One BIG issue testing Windows 10 - Use of MS software.

Not sure if this has been covered before, sorry if it has, however hear goes.

I am running Window 10 on a Spare rig that I built up, Basically an E6500 running at circa 3GHz with 4gb memory. So, basically I am only using Windows 10 as an occasional play thing, nothing more. I've just installed 10056. 10041 to 10049 went ti*s up during an update.

I would love to duel boot via a second Samsung SSD on main PC and really use Windows 10 on a daily basis as my main operating system, this would be used for Games, Internet Browsing, basically general use. This way, if any issues crop up (and yes they always find me) I can simply revert back to Windows 8.1 within seconds. All my data, documents, music, photos are installed on additional SSD's.

But here's the problem, programs that I use such as Microsoft Office 2010 Pro etc are paid for and installed legally on my main PC running Windows 8.1 Pro. So I am NOT able to test these on Windows 10. I would swop the likes of Office over to Windows 10 if it was 100%, but for security/safety, I currently feel I need to keep it installed on my Windows 8.1 installation.

Syd

Syd said:

But here's the problem, programs that I use such as Microsoft Office 2010 Pro etc are paid for and installed legally on my main PC running Windows 8.1Pro. So I am NOT able to test these on Windows 10. I would swop the likes of Office over to Windows 10 if it was 100%, but for security/safety, I currently feel I need to keep it installed on my Windows 8.1 installation.

Syd

I installed Office 2010 and wasn't asked to re-authenticate it. You have 5 installs allowed for 2010 (I think) and after that you only have to call them.

Maybe Office was not the best programme to highlight, I also use MapPoint, MS Project, plus several other non MS programs licenced for single use. I have been tempted to just install the programs anyway as the rest of the PC, the Motherboard etc will not change only the SSD, however I don't think its worth the risk, so will leave everything as is and keep Windows 10 on a spare rig and use it sparingly.

Most Office Licenses allow you to install on more than one computer, so long as for the use of a single person.

Other software, if it's the same computer, you shouldn't have an issue. Dual boot situations mean you can't really run them at the same time.

Just make a backup and upgrade then (if you have the time). It will either work really well or you can restore back. This is what you'll do at RTM time anyway assuming you upgrade.

If you test in VM or without your programs (or new versions of them) or on different hardware you are only seeing if you like the look of the UI.

Nothing wrong with that of course but doesn't prove if Windows 10 will work with your programs on your hardware - only if it works with different programs on different hardware.

For me Office 2010 (I do have Project but not Outlook or Access) works fine as does everything else I've tried except for some recent versions of VirtualBox. I initially upgraded from 8.1 and have clean installed a few times since.

Why not go whole hog and install Office 16 Technical Preview
Store (beta) search Preview

MS also offers OneNote for free - not as a preview, but as a current application.
Microsoft OneNote | The digital note-taking app for your devices

The other apps, as Mystery stated shouldn't be an issue in a dual boot situation.

If you're unsure, see if there is a trial version available for evaluation.

The company might extend you a courtesy and offer you a full version to test for a longer period, if you contact them. I'm sure that they wouldn't mind someone testing their software on Win10