Who has Windows 7 feels like someone who lacks nothing, owner of his computer and also proud of the choice made to never update his PC with Windows 8. With the arrival of Windows 10, however, things change and it is necessary to rethink this choice, both because Windows 10, compared to Windows 8, is another thing, and because sooner or later the update will be forced and it is better to take advantage immediately since within the first year Windows 10 is free for those with Windows 7.
Those who are used to Windows 7 will have no problems switching to Windows 10 because Microsoft has retraced its steps, abandoning the road that led it to make Windows 8, an operating system more for tablets than for PC.
Windows 10 instead is designed for PCs and is therefore more similar to Windows 7 with the addition of the best elements of Windows 8.
Who has Windows 7 and wants to understand effectively and practically what changes in Windows 10 and what news we find in the new and definitive (there will not be a Windows 11 or 12) Microsoft operating system.
1) Integration with the Microsoft account
When installing Windows 10 the first thing that will be asked is whether to log into the Windows system with a Microsoft account.
Basically we go to use the PC with a personal account similar to that of Google for Android smartphones and Apple for iPhone and Mac.
If you log in with a Microsoft account, your desktop settings (including the wallpaper) will be synchronized between your personal PCs and you can automatically access some integrated Microsoft services such as, for example, Onedrive (ex Skydrive).
The Microsoft account is mandatory if you want to use the apps of the new Windows store, including the new Office apps.
We saw in another article what it means to use the Microsoft account in Windows 8 and 10.
If you don't want to use a Microsoft account, there is a small little link that allows you to set up the traditional local Windows account.
This can always be converted to a Microsoft account later.
2) The new Start menu
Windows 7 aficionados have been horrified by the Windows 8 revolution with its Start screen.
Microsoft has therefore decided to accept criticism and go back to the old, putting in Windows 10 a more traditional start menu, which also includes application tiles.
If you prefer, you can remove all the apps including those that show live information by pressing on it with the right button.
The Start menu in Windows 10 will therefore seem an evolution of that of Windows 7, a little different, resizable in size, but with all the functions you expect, with all the programs and apps installed and the options to turn off and restart your PC.
3) App and Windows Store
Applications that come with Windows 10 are referred to as "universal applications".
Unlike Windows 8, these applications are not necessarily run in full screen, but in floating windows on the desktop, as is also the case for normal programs.
The apps are a real novelty for those who come from Windows 7 who will be able to appreciate them for their speed to open and the most modern interface like that of smartphone apps.
To obtain these applications it is necessary to open the App Store included in Windows and you cannot download them from the internet as you do with programs.
This on the one hand protects us from fake software and viruses, on the other hand it limits the imagination a little.
In Windows 10 as well as in Windows 8.1 we are free to avoid them entirely and install only the traditional programs, but Microsoft promised the arrival of many new applications for Windows 10 so it is worth a look.
Video game enthusiasts will also find many titles for free in the Windows Store.
4) App Settings vs Control Panel
The Settings option in the boot menu opens up a whole new settings menu, which is the evolution of Windows 8.1 PC Settings.
This application has been designed to make it easier to make customizations and changes to the system and collects the most important options.
The old Windows control panel is still needed to browse all Windows settings screens and change advanced options absent in the Windows 10 Settings app.
To quickly open the control panel, press the Windows-X keys, as is also the case in Windows 8.
Also from Windows 8, there are also options in Windows 10 to restore, reinstall or reinitialize Windows, to make the PC return as new without having to format or reinstall Windows.
NOTE: Automatic updates cannot be disabled on Windows 10 Home, only on the Profesional version it is possible to defer updates.
5) Cortana, search and Task View on the taskbar
These are two absolute novelties added to Windows 10.
Cortana is a voice assistant to interact with using the microphone and obtaining personalized information based on the user.
In another article the guide to use Cortana from the new search box on PC and on the web.
The activity view, on the other hand, is the evolution of Alt-Tab, a new button on the taskbar to see open windows together and switch easily from one window to another.
Both of these features are enabled by default and should satisfy even the most traditionalists.
If you want, however, just click on the taskbar with the right button to find the options to disable them.
6) Microsoft Edge replaces Internet Explorer
Since there are so few people who still use Internet Explorer, Microsoft has decided to replace it with a new browser called Microsoft Edge (or Spartan Project).
Internet Explorer has not disappeared, it is no longer predefined and remains useful only for those who are forced to use it in the office or for certain old applications.
Edge is a fast and modern browser, with no more ActiveX controls and toolbars.
Obviously you can install Chrome, Firefox or any other browser.
7) Added and removed features, Desktop and Security improvements
Many other Windows 8 desktop improvements are also in Windows 10, but they will be hardly noticeable by those coming from Windows 7.
The Task Manager is significantly more powerful and full of features, including Windows startup management.
Folders now have a clearer big button option menu with more options.
The copy and file transfer window is significantly better in Windows 10 than in Windows 7 and there is also the possibility of mounting ISO files.
Instead, desktop gadgets disappear and, above all, there is no possibility to watch DVDs with Windows Media Player which becomes a secondary and almost useless program.
You will have to install an external program like VLC Media Player.
Those who use Windows Media Center do not update to Windows 10 because it no longer exists and has been removed.
The security of the PC is improved by default and without external programs because, like WIndows 8, Windows 10 also has the integrated Windows Defender antivirus, which is however only a basic level of protection (always install the antivirus then).
There will also be a SmartScreen filter that blocks downloads of malicious and unknown files that can harm your computer.
Also note that in Windows 10 you will find DirectX 12 to have even better video games.
These are just some of the improvements and changes found in Windows 10 where, for example, you will find a new notification center, different icons and some more integrated functions.
Microsoft has also worked well making Windows 10 light and fast, smaller which uses less disk space and faster to load on startup.
Switching to Windows 10 is much simpler than switching to Windows 8, with almost the same Start menu, familiar desktop and windows for each program or application.
Those who use Windows 7, unless specific needs, should have no reason to resist the update yet.
READ ALSO: Book Windows 10 for free to install it from July 29th
