Windows 10 downloads begin on Windows 7 and 8.1 systems

For users of Windows 7 and 8.1 systems that are running the Get Windows 10 App and reserved their copy of Windows 10 it appears those background downloads have begun today.

Windows 10 will become officially available starting tomorrow, 29 July, and while we do not know the exact time of release steps have already started in preparation for that release.

If you are on Windows 7 or 8.1 you are likely familiar with the small white Windows flag in your system tray called the Get Windows 10 App.

Many of you used that app to reserve your copy of Windows 10 and one of the things it was prepared to do was download the Windows 10 Upgrade to your computer prior to 29 July.

Reports across social media and other tech sites confirm that process has begun as expected.

Although the installation files are being downloaded already not everyone will be able to upgrade beginning on 29 July though a Microsoft is planning a staggered roll out to users. The first group to get the update will be Windows Insiders and then after Microsoft is satisfied with the progress and reliability of those installs they will open it up to those who reserved Windows 10.

Check out the top 5 steps to take
once you have upgraded to Windows 10

There has not been any specific timeline laid out for that to happen so it could be a few days or two weeks. 

Validly licensed Windows 7 and 8.1 users who upgrade to Windows 10 will be activated and on genuine installations of Windows 10 following their installation. The bigger question that ahs been left unanswered so far by Microsoft is how follow on clean installs will be validated.

While I suspect our Microsoft Accounts will store that info for future validations we are still waiting on Microsoft to confirm that info.

It has been confirmed in the past that clean installs can be performed at the time of upgrading to Windows 10 if you are on a valid Windows 7 and 8.1 systems.

As more details become available you can expect to see them here on the SuperSite as well as our continuing coverage of the Windows 10 launch.

But, wait...there's probably more so be sure to follow me on Twitter and Google+.