What About Windows 10?

Microsoft released Windows 10 in July of 2015 as a Free Upgrade to any user of Windows 7 or 8. The free upgrade is being offered for 1 year. Windows 10 was seen as a big turnaround from Windows 8, which was largely viewed by PC and laptop users’ as a confusing mess that made things harder rather than easier to use. If you go out to buy a new computer or laptop, it is going to have Windows 10 on it. And the reviews, even after the November Windows 10 service pack, are still mixed. So what should you do?

Sadly, there is no one perfect answer. In my personal use, I was okay with Windows 8, liked Windows 8.1 and really like Windows 10. Without going into the details of the Pro and Cons of Windows 10, let me offer some thoughts that may help you make a good decision with regard to Sage 300 and Windows 10.

1. Don’t think that upgrading to Windows 10 will make your old computer like new. Upgrade old hardware cautiously. Though most programs that run on Windows 7 will run on Windows 8.1 or 10, not all make the cut. And there are issues with some drivers.
2. If you have Sage 300 running successfully on Windows 7 and you are happy, don’t make a change now. Wait for your next new computer.
3. If you have Sage 300 running successfully on your Windows 8.1 machine, consider upgrading to Windows 10 before the Free Upgrade deadline.
4. Sage 300 2016 is supported on 64 bit editions of :
   1. Windows 10 – Pro and Enterprise
   2. Windows 8.1 – Pro and Enterprise
   3. Windows 7 (sp1) – Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate
5. Microsoft Office 32bit version 2010, 2013, or 2016 is required for:
   1. Financial Reporter (Excel)
   2. E-mail functionality (Outlook)
6. In the field, earlier versions of Sage 300 are running successfully on Windows 8 and 10. Generally speaking, if your install runs successfully on Windows 7, it will run on Windows 10.

We at Net at Work, have hundreds of clients running different versions in a vast array of different environments. In the current world of Windows desktop and server options, we probably have someone already running on what you are exploring. For any change, have your IT department involved in the conversation. However, you will be better served to have us also involved in the conversation. Give us a call.