If you didn’t already know, Windows 10 is out today, and sadly, there is a roll-out strategy for the update for Windows 7 and 8 users.

The roll-out strategy seeds out the coveted update in multiple waves. But it seems like you can get the Windows 10 update even if you’re not in the first wave and aren’t a Windows Insider – Windows Insiders are given priority in the download queue.

If you’re wondering how you can actually get Windows right now, as you are reading this. Well, look no further, we have the necessary details and explanations you might need to get on your merry way.

Firstly, there is a new folder created in your Windows partition when you update to Windows 10. This folder is called “$Windows.~BT” and is supposedly the download folder where all the installation files are kept.

The folder itself doesn’t guarantee a user being able to successfully install Windows 10. However, if you follow this process you should be able to install Windows 10:

• Run Command Prompt as admin
• Type wuauclt.exe /updatenow

This is what it should look like on Command Prompt.

• Windows 10 should then start downloading within a few minutes

You can confirm Windows 10 downloading by checking in Windows Update. Please be aware that you may have to check for updates or restart your PC.

Windows 10 Downloading

We also can’t be 100% certain that Windows 10 will install as there have been mixed reports of success, with some users successfully downloading the update and being unable to install it.

Take note that If you haven’t reserved a copy of Windows 10 then none of the above will work, and you will have to wait it out and claim your copy later on.

Of course, if you’ve been successful and the download is complete, you will be notified of the installation. But if you don’t have the time now, you can schedule Windows 10 to install at another time of your choosing.

If you notice Windows 10 is downloading slowly, it is likely because of the heavy load on Microsoft’s Content Delivery Networks (CDNs).

Analysts have said that this is expected. In fact, Microsoft has reserved close to 40 Tb/s for rolling out Windows 10 to consumers and currently sitting around 10TB/s.

If you prefer a more traditional approach to installing Windows 10, why not download the official ISO which is available for free, directly from Microsoft.

You can download the ISO, by following these steps:

• Download the official tool for Windows 10 ISO files here, and then launch the tool.
• Click on the ‘Create installation media for another PC’ option, and then click on ‘Next.’
• You’ll be shown three options: Language, Edition and Architecture. Fill in the form for the Windows 10 ISO you want to download, and then click on ‘Next.’
• Now Select the ‘ISO file’ option and then select the place you wish to save it then click on the ‘Save’ button to begin the download process.

If you have a slow internet connection, the ISO download may take a few hours. After you’ve successfully downloaded the Windows 10 ISO file, you can create either a bootable Windows 10 USB drive or DVD. Finally, you can install Windows 10.

With the Windows Update option, you follow through with some steps, clicking through legal stuff and eventually you’ll be able to finally have Windows 10.

With both the ISO and Windows Update options, installation of Windows 10 should to take up from 20 minutes to an hour.

Remember, before you install Windows 10 to check that your PC meets the minimum system requirements.

• RAM
  • 1GB for 32 bit
  • 2GB for 64 bit
• Hard disk space
  • 16 GB for 32 bit
  • 20 GB for 64 bit
• CPU: 1GHz or faster
• Screen resolution: 800 x 600
• Graphics: Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM driver
• Microsoft account
• Internet Access

Doing preparatory updates for Windows 10 is also recommended for a new installation, and always back up your programs, files and applications before a new Windows installation.

If you would prefer to go the retail route, Windows 10 is retailing locally online. Both Orange Store and Comx Computers have listed their suggested retail prices.

Here they are:

Source: WCCFTech, WCCFTech, MyBroadband

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