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Microsoft begins roll-out of Windows 10 Mobile to select Windows Phone 8.1 devices

Photo of Nixon Kanali Nixon Kanali Follow on X Send an email March 18, 2016
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Microsoft has began the roll-out of Windows 10 Mobile to select Windows Phone 8.1 devices. The roll-out had originally been planned to start in December 2015, but Microsoft ended up delaying it, but it’s finally here.

So how do you upgrade to Windows 10?

To upgrade, you can download the Windows 10 Upgrade Advisor app which is available on the Windows Store. The upgrade does not support all devices for now though. The Lumia 1520, 930, 640, 640XL, 730, 735, 830, 532, 535, 540, 635 1GB, 636 1GB, 638 1GB, 430, 435, BLU Win HD w510u, BLU Win HD LTE x150q, MCJ Madosma Q501 are the 18 phones that Microsoft is specifically starting with for the upgrade.

Some devices like the devices the Lumia 950, 950 XL, 650, 550, which were launched in Kenya just the other day came with Windows 10 already.

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How do I get my Windows Phone 8.1 device ready to install the upgrade?

Microsoft is recommending the following steps:

  • Plug your phone into a charger to make sure it doesn’t run out of battery during the upgrade.

  • Connect your phone to a Wi‑Fi network. Because of the size of the update, a Wi‑Fi connection is required for download and installation.

  • It’s a good idea to back up your settings, apps, photos, and text messages to the cloud before installing the update. To set up backups, on Start Windows, swipe over all to the All apps list, and then select Settings  > Backup, and then follow the instructions.

  • Free up enough storage space to download and install the update. You can use the Upgrade Advisor app and it will recommend files, such as videos or photos, that you can move to OneDrive or an SD card, if you have one installed. You can also connect your phone to a PC and move your files there. After the upgrade, you can move files back to your phone if there’s enough space.

As Windows 10 delivers significant new innovations, Microsoft says many older devices are not able to successfully upgrade without an impact on the customer experience.

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Photo of Nixon Kanali Nixon Kanali Follow on X Send an email March 18, 2016
0 1 minute read
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Nixon Kanali

Tech journalist based in Nairobi. I track and report on tech and African startups. Founder and Editor of TechTrends Media. Nixon is also the East African tech editor for Africa Business Communities. Send tips to nkanali@techtrendske.co.ke.

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