Upgrading Windows 8.1 to Windows10 - Downloading & Installing Windows 10

If you need to install or reinstall Windows 10, you can use the tools on this page to create your own installation media using either a USB flash drive or a DVD.

Before you begin

• Make sure you have:
  • An Internet connection (Internet service provider fees may apply).
  • Sufficient data storage available on a computer, USB or external drive for the download.
  • A blank USB or DVD (and DVD burner) with at least 4 GB of space if you want to create media. We recommend using a blank USB or blank DVD, because any content on it will be deleted.
• Read the System Requirements.
• If you are installing the operating system for the first time, you will need your Windows product key (xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx). For more information about product keys and when they are required, visit the FAQ page.
• For Enterprise editions please visit the Volume Licensing Service Center.

Use the media creation tool to download Windows. This tool provides the best download experience for customers running Windows 7, 8.1 and 10. The tool includes:

• File formats optimised for download speed.
• Built-in media creation options for USBs and DVDs.
• Optional conversion to ISO file format.

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I downloaded the 64-bit version for an in-place upgrade of my Windows 8.1 Desktop PC. All together (download+install) took about 4½ hours. The PC restarts several times during the upgrade although in between the restarts you can carry on using the computer normally while the upgrade is in process. Fairly straightforward. Afterwards most Windows 8.1 programs and applications seemed to be working as normal as before, on Windows 10. The new re-revised Start Menu does takes some getting used to though!

Privacy is also quite a major concern - Windows 10 appears to not allow users to opt out of sending usage data to Microsoft .
The most troublesome issue seems to be the "Feedback options" drop-down, which cannot be fully disabled. You can set it to "Basic Health and Performance," which is probably anonymised enough that you don't need to worry, but turning it off completely is difficult.
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Check this out: The Start Menu Should Be Sacred (But It’s Still a Disaster in Windows 10)

Some helpful tips for Windows 10 can be found here >> WinAero

and here >> howtogeek.com

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NOTE:
If you have Windows 7 or 8.1, you may be expecting to see the Get Windows 10 app, a small Windows icon in your system tray, that gives you the opportunity to get a free copy of Windows 10.

If you have Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 but aren’t seeing the icon, check here >> this article will help you find out why, and if you can get the app.

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