repeated advert every time you reboot.
Good luck
Duncan
Thanks for sharing the tip Duncan 🙂
Hi Rob
Which Email Client do you use with Windows 10? Is it the new Mail App in Windows?
I’ve been using Windows Live Mail connected to my Outlook.com account. However, Microsoft have issued a warning to Windows 7 users (i.e. me) who are using Windows Live Mail. Apparently it will no longer work after June 30 as they are releasing a new version of Outlook that will no longer synchronise with Windows Live Mail. I can still access my mail by using Outlook via a web browser but I don’t wish to do that.
Microsoft are forcing me to upgrade to Windows 10 but I also need to know if I can import my storage folders to the Windows 10 Mail App from Windows Live Mail. The only export options under Windows Live Mail are either Microsoft Exchange or Windows Live Mail formats. Will the Windows 10 Mail App accept either of these formats, or do you suggest using another Mail Client completely.
Cheers
Ray
Hi Ray,
Thanks for your comment 🙂
I use Gmail and have all my other email (including my addresses at gainhigherground.com) funnelled into that so I can read everything in one place. It’s free and I find it extremely fast and easy to use. Maybe you could consider this as an option to circumvent these issues.
All the best,
Rob.
I have three laptops on my system (my 2 and my wife’s) all tied into a dual-processor server with 6 multi-terra byte hard drives in three segments (once upon a time I was the president of a fairly large Wireless Internet System and have a lot of (WISP) data stored there.). To be able to use Win 10 effectively I would have to update everything. Unfortunately, Win 10 didn’t like the pre-fetch system in my dual-processor server. So until I can come up with a method of upgrading my server Win 10 is no go for me.
Rob McLennan
Thanks for your comment Rob – appreciate your input 🙂
Not about to install win 10 but really appreciate the info which I’m keeping for when I
need it. The security issue is important, so can you please tell me, if you turned off all
the options in the privacy section, could you still use them, or would you have to turn
them on again, and does that not defeat the object?
Regards
Hi Julian,
I’m not sure to be honest. I have them switched off and I can do everything I want. Windows 10 is great in my opinion so I’d definitely recommend it.
Cheers,
Rob.