Windows 10

[{PLA}gdh92]

I'm going to get a new pc soon and with out a lot of effort I can't get windows 7 anymore so for anyone using Windows 10 now - how bad is it?

I've actually heard it's getting better, with a proper desktop now, but does anyone have issues with running old software on it? I've got a lot of specialist stuff and old games that I don't want to lose.

[SleepKiller]

Windows 10 is a great os. 10/10, would let it operate my system again. It's fast, has features (unlike 8) that are actually useful and the interface feels like it was actually designed for a desktop (once again unlike 8).

Off the top of my head I know I was able to install and run Age of Empires (1997) painlessly not too long ago. Of course your mileage may vary, in general Microsoft's engineers do a great job of maintaining backwards compatibility, however Windows has a big catalogue of applications that have been made for it (not all of which kept to documented functionality/APIs), so it is possible you'll encounter something that doesn't work.

That said I don't think I've personally hit anything that doesn't work on Windows 10 that worked on Windows 7. (But once again there is that whole Windows' has had many, many applications created for it over the decades, so my exposure is comparatively small.)

However if we put on our tinfoil hats to block out harmful radiation (and a small amount of common sense) the biggest thing that bugs people is the telemetry side of things. You can read the license and privacy policy yourself and make your decision as to if it bothers you.

To me personally their privacy policy and license agreement seem pretty reasonable. And most of the phoning home can be switched off if it bugs you. But each to their own, it may be worth tracking down a copy of Windows 7 if it's going to leave you worried.

My 2 cents, take em what they're worth to you!

[Led]

I think if your spring for the pro version of 10, you can run 7 in a virtual machine.  Getting a license for 7 should still be possible, and the ISOs can be downloaded.

[{PLA}gdh92]

Thanks both, I could keep windows 7 but I've got to make the jump at some point. I haven't had much luck with virtual machines but I usually go pro to be on the safe side.

Privacy doesn't bother me too much , I can't exactly complain to them from my Gmail account...

It sounds like if it works on 7 it will work on 10 which is the main thing so I'll give it a go. Better get saving now and stay away from the I9 processors.

[TheGangstarTY]

Going with Windows 10 is a logical idea. Those that stuck around on XP because they loved the OS (I was one of those) had to upgrade eventually since it becomes unsupported. It's best to do the same whilst you can.

However, sadly, Windows seems to get worse all the time due to the constant building on top of old OS. Some applications will inevitably cease to run on Windows 10. Some games also don't work so ALWAYS check the reviews or perform a quick Google search before buying.

I personally have had a lot of issues with Windows 10. Although, despite how close I've come to downgrading, I have stuck with it. Due to the first statement I made and the fact that I find it satisfying when I manage to fix the issues. At least once a month, something goes wrong with Windows 10. Every time I have managed to fix it. One of the worst was the non-responsive taskbar and disappearing icons (ended up clearing the icon cache to fix it).

I say, as long as you're confident with computers you'll be fine. There's always help on Google if needed and I'd also be willing to help if you had any issues

You can download it for free if you have Windows 7 by the way: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10/