How To Update Windows 7 To 8.1

So, you're running Windows vii and want to upgrade to the latest version. Using the Windows eight.1 Upgrade Banana makes it an like shooting fish in a barrel process. Here's a look.

Then, you're running Windows 7 and want to upgrade to the latest version — Windows viii.1. Using the Windows 8.one Upgrade Assistant makes it easy, and here's a look at making the transition as seamless as possible.

Back-up Your Important Personal Files

With this upgrade, Windows will retain your files…ideally, that is. If something goes awry during the upgrade process, you'll definitely desire to make certain all of your personal files – music, photos, documents, pictures—are safe. Backing up your data is the most of import thing to do before you start. Hopefully, yous're already using an off-site backup solution similar CrashPlan, and then your data is already taken care of. In fact, fifty-fifty if y'all have your data backed up to the cloud, I recommend having it backed locally up to an external drive, NAS, or other network location.

Note: All of your Windows seven desktop programs volition non be installed with the update. You will need to reinstall all of them again. And then make sure y'all accept your product keys for each software plan you've paid for and the install media if it'due south an older piece of software.

Hither are the basic system requirements to run Windows eight.i:

Processor: i gigahertz (GHz) or faster
RAM: ane gigabyte (GB) (32-bit) or 2 GB (64-flake)
Difficult disk space: 16 GB (32-bit) or twenty GB (64-flake)
Graphics card: Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM driver

Since your computer is already running Windows vii, it should exist skilful to get with Windows 8.1. For more detailed info, cheque out Microsoft's Boosted Requirements to Use Certain Features.

Upgrade to Windows 8.1 with Upgrade Assistant

If you're unsure near the specs, download and run Windows 8.1 Upgrade Assistant. It's a free utility from Microsoft that will scan your calculator hardware and peripheral devices (make sure they're all plugged in) and let you know what'southward compatible with 8.1 and what isn't. If something comes upwards that needs your attention, just click the More info link.

Upgrade Assistant too allows y'all to purchase either 8.1 or 8.1 Pro and do the upgrade over the web. The process is easy following the onscreen instructions. Microsoft has likewise made the physical versions of the new Bone available too.

Windows 8.i "core" is $119, and the Pro version is $199. If you lot're not sure which version you should become, check out our guide on the differences. If you're currently a student, you can get viii.1 Pro at the educatee price of $69.99. It's besides worth noting that if you're a Windows 8 user, the upgrade to 8.1 is gratis.

You'll be taken to the Microsoft website, where y'all can purchase viii.1 following the onscreen instructions. Remember that afterwards getting your production fundamental to keep it backed up in case you need it later. Yous'll download a Windows prepare executable file. Run that and follow the setup wizard. Make sure to get important updates, enter the production key, and the new OS will exist downloaded.

After it'due south done downloading, you'll become the following install screen. Suppose you want to keep a physical copy of eight.one, select to create media. For more on this process, check out my article on how to install Windows 8.one from a USB flash bulldoze.

Afterward agreeing to the License Terms, select to keep personal files only if you want your data to come up with yous.

During the install process, your system will reboot a couple of times. When it'southward complete, you lot'll need to select a personalized groundwork color and connect to your network.

I recommend using Limited Settings and inbound your Microsoft Account info. Information technology's the easiest way to go started and makes certain your apps and settings follow you lot to different Windows viii.ane devices.

If you would rather it exist local, cheque out our article on how to Install Windows 8.i with a local account only.

That's nearly all in that location is to installing Windows eight.ane on top of Windows 7; your PC will restart a few times while it'southward upgrading. You'll be prompted to select some personalization settings, and start using the new version of Windows and reinstall all of your desktop programs. If you lot utilize a lot of freeware and open source apps — make the reinstall process easier using Ninite.com.

One of the outset things you'll want to practise afterward installing viii.1 is run Windows Update and make sure you accept all of the patches that accept been released for the new OS.

For more, make sure to subscribe to our email newsletter and check out all of our Windows 8.ane tutorials.