Description:Windows 10 is Microsoft’s newest version of the Operating System that provides a variety of new features and improves existing features from previous versions of Windows. Below are frequently asked questions and answers for Windows 10.

Q: I received an e-mail with an attachment or a phone call from someone offering to help with the Windows 10 upgrade. Is this right?

A: These are not legitimate ways from Microsoft to upgrade to Windows 10. The file attachment in the e-mail likely contains malware and not the Windows 10 upgrade. There are a variety of phone and e-mail scams that are circulating because of the popularity of the Windows 10 upgrade. Any e-mail or phone call claiming to offer an upgrade to Windows 10 should be considered fraudulent. Microsoft has more information regarding these scams at their website.

Q: What is new in Windows 10?

A: One of the biggest changes to Windows 10 from Windows 8 is the return of the Start Menu. The new Start Menu will combine newer features of Windows 8 with a similar style of Windows 7, with quicker access to view all applications on the computer, shutting down or restarting the computer, and settings.

Q: What editions of Windows 10 are available?

A: There are two versions of Windows 10 that most consumers will use, and additional versions for specific situations:

• The most common is Windows 10 Home, which has all of the general features of Windows 10.
• There is also Windows 10 Pro, which is similar to Windows 8.1 Pro. This version has all of the features of Windows 10 Home, but provides additional features designed for business and security, such as joining a domain, BitLocker drive encryption, and group policy management to name a few.
• Additional versions of Windows 10 are Windows 10 Enterprise and Windows 10 for Education, geared specifically for larger companies and for schools and universities. These versions of Windows are not available for purchase in retail stores.

Q: What is Microsoft Edge?

A: Microsoft Edge is the new default internet browser, which provides an updated, cleaner interface to browsing the internet. Microsoft Edge also has a new feature called Web Notes, which allows you to make a personal note directly onto a particular web page and save it for later. Internet Explorer can still be accessed by typing Internet Explorer in the search box next to the Start button.

Q: How do I change the start page in the Microsoft Edge browser?

A: By default, the new Microsoft Edge browser will open to a new start page that will show top news and local weather. To change this to a page of your choosing, follow these steps.

1. Click the More actions menu at the top right corner of the Microsoft Edge browser. This is represented by 3 dots.
2. Click Settings.
3. Below Open with, select A specific page or pages.
4. An additional option will appear which will default to MSN. You can keep this selected as MSN or click the dropdown box and then click either Bing or Custom.
5. If you selected the custom option, a box will appear to enter a web address to be used as the home page. Enter the desired address and then click the + to add the site.
6. If the about:start page is shown in this section as well, it will still open along with the newly added page. Click the X next to about:start to remove this page.

Q: How do I open a website in Internet Explorer while using Microsoft Edge?

A: From inside the MS Edge program, simply click on the three dots icon in the top right corner of the screen […] and select Open with Internet Explorer. NOTE: This must be done after a webpage has been opened with Edge to work properly. Once open, right click on the Internet Explorer icon in the Taskbar and click Pin to Taskbar to keep Internet Explorer available for use when needed. Microsoft states that Internet Explorer may not be available in later versions and updates of Windows 10.

Q: Where is the Control Panel?

A: Most of the Control Panel options are located in the new Settings app, which provides easier access to a wide variety of settings within Windows. Whether you are looking to change your desktop background, change your password, changing the power options, or any other Windows setting, it is located in the Settings app. The Control Panel can still be accessed by typing Control Panel in the search box next to the Start button.

Q: What is the Action Center?

A: The Action Center includes notifications from Windows or other applications, such as Mail. The Action Center also provides shortcuts to various settings such as changing the screen brightness on a laptop, making a quick note, turning Wi-Fi on or off, or accessing the Settings app.

Q: What is Cortana?

A: Cortana is a new personal assistant in Windows 10, similar to Siri on iOS or Google Now on Android devices. Cortana provides relevant information to you based on your location, events in your calendar, and more.

Q: What can I ask Cortana?

A: You can ask Cortana just about anything, from “What are the latest baseball scores?” to “Change my 6 PM event to 7” or even “Tell me a joke.” You can either type your question in the search box, located next to the Start button, or click the microphone to say your question. You can even simply say “Hey Cortana” and then speak your question.

Q: What is the Windows.old folder on my C drive?

A: After upgrading to Windows 10, a Windows.old folder is created, which has all of the operating system files from the previous version of Windows. Within the first month of upgrading, there is the option to revert back to the previous version of Windows by using the files in this folder. If this folder is not on the computer, the option to revert back will not be available.

Q: What is Tablet Mode?

A: Tablet mode makes Windows easier and more intuitive to use with touch devices like 2-in-1s, or when you don't want to use a keyboard and mouse. To turn on tablet mode, select Action Center on the taskbar and then select Tablet Mode. In tablet mode, Start and apps (including older programs) open full screen, giving you more space to work in. To use two apps side-by-side, drag an app to one side. You'll see where it'll snap, along with any open apps that can snap right next to it. Use the back button on the taskbar to go back in an app or to the previous app you were using. When you're done with an app, drag it to the bottom of the screen to close it.

Q: How do Windows Updates work in Windows 10?

A: In Windows 10 Home, Windows Updates are installed automatically and include updates for Windows and for drivers. Update settings in this edition of Windows cannot be changed, however you may alter the time at which your computer restarts in order to install the updates. To change this setting:

• Click on Start.
• Open Settings.
• Select Update & Security > Windows Update.
• Click Advanced Options at the bottom of the Windows Update screen.
• At the top of the next screen you will see a drop down menu under Choose how updates are installed. Click the drop down and select Notify to schedule restart.
• Click the Back button in the upper left corner of the Settings app to return to the previous screen.
• If an update is ready to go, click Select a restart time and adjust the fields to your liking. You can choose any time in the next week to restart your system. If you would rather restart right away there is a Restart Now button towards the bottom of the screen.
• Keep in mind this tweak does not pause update restarts, it only notifies you that a restart is required soon. Windows will schedule its own reboot first, then if you want to change it you must override it manually by scheduling your own.

In Windows 10 Pro, updates will still install automatically, but some settings can be changed.

Q: I upgraded to Windows 10, but now I am getting error messages about a driver, something doesn’t seem to be working properly, or my video is distorted. What do I do?

A: After upgrading to Windows 10, some drivers may need to be updated. Driver updates are done automatically through Windows Update. It may take some time for the drivers to automatically update. To manually check for updates, follow the steps below.

• Click on Start.
• Open Settings.
• Select Update & Security > Windows Update.
• Click Check for updates.
• Any available updates will be downloaded and installed automatically. Once installed, the computer may need to be restarted to complete the update.

NOTE: Drivers are supplied by the individual manufacturers to Microsoft who in turn approves them and includes them in updates. Should you need a new driver for a device do the following: Manually attempt to update the driver from within Windows 10 first - (see steps above). If this is not successful then proceed to the manufacturer’s web site or contact the manufacturer to see if they have a newer driver posted for your device.

Q: I upgraded to Windows 10, but now I am getting error messages about a driver, something doesn’t seem to be working properly, or my video is distorted. What do I do?

A: After upgrading to Windows 10, some drivers may need to be updated. Driver updates are done automatically through Windows Update. It may take some time for the drivers to automatically update. To manually check for updates, follow the steps below.

1. Click the Start button, and then click Settings.
2. Click Update & security.
3. Click Windows Update.
4. Click Check for updates.
5. Any available updates will be downloaded and installed automatically. Once installed, the computer may need to be restarted to complete the update.

Q: I upgraded to Windows 10 and now I am being asked for a product key, but I don’t have one!

A: When upgrading to Windows 10, there may be an option to Choose what to keep such as keeping everything, or erasing everything on the computer and starting fresh. When upgrading, it is recommended to select Keep Everything in order to keep all of the files and settings for the computer. Once upgraded, Windows 10 will be activated. Selecting the option to erase everything on the computer will format the hard drive and install Windows 10, however Windows 10 will not be activated. In this case, the computer will need to be restored to the previous operating system (Windows 7 or Windows 8.1) and then upgraded to Windows 10.

Q: What is the Windows.old folder on my C drive?

A: After upgrading to Windows 10, a Windows.old folder is created, which has all of the operating system files from the previous version of Windows. Within the first month of upgrading, there is the option to revert back to the previous version of Windows by using the files in this folder. If this folder is not on the computer, the option to revert back will not be available.

Q: I really want to revert back to my previous version of Windows, how do I do that?

A: If you wish to go back to the previous version of Windows before the Windows 10 upgrade, follow the steps below. Note that after upgrading to Windows 10, this option will available for 1 month. After that, the option will not be available. The option will not be available if the Windows.old folder is not on the computer’s C drive.

1. Click the Start button, and then click Settings.
2. Click Update & security.
3. Click Recovery.
4. Below the option Go back to Windows 7/8.1 click the Get started button.

Q: I love Windows 10! I do not plan to revert back to my previous version of Windows. Can I delete the Windows.old folder to free space on my hard drive?

A: Yes, running the Disk Cleanup utility will allow you to delete the Windows.old folder. This is done by following these steps:

1. Click the search box next to the Start button at the lower left hand corner of the screen.
2. Type Disk Cleanup and then click the Disk Cleanup application at the top of the search results.
3. Click Clean up system files.
4. Click the check box next to Previous Windows installation(s) to place a check mark in the box.
5. Click OK at the bottom of the window. A confirmation box will appear asking if you are sure you want to delete the files, click Delete Files.

Q: What if I have additional questions about Windows 10 that are not answered in this article?

A: There are various options available to you depending on the nature of your question:

• Visit the Micro Center Tech Center Windows 10 section for additional helpful information.
• If you want to know more about features in Windows 10, see Microsoft's page here.
• If you need Technical Support relating to your Micro Center purchase visit our Micro Center Tech Support Page for additional options.
• Visit The Knowledge Bar or Walk-In Technical Support at your local Micro Center store or take advantage of our Free In-Store Clinics that cover current topics on the latest technology.