And with even most if not all of them offering at least a limited free trial, there is no excuse for not making a disk image in advance of the upgrade.Most commercial backup software will work well with Windows 8.1 at this time
Some options. Not recommendations or endorsements.Acronis True Image http://www.acronis.com/en-us/personal/pc-backup/
AOEMI BackUpper AOMEI Windows Backup, Cloning, and Recovery Software
AX64 Time Machine - Snapshot Imaging Backup Time Machine Windows 7, PC Backup Software, Time Machine Backup, Windows Time Machine | Ax64.com
EaseUS ToDo Best free backup software for Windows 10/8.1/8/7/vista - EaseUS Todo Backup Free
Macrium Reflect Macrium Reflect v6 Home Edition
Does anyone know what the upgrade process looks like? I ran a couple of test upgrades from 8.1 to one of the 9800 series builds and they went off without a hitch.
I wondering how I'm going to get fresh install media for 10 if I upgrade from 8.1 on both my systems.
As for backup everything is in the cloud. I even have copies of %appdata% for certain programs.
I'm also wondering if I upgrade to the latest build tonight will I automatically get the RTM version. Does anyone know how that's working?
How to upgrade
With Windows 10, businesses have two new upgrade options:
Of course traditional wipe and reload deployments of Windows 10 can still be used too. Whichever path you choose, moving to Windows 10 has never been easier. Learn more about upgrading your business to Windows 10 by reading the Windows 10 for Business Windows 10 for Business FAQ or by visiting the Windows 10 Tech Center for detailed deployment guidance, resources and forums.
- In Place Upgrade from existing Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1 devices directly to Windows 10 without having to wipe and reload the device.
- Dynamic Provision devices right out of the box –reducing the cost and complexity of large scale deployments.
Of course traditional wipe and reload deployments of Windows 10 can still be used too.
To me it feels like not a whole lot is changing under the hood. Most of Window's 10 improvements are in the GUI area. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure code has been optimized and such over W7&8 but to me it feels I'm installing a new desktop environment in Linux.Well here's a quote off of the W10 for Business page that covers the upgrade options.
Windows 10, upgraded Simplifying management and deployment
The part I like is:
It will certainly be interesting to watch how this new In Place Upgrade works. Previous versions from Vista on would see the Windows.old folder where you would find all the files stashed away in the user account(s). A clean install usually means a total wipe of everything in contrast.
To me it feels like not a whole lot is changing under the hood. Most of Window's 10 improvements are in the GUI area. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure code has been optimized and such over W7&8 but to me it feels I'm installing a new desktop environment in Linux.
For that reason, I don't think we're going to see the familiar Windows.old folder.
Personally, I wouldn't mind a clean install. I'll probably do an in place upgrade and play around for a week or so then try and figure out how to do an install straight from a RTM ISO.
Well the in place upgrade went off without a hitch. I started it and left for the store. Came back to Windows 10!I downloaded the 64 Bit Pro ISO last night. I'm going to use that to upgrade my laptop via USB. Right now, Windows Update is "Preparing for Installation" for an in place upgrade on my desktop. If you don't see me for a few days something blew up on both upgrades.
Heck if it's that bad, I'll run a fresh install of Ubuntu and play with Windows over the weekend.