https://www.makeuseof.com MUO is your guide to modern tech. Learn how to make use of the tech and gadgets around you, and discover cool stuff on the internet. Fri, 05 Aug 2022 19:05:27 GMT en-US hourly 60 Windows 11 looks modern and inviting. And you might be tempted to give it a try. But before you jump on the bandwagon, it may be better to stick with Windows 10.

]]> Thu, 23 Mar 2023 18:15:16 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-10-reasons-to-choose-over-windows-11/ Microsoft Windows 11 is here, and you can use the company's PC Health Check app to check if your PC meets the minimum system requirements to install Windows 11. Unfortunately, for many users, running the PC Health Check app returns the This PC can't Run Windows 11 error.

]]> Fri, 16 Dec 2022 15:15:16 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/fix-this-pc-cant-run-windows-11-error/ The Windows 11 release has proceeded at a lightning pace. The new version includes many changes, which means there will be compatibility issues you previously did not face in Windows 10.

]]> Sun, 11 Sep 2022 19:15:13 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/bypass-windows-11-minimum-installation-requirements/ No operating system or software is built to last forever, and Windows 8.1 is no exception. Microsoft has decided to end support for Windows 8.1 on January 10, 2023, after which the operating system will no longer receive security or maintenance updates.

]]> Fri, 05 Aug 2022 19:05:27 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-8-upgrade-11/ Factory resets are the nuclear solution for many Windows issues. If your computer is far slower than it once was, you have a malware infection that you can't remove, or plan to sell your machine, a reset is the most convenient option.

]]> Fri, 01 Jul 2022 17:45:14 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/4-ways-factory-reset-windows-computer/ Since the launch of Windows 11, many have wondered if they can upgrade to the latest version of Windows for Free. Fortunately, Microsoft lets users do that, but when they checked their computer's compatibility, they get this message: This PC can't run Windows 11.

]]> Sat, 14 May 2022 16:15:13 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/how-to-check-tpm-version-windows-11/ The restrictions Microsoft placed on the configuration of devices that could run Windows 11 are well documented. Many users on older PCs see the “this PC doesn’t currently meet the minimum system requirements to run Windows 11” message.

]]> Wed, 16 Mar 2022 14:30:13 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/rufus-318-bypass-windows-11-tpm-restrictions-in-place-upgrades/ Microsoft offers a handy tool to help you quickly install Windows 11 on a compatible PC. It's called the Windows 11 Installation Assistant, and it's the fastest way to get your system onto the new Windows 11 operating system.

]]> Wed, 02 Mar 2022 15:15:13 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-11-installation-assistant-guide/ When you create a bootable Windows installer or install the OS from a disc, you'll have to decide whether you want the 32-bit or 64-bit operating system. If you're not sure what these mean, this question might confuse you. And worse, choosing the wrong option could hamper your system performance down the road.

]]> Wed, 23 Feb 2022 20:00:14 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-choose-between-32-bit-64-bit-windows-7-operating-systems/ Have you ever wondered how to install Windows 11 on your computer? There are a few options you can follow and you should know them all since this is a major update to the operating system. Hopefully, one of the methods to download Windows 11 will be more suitable for you and your device.

]]> Wed, 23 Feb 2022 14:30:13 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/different-methods-to-install-windows-11/ System corruption is one of the most severe problems that afflict Windows 10 users. Corruption manifests in a variety of ways, ranging from random blue or black screens of death (BSOD) to driver errors.

]]> Fri, 14 Jan 2022 20:15:13 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/fix-corrupted-windows-10-installation/ Windows Update has become so sneaky, you could almost miss it's still happening. At the same time, it's become almost impossible to block security patches and driver updates. Microsoft has simplified and automated the Windows Update process at the expense of control.

]]> Sun, 26 Dec 2021 19:15:12 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/manage-windows-update-windows-10/ After upgrading to Windows 11, you may notice a spike in storage space usage. This is not because the new OS takes more space than Windows 10; instead, it's likely due to older system backups that can take a fair amount of disk space.

]]> Wed, 08 Dec 2021 21:15:12 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-11-free-up-disk-space-after-upgrading/ There's no wonder why Windows is the preferred platform for software developers. With support for almost all software development languages and tools, it's much easier to create and test apps on Windows than on other operating systems.

]]> Mon, 29 Nov 2021 14:30:12 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/is-windows-11-good-for-developers/ Forced updates are Windows 10's boldest feature. While you no longer have to worry about updates, mandatory updates can make life more difficult for those who like to tweak their system. And you won't ever be safe from faulty updates.

]]> Tue, 09 Nov 2021 20:16:39 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/take-back-control-driver-updates-windows-10/ Microsoft has enforced strict hardware requirements for Windows 11. The company has not backtracked over the TPM 2.0 and CPU model/family requirements, which means millions of people will be left out of the Windows 11 upgrade process.

]]> Thu, 14 Oct 2021 13:35:12 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/how-to-make-unsupported-windows-11-pc-compatible/ On June 24th, 2021, Microsoft publicly announced Windows 11, stating that it will be available this holiday season. The new version of Windows brings new features and upgrades, ranging from transparent UIs to gaming performance boosts.

]]> Sun, 05 Sep 2021 13:30:21 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/is-it-worth-upgrading-to-windows-11/ Three months after Microsoft’s Windows reveal event, we finally have a confirmed date for the final release of Microsoft’s next big operating system. Windows 11 will release on October 5, 2021, with a new design and plenty of new features.

]]> Thu, 02 Sep 2021 11:26:47 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/when-you-can-upgrade-to-windows-11/ With the first Insider Preview build released, Microsoft is gearing up to release the full version of Windows 11 this fall. But given how operating systems don't come cheap, there remains the question: will you be able to get Windows 11 for free?

]]> Thu, 22 Jul 2021 14:45:13 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/want-windows-11-for-free-heres-what-you-need/ Your PC might not meet the requirements for Windows 11, but you can continue enjoying an unmatched experience on Windows 10. Learn how.

]]> Thu, 15 Jul 2021 17:30:43 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/cant-upgrade-to-windows-11-how-staying-on-windows-10-will-work/ With the prospect of the full Windows 11 launch later in 2021, Windows users are attempting to figure out if their existing hardware will receive the free upgrade.

]]> Thu, 01 Jul 2021 14:15:29 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/check-your-windows-11-upgrade-eligibility-with-whynotwin11/ Microsoft has taken the wraps off Windows 11: the next major iteration of Windows. If it weren't for the leaks, this would've been quite a surprising move since we were all expecting a Sun Valley Windows 10 feature update in the fall, but instead, we get almost a whole new operating system. Well, sort of.

]]> Tue, 29 Jun 2021 21:30:47 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/new-features-were-excited-for-windows-11/ Windows XP first launched in 2001, which is eons ago when it comes to technology. Windows has gone through a handful of operating systems since then. If you're still running Windows XP, it's high time that you upgrade to Windows 10.

]]> Tue, 29 Jun 2021 14:45:23 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-upgrade-from-xp-to-windows-7-in-4-easy-steps/ Microsoft officially revealed Windows 11 on June 24, 2021, with all curved edges, opaque and transparent windows, and some nifty new features to boot. But now the excitement of the Windows 11 reveal is dying down, and the dust is settling on the idea of a new version of Windows, more questions are popping up.

]]> Fri, 25 Jun 2021 18:45:04 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/when-can-i-install-windows-11/ The next iteration of Windows is coming by the end of this year, and it's going to be a free update as long as your PC meets certain requirements. Unlike Windows 10, which supported all Windows 8 devices, Windows 11 requires more advanced hardware.

]]> Fri, 25 Jun 2021 13:15:59 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/can-your-pc-run-windows-11/ Microsoft has officially revealed Windows 11, the latest and greatest operating system, from one of the world's largest tech outfits. As exciting as Windows 11 is, naturally, its reveal creates a huge amount of questions.

]]> Thu, 24 Jun 2021 17:58:02 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-11-free-upgrade-windows-10-users/ The Windows 10 May 2021 Update (version 21H1) is now available, and it includes a few fixes and improvements to complete the May 2020 Update and October 2020 Update phase.

]]> Fri, 21 May 2021 13:25:26 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/how-to-download-and-install-the-windows-10-may-2021-update/ The Windows 10 news and interests feature is found lurking in the taskbar. Introduced to the operating system in early 2021, news and interests brings a customizable pop-up box to your desktop, allowing you to check the news, weather, local traffic, stock prices, and more from a single location.

]]> Wed, 19 May 2021 15:00:02 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/how-to-access-and-customize-the-windows-10-news-and-interests-feed/ Microsoft is struggling to make people upgrade their Windows 10 to the latest version.

]]> Sun, 25 Apr 2021 15:30:06 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/users-update-windows-10/ Windows 10, overall, has more good aspects than bad. It's evolved over years of updates to offer a fast, robust, and stable OS. But it's not perfect, despite Microsoft's efforts.

]]> Tue, 20 Apr 2021 14:24:42 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/7-things-really-annoy-us-windows-10/ Did you know that Windows 10 is getting a huge visual revamp? The update has the codename "Sun Valley," and while we don't know all the details just yet, what we do know sounds exciting.

]]> Sun, 07 Mar 2021 15:30:45 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/what-is-windows-10-sun-valley/ Back when Microsoft offered Windows 7 users a free upgrade to Windows 10, the company was adamant that the upgrade window was a limited-time deal. Some testing, however, has revealed that the software giant is still holding the door open and allowing people to upgrade for free.

]]> Mon, 28 Dec 2020 19:05:58 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/microsoft-windows-10-upgrade-available/ Microsoft is already one of the world's biggest corporations, but it never sits on its laurels. There’s always something to upgrade, and that’s what Windows Core OS is all about: enhancing the company's technology.

]]> Sun, 13 Dec 2020 13:00:23 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/what-is-windows-core-os/ Windows executives remain stubbornly tight-lipped about what Windows Feature Experience Packs are actually for. However, the release of the first update has come with a few answers. They’re not enough to crack the mystery wide open, but they do set a foundation for theories to stand on.

]]> Mon, 07 Dec 2020 13:00:01 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/what-are-windows-feature-experience-packs-and-how-can-you-get-one/  

]]> Sat, 05 Dec 2020 21:00:18 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-10-pro-vs-enterprise/ You may know your way around a Windows PC, but there are tons of tips, tricks, and tutorials you should be using that can make your life way easier and more productive!

]]> Thu, 02 Apr 2020 01:00:09 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/windows-pc-mastery/ Windows 10 should run smoothly for most people, but there are times when Windows 10 can freeze or lock up your system. Sitting there while your computer hangs is frustrating and you shouldn't have to deal with it.

]]> Mon, 23 Mar 2020 19:00:00 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/windows-10-freeze-computer-try/ While Windows 10 offers many editions for specific use cases, home users only have two main choices to worry about: Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro. This has likely led you to wonder what the differences are between Windows 10 Home and Pro.

]]> Mon, 24 Feb 2020 22:00:00 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/upgrade-windows-10-pro/ After a long run of over 10 years, Windows 7's time in the spotlight has come to a close. The Windows 7 end of life date has hit, meaning that Microsoft no longer supports the fan-favorite operating system.

]]> Wed, 12 Feb 2020 16:00:00 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/windows-7-end-of-life-eol/ Microsoft finally ended support for consumer copies of Windows 7 in January 2020. If you're one of the many holdouts, the end is finally nigh. You're faced with a choice of upgrading to Windows 10 or leaving your computer increasingly vulnerable to an endless list of cyberthreats.

]]> Mon, 20 Jan 2020 20:00:53 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/can-still-upgrade-windows-10-free/ While it's easy to think of Windows 7 as a modern operating system, it actually launched all the way back in 2009. After just over 10 years of support, Microsoft will no longer support Windows 7 after January 14, 2020.

]]> Sun, 08 Dec 2019 11:40:00 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/windows-7-upgrade-windows-10-before-2020/ Windows 7 end of life draws near. The now-decade old operating system is biting the dust. There are several reasons you might need or want to keep using Windows 7. However, once Microsoft ends Windows 7 support, the operating system will become vulnerable.

]]> Sat, 07 Dec 2019 13:25:00 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/windows-7-end-of-life-support/ Is your old PC getting you down? Concerned about the lack of updates for your older version of Windows?

]]> Wed, 23 Oct 2019 20:00:30 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-make-sure-your-computer-can-run-windows-7/ Windows 10 releases major updates roughly twice a year, targeted for April and October. The latest release at the time of writing is the Windows 10 May 2020 Update (version 2004). This version adds a couple of new features and makes lots of small improvements across the OS.

]]> Mon, 27 May 2019 18:00:00 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/best-new-windows-10-features/ "What version of Windows do I have?" That's a question you might not have asked before Windows 10 came around. You probably knew that you had Windows 8 or Windows 7, but didn't need to know the exact version number.

]]> Fri, 17 May 2019 15:00:00 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-check-windows-10-version-build/ Windows 10 build 1809 is coming to your PC soon. The official release date is October 2, 2018, but the rollout could take many months. We'll show you how you can get the latest feature update right now or how to delay it for as long as possible, in case you don't want to upgrade.

]]> Sat, 29 Sep 2018 00:00:00 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/upgrade-latest-windows-10-version/ Have you ever wanted to refer back to an old Windows upgrade you installed? It's easier said than done.

]]> Mon, 02 Apr 2018 11:30:11 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/entire-windows-upgrade-history/ Do you have some computer tasks that you've put off? Sometimes it's tough to find the motivation to work on a big project when you get a free weekend. We've covered some of these important projects for Windows users before.

]]> Wed, 13 Dec 2017 23:00:00 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/weekend-projects-windows/ Microsoft's offer to upgrade to Windows 10 free ended over a year ago. But you can still upgrade your copy of Windows 7 or 8.1 to Windows 10 using the assistive technology workaround or by entering your current license key.

]]> Mon, 30 Oct 2017 20:30:00 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/upgrade-windows-10-downgrade-windows-7-8/ Updated by Tina Sieber on 26 October 2017.

]]> Fri, 20 Oct 2017 19:30:00 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/windows-update-installation/ The Windows 10 Fall Creators Update is just around the corner. And users and technology commentators are rightly focusing on the host of new features the major Windows 10 update is set to bring.

]]> Mon, 09 Oct 2017 20:00:00 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/windows-10-features-stop-using/ Windows 10 is only a few years old, but it's already quite fragmented into several different versions. But even within these, not everything is the same.

]]> Thu, 05 Oct 2017 20:00:00 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/windows-10-update-servicing-branches/ Microsoft may have claimed Windows 10 as final version of Windows, but nobody ever said it'd be simple. A little after two years in the wild, Windows 10 has no fewer than ten different editions available. Each one is the same at its core, but offers slightly different features for users with varying needs.

]]> Thu, 28 Sep 2017 00:00:00 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/windows-10-version-overview/ Does your PC have the Windows 10 Creators Update yet? The latest free update to Microsoft's continually evolving operating system (OS) packs plenty of new features. But despite releasing in April 2017, many users haven't been offered the update even months later.

]]> Thu, 17 Aug 2017 19:30:00 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/windows-10-no-longer-supported/ No piece of software can last forever. Sooner or later, every program has to go; this often thanks to an outdated core or changed priorities from the developers. The Windows operating system itself is no exception to this.

]]> Fri, 28 Jul 2017 16:00:00 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/windows-10-support-ends/ The Windows 10 Creators Update has finally landed. If Microsoft still hasn't offered you the upgrade, you can download it for free right now, although you might want to wait.

]]> Fri, 12 May 2017 17:00:00 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/best-windows-10-creators-update-features/ The Windows 10 Creators Update is currently rolling out to users around the world. If you've not been offered the upgrade yet, you can expect it to land on your system over the next few weeks (though there are methods for upgrading immediately if you're desperate).

]]> Fri, 05 May 2017 17:00:00 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/do-windows-10-creators-update/ The Window 10 Creators Update has arrived, bringing with it an assortment of new features like game broadcasting and 3D object manipulation. You might be keen to upgrade, but we're here to suggest why you should hold off for now.

]]> Mon, 10 Apr 2017 21:30:00 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/do-not-get-windows-10-creators-update/ Updated by Tina Sieber on April 9, 2017.

]]> Tue, 28 Mar 2017 21:30:00 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/get-windows-10-creators-update-now/ Microsoft will soon consign Windows Vista to the dustbin of history. In April 2017, the life of one the worst versions of Windows ever released will come to an end. At which point you should seriously consider upgrading to Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 10. Pick your poison!

]]> Mon, 20 Mar 2017 21:30:44 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/microsoft-killing-windows-vista/ Maybe at first you were turned away by the purported problems of Windows 10 and gladly let the free upgrade window pass by without a second thought, but now you've seen the big updates and improvements that are coming and wish you could join in.

]]> Fri, 06 Jan 2017 15:30:09 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/free-windows-10-upgrade-loophole/ Microsoft got a lot of things right with Windows 10, providing some great new features. However, it's fair to say that it got things wrong too. We'll take a look at the stumbles of Windows 10 and see if they've been resolved.

]]> Wed, 04 Jan 2017 21:30:00 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/worst-windows-10-blunders/ The massive Windows 10 Anniversary Update arrived at the start of August, accompanied by sparklers, streamers, and the stuttering state of suspense most Windows users will by now find all-too-familiar.

]]> Fri, 02 Sep 2016 20:00:00 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/control-windows-10-settings-subtle-changes/ With the Windows 10 free upgrade offer now expired, Microsoft has released the latest major update for the operating system (OS). Since Windows 10 is constantly evolving, this release brings many new features and fixes to issues that people had with prior versions.

]]> Tue, 09 Aug 2016 21:00:00 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/16-windows-10-anniversary-update-issues-fix/ The Windows 10 Anniversary Update is here, offering up the biggest change to the operating system since its release. There's a lot to explore, so we've rounded up some of the best tips and tricks for you to try out.

]]> Mon, 08 Aug 2016 19:30:00 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/10-new-tricks-windows-10-anniversary-update-must-try/ Time is money. Some tips save lots of time and other will save you a few minutes. And while it might not sound like a lot, each one of those minutes can add up to a lot.

]]> Mon, 08 Aug 2016 12:30:02 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-upgrade-windows-10-without-needing-a-password/ Windows 10 version 1607, also known as the Anniversary Update, was officially released on August 2, 2016. It's the second major Windows 10 upgrade and it comes with many exciting new features, including Microsoft Edge browser extensions, Windows Ink, and new Cortana features. The upgrade is currently rolling out to Windows 10 systems worldwide.

]]> Thu, 04 Aug 2016 16:00:00 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/get-windows-10-anniversary-update-now/ Windows 10 was available as a free upgrade for one year, but that offer finally ended on July 29, 2016. If you didn't finish your upgrade before that, you will now have to pay the full price of $119 to get Microsoft's last operating system (OS) ever.

]]> Mon, 01 Aug 2016 19:30:00 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/missed-free-windows-10-upgrade-psst-heres-backdoor/ Windows 10 had a promising start. The Insider Preview, a novel beta-testing program for Windows 10, unleashed an almost overwhelming enthusiasm for Microsoft's new operating system. And the free upgrade helped to spread Windows 10 far and wide in record time.

]]> Mon, 18 Jul 2016 23:00:00 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/microsoft-pushed-windows-10-results/ Have you ever noticed how people's behavior suddenly changes, when free samples are being given out? You may have observed it at Costco. People who have never walked through the fish aisle in their life become preoccupied with getting a small polystyrene cup of whitebait or crayfish. Those who habitually avoid the produce aisle are prepared to reenact a scene from Grand Theft Auto over a taster of Soybeans. People like free stuff.

]]> Fri, 15 Jul 2016 21:00:00 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/many-people-refuse-free-windows-10-upgrade-heres/ Never before has an offer like this been on the table. For over a year now, Microsoft has been letting existing Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 users upgrade to Windows 10 for free. On July 29, 2016, that offer expires. You need to act now and upgrade to Windows 10.

]]> Thu, 14 Jul 2016 21:30:00 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/upgrade-windows-10-2/ Microsoft wants everyone to update to Windows 10 to take advantage of its regular update cycle. But for those on an older version of Windows, what happens if you don't upgrade to Windows 10?

]]> Wed, 13 Jul 2016 19:30:00 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/dont-upgrade-windows-10-will-happen/ If you've used a Windows product in the past two decades or more, you've likely encountered a Windows product key. You may have even found immense frustration as your product key and Windows didn't play ball. With that in mind, we thought it was high time to give you all chance to understand more about the 25 characters governing your system.

]]> Tue, 12 Jul 2016 22:00:00 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/everything-know-windows-product-keys/ Upgrading to Windows 10 is a risk. Whether you've done it to secure a free Windows 10 copy or were upgraded forcefully, we share three tricks that will help you downgrade right now or sometime in the future.

]]> Tue, 12 Jul 2016 19:30:00 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/3-ways-to-downgrade-windows-10/ If you're running Windows 7 or 8, you may have received a notification letting you know that the clock is ticking on a free upgrade to Windows 10.

]]> Fri, 08 Jul 2016 11:30:30 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/july-29-upgrade-windows-10-free/ One of the most time consuming steps in installing Windows, is adding all the security updates that came out since that version of Windows was released. To compile five years worth of updates since the release of Windows 7 SP1 in one handy installation package, Microsoft recently released the Windows 7 SP1 rollup. A similar rollup is also available for Windows 8 / 8.1.

]]> Tue, 28 Jun 2016 21:00:00 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/update-windows-iso-installation-media-speedy-setup/ One thing that really annoys us about Windows 10 is Microsoft's aggressive upgrade strategy.

]]> Mon, 13 Jun 2016 18:00:00 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/5-unintended-consequences-windows-10-upgradegate/ In the coming weeks, Microsoft will push more than ever for you to upgrade to Windows 10 because from July 29 on the upgrade will cost $119. For Microsoft, it's more valuable if you upgrade now -- for free -- because Windows 10 creates long-term revenue and it's easier to support.

]]> Wed, 25 May 2016 23:30:45 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/block-windows-10-upgrade-everything-know/ There's a lot of talk on the Internet about Microsoft forcing users to download and install Windows 10 on their PCs. In fact, we've covered it quite a bit on MakeUseOf, and we've offered a number of tips that will help you keep Windows 7 or 8 installed on your machine.

]]> Thu, 19 May 2016 12:30:18 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-say-no-to-windows-10-on-your-pc/ Microsoft has confirmed that the free Windows 10 upgrade will expire. After July 29, a Windows 10 license will cost $119.

]]> Thu, 12 May 2016 20:30:00 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/act-now-keep-windows-10-upgrade-free-july-29/ In a few weeks, the free upgrade to Windows 10 will expire. Are you torn whether or not you should take the leap? If you've been resisting the friendly upgrade reminders because you're wary of what's expecting you, let us show you how you can try Windows 10 with (almost) no risk or commitment.

]]> Wed, 04 May 2016 23:00:00 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/5-free-ways-try-evaluate-windows-10-no-strings-attached/ One of the greatest benefits of running a Windows PC instead of Linux or Mac is the wide range of video games you get to play. On computers, Windows is the undisputed king of gaming. But should you be running Windows 7 or the brand new Windows 10?

]]> Tue, 03 May 2016 21:00:00 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/gaming-windows-7-need-upgrade/ There are lots of compelling reasons to upgrade to Windows 10, but maybe you aren't having any of it. While the upgrade is free and brings all sorts of new features (especially fixing many of Windows 8's maladies), you might like your current operating system (OS) just fine or be concerned over the pervasive tracking in Windows 10.

]]> Wed, 06 Apr 2016 13:30:09 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/banish-nagging-windows-10-update-forever/ The upgrade to Windows 10 has been smooth for most, but some users will always encounter issues. Whether it's the screen flashing, not being able to connect to the Internet, or the battery draining too quickly, it's time to resolve these problems.

]]> Fri, 01 Apr 2016 19:00:00 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/8-annoying-windows-10-issues-fix/ Microsoft thinks you will freak out over the Anniversary Upgrade of Windows 10, expected in July this year. It's the second big upgrade since the launch of Windows 10 in July 2015.

]]> Thu, 31 Mar 2016 17:30:42 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/windows-10-anniversary-update-due-july-best-features/ Microsoft recently kicked off its annual Build Developer Conference. It was no typical event. Microsoft pulled out all the stops, and demonstrated remarkable advances in artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and cemented the reputation of Windows 10 as a formidable gaming platform. But Microsoft also announced something else. Something that is getting a lot of people excited.

]]> Thu, 31 Mar 2016 16:30:00 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/windows-10-receives-full-linux-command-prompt/ Late last week, Microsoft released Windows 10 Mobile, the long-awaited update to Windows Phone 8.1.

]]> Tue, 22 Mar 2016 19:30:00 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/upgrade-windows-10-mobile/ For the average Windows XP user, the end of extended support on April 8th, 2014 meant a quick transition to one of the newer Windows operating systems (OS) on the market.

]]> Mon, 21 Mar 2016 22:00:00 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/tweak-windows-xp-stop-worrying-apocalypse/ Windows 10 has been generally well received, but there are those users who upgraded from Windows 7 or 8 and haven't found Microsoft's latest to be much cop. While it's simple to downgrade from Windows 10, hold off doing so just yet - we've rounded up some last things to try before rolling back.

]]> Fri, 18 Mar 2016 18:00:00 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/5-last-things-try-downgrading-windows-10/ Internet Explorer 11 is Microsoft's latest vehicle to promote Windows 10. This time, the Trojan Horse is a critical security update for Internet Explorer 11, which comes bundled with a non-security-related update that reportedly adds a Windows 10 banner ad to the browser in Windows 7 and 8.1.

]]> Mon, 14 Mar 2016 19:30:00 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-avoid-the-trojan-horse-update-to-internet-explorer-11/ When you received your Windows 10 upgrade, Microsoft will have automatically provided you a like-for-like 32-bit operating system. But if you'd like to upgrade to the 64-bit version of Windows 10, you can – provided your hardware supports it.

]]> Mon, 07 Mar 2016 19:00:00 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/upgrade-32-bit-64-bit-windows-10/ Let's say you decided to lock in an upgrade to Windows 10, but you didn't actually do the upgrade. Whatever your reason for waiting, it looks like Microsoft is going to push the update out to you whether you're ready or not!

]]> Tue, 01 Mar 2016 12:30:42 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-easy-way-to-cancel-your-scheduled-windows-10-update/ Windows 10 is constantly receiving updates, some big and some small, usually without a hitch. But problems can happen: the download getting stuck, the update refusing to install, or the system being caught up in a restart loop.

]]> Tue, 01 Mar 2016 00:00:00 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/resolve-windows-update-problems-5-easy-steps/ Did Microsoft just upgrade your computer to Windows 10? Calm down, not all is lost!

]]> Fri, 19 Feb 2016 23:00:00 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/windows-10-upgrade-refugee-first/ I'm going to let all in on a dirty little secret: I like Windows 10. I know, I know, I'm a bad person. I've accepted this.

]]> Wed, 10 Feb 2016 12:30:07 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/be-free-how-to-uninstall-windows-10s-forced-update/ Windows 10 is now a recommended update for Windows 7 and 8.1. Those who haven't upgraded yet, will once more be prompted to install Microsoft's latest operating system. If updates are set to download automatically, Windows 10 will be hogging around 5 GB of space while you decide whether or not to install it.

]]> Thu, 04 Feb 2016 20:30:00 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/microsoft-strikes-not-upgrade-windows-10/ Windows 10 is a great operating system, but there's no doubt that it's imperfect. Whether it's features that are missing entirely, or existing ones which need improving, there's still work for Microsoft to do on this ever-evolving platform.

]]> Wed, 03 Feb 2016 18:00:00 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/7-features-wish-windows-10-done-right/ Microsoft is keen to get you onto Windows 10. For them, it's easier to support, develop, and monetize an operating system, when more people are using it. Ideally, everyone will quickly buy into the new Windows 10 ecosystem.

]]> Wed, 27 Jan 2016 19:00:00 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/6-microsoft-tactics-make-upgrade-windows-10/ It's time to say goodbye to Windows 8. Support for the RTM (release to manufacturer) version has expired on January 10.

]]> Tue, 19 Jan 2016 19:30:00 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/upgrade-windows-end-extended-support/ There are plenty of reasons to upgrade to Windows 10, but perhaps you're still holding off. If so, you've no doubt been pestered by an annoying pop-up asking you to install Windows 10 every time you boot your system.

]]> Mon, 18 Jan 2016 14:30:58 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-shut-up-windows-10-notifications-once-and-for-all/