Windows 10 Mobile: How to get it and when is it coming to Lumia phones?
Unless you’ve splashed some cash on either Microsoft’s Lumia 950 or Lumia 950 XL, you won’t as of yet managed to experience the latest Windows 10 Mobile operating system.
Now, if you’ve read our Windows 10 review you’ll know we weren’t blown away by it but it’s always best to have the most up-to-date OS. And if you’ve got on older Windows toting phone, you might be in line for an upgrade soon.
So, when is Windows 10 Mobile coming? And which phones can get it? Let’s take a look and see.
Related: Lumia 950 vs 950 XL 
How to check if there’s an update waiting for your phone
Being the friendly, multi-billion dollar tech company that it is, Microsoft has released a handy app that you can download to make the move over from Windows Phone 8.1 to Windows 10 Mobile as easy as possible.
The snappily named ‘Mobile Upgrade Advisory tool’ scans your device, will notify you when the Windows 10 Mobile update is ready to go and even help you offload content either to an SD card or OneDrive so you know you’ll have enough room for the update to complete installation.
When is Windows 10 Mobile being released?
We first thought we would see Windows 10 Mobile at the tail end of last year, but here we are in 2016 and it’s still M.I.A. Well, if the latest rumblings are to be believed that shouldn’t be the case for too much longer.
Related: Windows 10 problems and how to fix them
There are reports suggesting that a new version of the above Mobile Upgrade Advisory tool will released in conjunction with the first rollout of Windows 10 Mobile updates the week beginning January 18.
If this is the case – we’ll update this when we learn more information – then that Windows 10 Mobile update should be landing on your compatible phone sharpish.
Which phones will get Windows 10 Mobile?
Now, this is a biggy. Exactly which older Windows phones will be in line for Windows 10 Mobile? Well, we don’t have a complete list – that’ll come once the update starts rolling out – but we do know which devices have been supported during the Windows 10 Mobile beta process and that’s a good indication.
It’s pretty much solely made up of Lumia devices, and includes all the recent flagships like the Lumia 1520, 1320, 1020 and 925. Plus an absolute load of mid-range and budget devices. There’s the Lumia 630, 540, 430, 810, 820, 640 XL and lots, lots more. Who knew there were so many Windows phones, eh? If you you want the full list, it’s right here.
The only none-Lumia phones listed are the HTC One M8 for Windows and LG’s Lancet.
We’re expecting more Windows 10 devices to be unveiled at MWC in February, and these should all come running the latest software from the start.
Which phones won’t get Windows 10 Mobile?
Well, any not on the list above have a very good chance of getting left out in the cold. Microsoft’s Windows 10 Mobile website states that the latest update will only work with phones that have 8GB storage and shipped with Windows 8.1 pre-installed.
Related: What is Continuum?
What’s actually new in this update?
Unlike Windows 10 on the desktop, its phone sibling isn’t quite as drastic a change for the operating system. The same tiled interface makes up the homescreen and lots of the menus feel very similar, but the majority of the base apps – think Mail, Messages and so on – have been spruced up.
Two of Windows 10 Mobile’s killer features – Hello (which unlocks the phone through your retina) and Continuum (this can sort of turn your phone into a makeshift desktop PC) are sadly reserved for newer hardware, so they won’t be unlocked with the new software.
Are you excited to get Windows 10 Mobile on your phone? Let us know in the comments section below
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
