If you're currently running Windows 7 and want to upgrade to Windows 8. However, there are a few things you need to know before going ahead with the upgrade. The main thing to know is that, unlike upgrading Windows windows 7 to windows 8.1 update free download to 8. Here's a look at what you need to know, and the steps to take to make the process as easy and seamless as possible.
On word: Backup. While your folders and files will ideally come with you during the upgrade, if something goes awry, you need to have your pictures, documents, and other important data backed up. Either create a local backup on an external drive, an offsite solution, or better yet, use both options. Also, because you'll need to re-install your desktop programs, make sure you have a list of all of the license keys for purchased software.
Another step I recommend is verifying your Windows 7 system is up-to-date. Even if you have automatic Windows Updates enabled, run it manually again just to be sure everything is good to windows 7 to windows 8.1 update free download.
Microsoft allows you to purchase, download and install Windows 8. If you have a slow internet connection or prefer to upgrade the traditional way, you can purchase a physical copy too.
Download and run the Windows 8. It's a free utility from Microsoft that will scan your computer's hardware, software, and peripheral devices make sure they're plugged in and let you know what is or isn't compatible with the new OS. For items that need your attention, click the More info link. Since your system is already running Windows 7, there shouldn't be any problems with it running Windows 8. Usually if something isn't compatible, you just need to update a software driver or two.
After finding out what's compatible or needs your attention, just keep following the Upgrade Assistant's on-screen instructions. It gives you the option to purchase the version you want to download and install. While the prices are set for most users, Microsoft is giving students a discount and allows them to get 8.
You'll be asked to put in your billing information, and after that you'll get a product key. Make sure to copy it and keep it in a safe location in case you need to re-install Windows 8. During the Upgrade Assistant steps of installation, you'll need to enter the product key. Then Windows 8. When it's finished you'll see the following screen that allows you to create physical media. I recommend doing this so you have a physical copy. Continue following the install wizard and after agreeing to the terms of service, the process is the same as upgrading Windows 8 to 8.
Your computer will restart two or three times while the installation completes. After the upgrade is complete, run Windows Update again, as there will be a few updates for the new OS to install. Then install the desktop programs you need. Windows 7 to windows 8.1 update free download fact, this is a good time to take inventory and leave off the programs you never use anymore, for a cleaner system.
Windows 8. Also make sure to check out our article on tips and tricks for getting started with Windows 7 to windows 8.1 update free download 8. LOG IN. Menu HOME. Search Query Submit Search. November 13, Facebook Twitter Flipboard LinkedIn. Upgrading from Widows 7 to Windows 8. Here's how to make the experience as seamless as possible. View 9 Images. Back up your data to an external, network, or cloud drive before upgrading.
Get the latest updates before upgrading to Windows 8. Results windows 7 to windows 8.1 update free download what is compatible on your computer with Windows 8. Purchase Windows 8. Enter the Windows 8.
Run Windows Update after 8. Before you begin On word: Backup. Most Viewed. Load More. Sign in to post a comment. Please keep comments to less than words. No abusive material or spam will be published. Conus Wister November 13, PM. Actually, how to downgrade from 8 to 7 would be windows 7 to windows 8.1 update free download more useful article for people.
Windows 8 on a desktop or laptop is horrendous. Jestep November 13, PM. May want a disclaimer that this is not recommended. There are plenty of other more entertaining ways to break windows on a desktop. Evan Pearce November 13, PM. First up why would you? Wow and now the Start button is back that helps you keep Metro out of your way so you can enjoy your Win2k looking desktop. What crap! L1ma November 13, PM. I am working on upgrading my Windows 8 computer to eComStation 2.
I read Windows 8. Bill Brewer November 14, PM. Windows 8 is an unbelievable pile of crap and whoever allowed it to be released on an unsuspecting public should be fired.
I would gladly go back to Win7 in a heartbeat to escape the debacle of Win8 or 8. After first installing 8, I kind of like it. But then I realized how hard it is to do anything. I upgraded to 8. Sure, the start button is back, but all it does is bring you to the tile window. That is what the windows button on the keyboard does I installed an aftermarket program that gives you the classic start button.
Finally, 8. I have to do a restart any time I shut down or go into sleep mode, because for some reason it disables my wifi every time. Restarting is the only way to get it to come back. Rockin Robbins November 14, PM. You're downgrading from a computer to a cell phone. Olenios November 15, PM. Don't do it! You going to be so sorry!
We are talking for the failure of the millennia. I have a Win7 Tablet touchscreen the size of an iPad. Wouldn't I be better off with 8. If upgrading why not shoot an image of your Win7 with Macrium and then restore it if you wanted to go back to Win7?
Some antivirus software might interfere with the installation. After you install Windows 8. The Store is no longer open for Windows 8, so you'll need to download Windows 8. Go to the Windows 8. Select Confirm and follow the remaining prompts to begin the download. The update will download and install in the background while you use your PC to do other things. The installer will check to make sure you have enough disk space, that your apps and devices will work with Windows 8.
In some cases, the installer might find something you need to take care of before you can continue installing the update. If so, you'll see a message telling you what you need to do.
After the update is downloaded and the first phase of the installation is complete which could take between 15 minutes and a few hours, depending on your system and your connection speed , you'll see a message telling you that your PC needs to restart. Or you can restart it yourself.
Important: If you leave your PC before it's ready to restart, be sure to save your work and close any desktop apps you're using to make sure you don't lose anything when it restarts automatically. Restarting will take longer than usual—from 20 minutes to about an hour—while the update is applied. During this time, you won't be able to use your PC. You'll see a list of recommended settings called Express settings. To accept these settings and continue, select Use express settings.
You can change any of these settings later, after you finish setting up. If you'd like to change some of these settings now, select Customize. For more info, select Learn more about express settings. To learn about how these settings affect your privacy, select Privacy statement. Next, you'll be asked to sign in. If you already use a Microsoft account to sign in to Windows 8 or Windows RT, your account name will be filled in for you.
If you previously used a local account, you can still use it to sign in. We'll send a security code to the alternate email address or phone number you've set up for this account, and you'll need to enter that code to verify that you're the owner of the account.
This helps us protect your account and devices when you access sensitive info. If you don't have alternate contact info set up for the account yet, you'll be asked to provide it now. To sign in with your local account, enter your password. You can always connect to a Microsoft account later, and we recommend giving it a try. Simply put, your Microsoft account is the glue that holds together so many useful features of the new Windows.
With an account, you'll be able to get apps from the Windows Store, automatically sync your settings and documents between PCs, back up your photos to the cloud so you can get to them from anywhere, and see all your contacts from multiple email and social networking accounts together in the People and Mail apps.
If this is your first time setting up a PC with Windows 8. If you already have another PC running Windows 8. Photos you take with this PC are saved to your camera roll folder on this PC, and a smaller copy of each photo is automatically backed up to your OneDrive. When you create a new document, the default save location is OneDrive.
But you can always choose to save individual documents locally or on another drive. Windows will save a backup copy of your PC settings to OneDrive. If something ever happens to your PC and you need to replace it, your settings are saved in the cloud and you can transfer them to a new PC instantly. You can change any of these settings later in PC settings. If you'd prefer to turn off all of these settings now, select Turn off these OneDrive settings not recommended.
Windows checks for these critical updates when you finish setting up Windows 8. Downloading and installing these updates might take a few minutes, depending on the updates you need. Your PC might also need to restart one or more times to complete the updates.
Your desktop apps come with you when you update to Windows 8. You can see all of the Windows Store apps you own in the Your apps section of the Store. From here, you can choose the ones you want to install on your updated PC and install them all at once. Select Account , and then select My apps. Note: You don't need to wait for the apps to finish installing.
They'll keep installing in the background while you do other things. Need more help? Join the discussion. For items that need your attention, click the More info link. Since your system is already running Windows 7, there shouldn't be any problems with it running Windows 8. Usually if something isn't compatible, you just need to update a software driver or two.
After finding out what's compatible or needs your attention, just keep following the Upgrade Assistant's on-screen instructions. It gives you the option to purchase the version you want to download and install.
While the prices are set for most users, Microsoft is giving students a discount and allows them to get 8. You'll be asked to put in your billing information, and after that you'll get a product key. Make sure to copy it and keep it in a safe location in case you need to re-install Windows 8. During the Upgrade Assistant steps of installation, you'll need to enter the product key. Then Windows 8.
When it's finished you'll see the following screen that allows you to create physical media. I recommend doing this so you have a physical copy.
Continue following the install wizard and after agreeing to the terms of service, the process is the same as upgrading Windows 8 to 8. Your computer will restart two or three times while the installation completes. After the upgrade is complete, run Windows Update again, as there will be a few updates for the new OS to install.
Then install the desktop programs you need. In fact, this is a good time to take inventory and leave off the programs you never use anymore, for a cleaner system. Windows 8. Also make sure to check out our article on tips and tricks for getting started with Windows 8. LOG IN. Menu HOME. Search Query Submit Search. November 13, Facebook Twitter Flipboard LinkedIn. Upgrading from Widows 7 to Windows 8. Here's how to make the experience as seamless as possible.
View 9 Images. Back up your data to an external, network, or cloud drive before upgrading. Get the latest updates before upgrading to Windows 8. Results of what is compatible on your computer with Windows 8. Purchase Windows 8. Enter the Windows 8. Run Windows Update after 8. Before you begin On word: Backup. Most Viewed. Load More. Sign in to post a comment. Please keep comments to less than words. No abusive material or spam will be published.
Conus Wister November 13, PM. Actually, how to downgrade from 8 to 7 would be a more useful article for people. Windows 8 on a desktop or laptop is horrendous. Jestep November 13, PM.
