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The ultimate Windows 10 cheat sheet: Everything you need to know

Updated Dec 19th, 2018 9:03PM EST
Windows 10 Upgrade Download Install Tips Tricks

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More than 14 million people have already upgraded to Windows 10, but you might not be one of them. You’re probably scared that things will go wrong, that your data might be lost, or that Microsoft will soon have you searching for drivers. Don’t worry — that last one won’t happen.

The entire process is much simpler than you think, and below you’ll find everything you need to know before and after the install.

DON’T MISS: Windows 10: The first 5 things you need to do immediately after you install it

Before you upgrade

If you haven’t registered for the upgrade yet, do so from the upgrade tool available in the lower-right corner of your screen — click the Windows icon and perform the necessary steps. During the procedure, you’ll also be told whether your computer can handle the upgrade.

Alternatively, you can check that manually by following this guide. Once you’re done with that, make sure you backup your data, just to be on the safe side.

How to install

Microsoft will notify you when it’s time to upgrade (see the pop-up message in the image below). But just in case you don’t want to wait, you can bypass the queue by following this guide. In either case, make sure you have enough storage space on your PC to download the massive installation file, and connect laptops and tablets to a power source once the installation starts.

The hassles after the install

The actual install procedure is as simple as it gets. You just have to click a few buttons and Windows 10 will be installed on your machine. But that doesn’t mean you’re done setting up your computer. In fact, there are plenty of things you still have to consider after you log into Windows 10 for the first time:

More tips and tricks

In case you’re looking for more information about Windows 10 features, including tips and tricks, we’ve got you covered. Read about our own experience with Windows 10 so far, and check out the following posts for more tips, tricks and opinions on Microsoft’s major update:

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.