We already showed you how to upgrade your Windows 7 computer to Windows 10; now, let’s look at going through the upgrade on Windows 8.1. Update: Microsoft has dropped support for Windows 8.1, as it explains in a blog post: However, you won’t be doing it through Windows Update in the modern Settings app. If you try, you will see the following message:
You need to use the desktop version of Windows Update. To do that, use the keyboard shortcut Windows Key+X or right-click the Start button and select Control Panel from the power user menu – which is also available in Windows 10 (it’s called the Quick Access menu in 10).
Scroll down to the bottom of the Control Panel and select Windows Update.
You’ll see the Windows 10 upgrade is ready. Just click the “Get Started” button.
Check for Issues
Note that the upgrade might fail at first. I retried it three times before it started to work. Once it does begin, just like with the upgrade in Windows 7, you’ll need to agree to the
After that, you get the option to begin the upgrade now or schedule it for a later time. Again, just like upgrading Windows 7, you only get a three-day window to schedule the upgrade.
After it starts, sit back, grab a coffee because the process can take quite a while. You’ll get the familiar screen shown below that lets you know where the upgrade process is at. If it seems to hang, be patient, especially the first couple of weeks…a lot of people are upgrading at the same time. Also, note that your PC will restart a few times, just let it do its thing.
After it completes, you’ll get a Welcome Back screen, and you start clicking through the on-screen setup instructions. Unless you’re particular about how you want your Windows settings, go with Express Settings during setup (versus custom settings). It allows you to get up and running a lot faster. If you want to make any adjustments, you can do that later.
It will also tell you about new apps like Groove Music, Movies & TV app, Microsoft Store, Photos, and the new Edge browser. And after that, you can log in with the Microsoft account credentials you used for Windows 8.1.
Next, you’ll need to wait a bit while Microsoft sets up your apps and gets things ready for you.
Summing Up
When that’s done, you will be brought to your new Windows 10 desktop and can start checking out all of the cool new features like the new Start menu, Cortana, and Action Center.
Also, keep in mind that there will be updates waiting for you. Windows 10 requires that you install updates automatically, so you will get them without thinking about it. But, if you want to make sure you have everything updated right away after the upgrade completes, go to Settings > Update & Security > Check for Updates.
If you’re running Windows 7 and looking to upgrade, check out our step-by-step guide: How to upgrade Windows 7 to Windows 10. For tips, tricks, and how-to articles on using the new OS, make sure to read through our Windows 10 article archive. We are adding new articles daily! However, I do like the new OS quite a bit. I have tried the above and did not work. I have a HP Pavilion laptop. Can someone please explain how run the ISO file as a virtual drive to me? I burned it on to a DVD and installation still failed. Regards, Sarah Comment
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