Here is the step-by-step guide for regular, non-techy Windows users curious about how to Upgrade to Windows 8.
Windows 8 is finally here and upgrading to the new OS is not complicated as it looks. Windows 8 may look like a radical departure from Windows 7 but it works, it makes sense and it’s the future.
Here is the step-by-step guide for regular, non-techy Windows users curious about how to Upgrade to Windows 8.
Before we begin, you need to know some things about windows 8.
- Any computer running on Windows 7, Vista and Windows XP can upgrade to Windows 8.Let us remind you that, all the existing softwares available today works just fine in Windows 8.
- You also need a valid credit card account to pay the upgrade fee which will be around Rs 1999/-
- A fast internet connection for downloading Windows 8 (2.05 GB).
You can also buy the Windows 8 DVD from your nearest retail store or order online store.
Upgrading to Windows 8
The upgrade option will overwrite the existing copy of your Windows and once installed, you cannot switch back to previous version of windows
Download the and run the ‘Upgrade Assistant’ program by clicking this link. This program will check your computer and list out softwares that are not compatible with Windows 8. After this process is finished click the “NEXT” button .
Order your Windows 8 upgrade pack shown inside the installation wizard. Click the “Checkout” button and enter your credit card details. After completing this step, the next screen will show your ‘Windows 8 Product key‘which you need to enter during installation. Microsoft will send your product key to your E-mail address.
Note- You are buying the upgrade license only and this license will work only an existing computer. Meaning, you cannot use this license on a new computer. If you want to install Windows 8 on a new hard disk, you need the ‘System Builder‘ (may not be available in all locations).
The upgrade assistant will now start downloading Windows 8 installer files .The Windows 8 installer is a 2GB file and it may take a while depending on your internet speed.
Note-The downloaded Windows 8 Installation files are stored in C:\ESD\Windows\Sources folder
Once the downloading is complete, the ‘Upgrade Assistant’ will give you 3 options
- Install now
- Install by creating media
- Install later from your desktop
You can start installing windows 8 by choosing “Install now” option.
If you wish to save the Windows 8 installer files as an ‘ISO Image file’ and burn it into a bootable DVD, then choose the “Install by creating media” option. This is recommended because, you can use this bootable DVD, if you want to reinstall or repair Windows 8
Once Your Bootable DVD is ready, ‘double-click’ the ‘Windows Setup’ shortcut (on your desktop) and run the setup.
You can have a clean Install by choosing the “Nothing” option. This option will move all your personal files inside the ‘User folder ‘and on the desktop to a “windows.old folder”.
You can also choose “Windows settings, personal files and apps” option, if you wish to preserve your files including installed softwares (recommended).
Windows Setup will start installing Windows 8 onto your computer. Enter your Product Key when asked. Now you can sit back and relax!
Congratulations, you have successfully installed ‘Windows 8” on your computer. It may take a day or two to get comfortable with Windows 8’s UI, but upgrading is totally worth it. Have fun with the new Windows 8 OS.
Also Read:
- 20 Best Windows 8 ready laptops & Tablets. Wish to buy one?
Share your thoughts