Windows 10 is coming and it's cominng this wednesday. But are you prepared to receive it? If you already have windows 10 technical preview installed, then probably you are good to go. But for those of us that are skeptical to install windows 10 yet maybe you don't have any spare machine to test it on, or you don't want to create a new partiton for windows 10 yet (like me), here are some tips to get you started.

The first step is to decide if you really want to install windos 10. you may want to wait a few weeks to get feedback from people that already installed it. If you still want to install it, you might want to windows update on your machine, then you have to reserve a spot on the update list.

Microsoft has decided to roll the new OS out to people in waves. This will hopefully avoid catastrophic download server meltdown on day one. But it also means that you have a couple steps to go through to ensure that you’re on the list for an upgrade.

You will need to use the “Get Windows 10” app to reserve your spot in the download queue. If you have Windows Update enabled, that app should have already appeared in your system notification area at the bottom-right of your screen. It’s a little Windows logo, pictured to the right. If you tend to install Windows Updates manually, go check for the app.

If you don’t see the app, these are the possible reasons Microsoft offers:

Your device isn’t up-to-date with at least Windows 7 SP1 or Windows 8.1 Update.
Windows Update is turned off or is not set to received updates automatically.
You’ve blocked or uninstalled the necessary Windows Update functionality.
Your device is not running genuine Windows.

Once you reserve your copy of Windows 10, files will start downloading in the background, in preparation for the July 29 launch. You’ll be able to complete the download and start installation on July 29 or later, depending on how quickly Microsoft’s rollout moves.


And importantly before you start installation do these If you are upgrading from windows 7 or 8

Clean out temporary files and other junk using the Disk Cleanup tool. This is a good habit to have that can improve stability and overall performance.

Install all available Windows Updates (especially if you don’t automatically fetch them already). Updates can be anything from compatibility to security patches, but stability patches are important during upgrades.

Perform a virus sweep with your software of choice. Each new version of Windows has better security than the last, but it still pays to clear out the stowaways.

Run the Disk Defragmentation* (Windows Vista, Windows 7) or Disk Optimization* (Windows 8/8.1) tool. For Windows Vista and Windows 7 in particular, this will tidy up how data is stored on your main drive, and thus speed up the process for finding things again when they are needed. Windows 8 and 8.1 are better about cleaning up after themselves, but it still helps to optimize the drive for stability and performance.

Update all hardware drivers to their latest versions. (Yes, even audio drivers.) The newest versions of your hardware drivers are more likely to be compatible with the latest Windows. If you carry over ancient drivers, you’re likely to encounter compatibility or stability issues, and may find that your system will revert to an inferior universal driver for that piece of hardware.

Take inventory of the applications and peripherals you use, as well as the hardware components you’ve installed. Once you know what you’re running (be it software or hardware), go hunt for the installation and driver discs that came with what you bought, and gather them up in one place.

Download copies of installation files or driver files for items that didn’t come with a disc (or have a disc you can’t find). This should include any free programs you use. Also, if you’re up to it, take a moment to search for newer versions of installation and driver files you do have on disc, just so you have the most recent versions of everything you’ll need.

Make sure you have all the product key information for applications you’ve purchased or that came with your system. If you can't find your product key paperwork, look up the info within the program and write it down. In the event that you can’t find an installation disc, having your key on hand will be useful if you manage to obtain the setup file later on.

source http://gizmorepublic.net/pc-stuffs/50-prepare-your-pc-for-windows-10.html