Windows 10 problems

Although Windows 10 was a welcome upgrade from Windows 8 when it was first announced almost a year ago, its revamped UI makes it quite a jump, something that seems to be causing some confusion from its users. The update sees much more integration between PCs, tablets and smartphones, meaning it should make life a lot easier than previous iterations, which were far too fragmented to make it a seamless experience. And it seems as though Microsoft fans are happier with the update, because adoption figures show Windows 10 is running on almost 15 per cent of devices. It's fast becoming the most popular version of Windows 10 to date and that's certainly a positive thing for the technology superpower. Although it's received critical acclaim for its good-looking tile-based system and the removal of some of the more quirky aspects of Windows 7 and 8, there's still some features in Windows 10 that probably don't work as seamlessly as they should. So whether you're struggling to update your device to Windows 10, or discovered you have a lot less storage for your files, or you need to restore your entire machine, we've come up with a list of 15 tips and tricks to help you navigate your way through Microsoft's newest operating system. Can't upgrade from Windows 7 or Windows 8 We could write a book about the problems people report with the upgrade to Windows 10. From the Get Windows 10 (or GWX) app reporting that perfectly viable computers aren't compatible, through to the app never appearing in the first place, and to stalled and failed downloads. If you've got a PC still stubbornly clinging to Windows 7 or Windows 8, there are a few things to try: Open Control Panel, run Windows Update and ensure that the PC is fully up to date. If updates fail, run the Windows Update Troubleshooter (see below, number 3) Use the Media Creation Tool. Don't rely on GWX: visit https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10, click Download tool now, save the tool and run it on the PC you want to upgrade. If this didn't work for you back when Windows 10 launched, try it again now - the tool has been improved. Make sure that hardware Disable Execution Prevention (DEP) is switched on in the BIOS, referring to your motherboard manual for help if you need it. If you still have problems, use the Start Menu to search for 'performance', run Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows, click the Data Execution Prevention tab and turn DEP on for all programs and services, then reboot and try again.