How To Upgrade My Windows Vista To Windows 8

Screenshot by Dan Graziano/CNET

Microsoft routinely retires older versions of its Windows operating system. Windows XP has officially been put out to pasture, while Windows Vista users are no longer receiving mainstream support (gratis patches and fixes). The company warned recently that mainstream back up for Windows 7 will exist coming to an cease early adjacent yr. Microsoft is hoping to have all of its users migrate to Windows 8.1, the latest version of its Windows operating organisation.

Depending on your current operating system, it can be a existent hassle to switch to the latest version of Windows. Here'due south what y'all need to know and how to switch from earlier versions of Windows:

Windows 8

Be sure to back up your personal data and check for any updated drivers earlier downloading the operating system. The Windows 8.1 update requires more than than 3GB of space; make sure you take enough free infinite on your hard drive before proceeding.

Screenshot by Dan Graziano/CNET

If you are not logged into your Microsoft account, enter the Store, get to the Charms menu, select Settings, click the "Your business relationship" option, and sign in. And so, select the large "Update to Windows viii.1 for free" tile in the Windows Store.

Screenshot by Dan Graziano/CNET

If this option isn't available, you may have to update your PC to the latest Windows patch. To do this, go back to the Beginning menu and enter the Charms bar. Adjacent, select Settings, followed by the "Modify PC settings" option, and click on Windows Update. Cheque for any new updates, install them, and restart your arrangement.

Screenshot by Dan Graziano/CNET

Windows 7

Updating to Windows 8.1 from Windows seven tin be done through Microsoft's Upgrade Banana. Windows eight.i is available for $119.99, while Windows 8.one Pro tin can be had for $199.99. The operating system can be purchased online every bit a digital download or in stores for a physical copy.

Windows settings, personal files, and most apps are saved when going from Windows 8 to 8.1, yet only personal files are saved when upgrading from Windows vii.Organisation requirements for Windows viii.1 are as follows: at least a 1GHz processor, 1GB of RAM for the 32-bit version or 2GB of RAM for 64-bit, 16GB of free difficult-drive space for 32-flake or 20GB for 64-bit, and a graphics card capable of DirectX nine.

Microsoft

Windows XP/Vista

Unfortunately, there is no piece of cake path for those of you who have held out from updating to the latest Windows release. Windows XP and Vista users must do a clean install with a DVD copy of Windows 8.1. The operating system can be purchased at Microsoft Stores and retailers like All-time Buy for $119.99 and $199.99 for the Home and Pro versions, respectively.

Information technology is also highly recommended that you support your files when upgrading. No Windows XP or Vista files or programs will exist carried over to Windows viii.1.