Newsletter Archives

• Microsoft removes Windows 10 2004 block for Surface devices

  Posted on July 1, 2020 at 10:37 CDT by joep517 • Comment in the Forums

  Per the erstwhile Mary jo Foley, Microsoft has removed the compatibility block for Windows 10 2004. If you have one of these devices you may see the upgrade offered to you in the next several days. If you don’t wish to upgrade take precautions now.

  See [url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-removes-the-windows-10-2004-block-on-surface-devices]Microsoft removes the Windows 10 2004 block on Surface devices[/url] for more details on the block and what fixed it.

  Windows 10, Windows 10 Releases Windows 10, Windows 10 upgrade

• How to get a free Win10 upgrade — newly updated by Ed Bott

  Posted on July 28, 2018 at 07:53 CDT by woody • Comment in the Forums

  I get questions about this several times a week, even now.

  Ed’s updated his original article — and it’s still the most comprehensive, definitive guide I know.

  The big question now is whether Microsoft will ever turn off the code on its activation servers that dispenses digital licenses after an upgrade from an earlier Windows version. I’ve continued to test that scenario throughout 2018, and I can confirm as of late July 2018 that it still works.

  So the short answer is, yes, you can still upgrade your Win7 or 8.1 machine to Win10, and the license validation will go through, no problem, no “Assistive technology” required.

  Microsoft knows the loophole’s still there, although it officially expired in January. They just don’t advertise it.

  Remember that it’s in Microsoft’s best interests to get you off of Win7 or 81, and onto Win10. Whether it’s in YOUR best interests — that’s something you need to figure out for yourself.

  Windows News Windows 10 upgrade

• Win10 upgrades are still free

  Posted on May 29, 2017 at 18:15 CDT by woody • Comment in the Forums

  Ed Bott says so – and he should know.

  If you have a machine with a valid Win7 or 8.1 license, the upgrade to Win10 continues to be free, just as I described a year ago. Nod, nod, wink, wink.

  It’s in Microsoft’s best interests to get you into the Win10 groove.

  Windows News Windows 10 upgrade

• Thinking about switching to Windows 10? Now’s the time to do it.

  Posted on March 31, 2017 at 06:48 CDT by woody • Comment in the Forums

  Any time between now and April 11 is a good time to make the jump. Assuming you want to, of course.

  See InfoWorld Woody on Windows.

  Other Windows 10 upgrade

• Windows 10 upgrade problems – and what to do about them

  Posted on February 17, 2017 at 09:19 CST by woody • Comment in the Forums

  A dozen top problems, and what you can do besides assuming a fetal position.

  This guide targets two separate but intertwined groups: Those who have recently upgraded from Win7 (or, less likely, Win8.1) and those who have upgraded from an earlier version of Win10 (likely the November Update, Version 1511) to a recent version (as of this writing, probably the Anniversary Update, Version 1607).

  InfoWorld Feature.

  UPDATE: Gunter Born has an interesting revelation about error 0xC0020012 on his Born City web site.

  Windows Patches/Security Windows 10 installation, Windows 10 upgrade

• How to temporarily block the upgrade from Win10 Fall Update (v 1511) to the Anniversary Update (v 1607)

  Posted on August 9, 2016 at 12:37 CDT by woody • Comment in the Forums

  Using wushowhide it’s easy. Here are the detailed steps.

  InfoWorld Woody on Windows

  Windows Patches/Security 1511, 1607, Anniversary Update, fall update, Windows 10 upgrade

• Windows 10 upgrade stuck at 99% – or 70% or 80%?

  Posted on July 28, 2016 at 10:01 CDT by woody • Comment in the Forums

  You have several options, especially if you’re trying to beat the Friday “free upgrade” deadline.

  InfoWorld Woody on Windows

  Windows News installer stuck, Windows 10 upgrade

• Still undecided about Win10? Here’s what to consider, how to reserve the free upgrade, if you want it

  Posted on July 25, 2016 at 08:15 CDT by woody • Comment in the Forums

  Some no-bull advice about the upgrade, along with a few safe ways to reserve your “free” version.

  InfoWorld Woody on Windows

  Windows Patches/Security Windows 10 upgrade
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