Upgrading to the Latest Windows OS

If you are one of those in quest of the latest version of windows and willing to install it, then you are in the right place to get a bit of guide. There are three options for obtaining the latest Windows OS, the Windows 8.  You can purchase it on a CD, download it to an external media, such as a USB drive, or download it directly to your computer, for an immediate install or for later installation.

windows-evolution

Before Installation

If you have a fairly new computer and you are running Windows 7, unless you choose to reformat your hard drive in the installation process, all your apps and files should be automatically moved to Windows 8.

If you are running an older computer, you will need to make sure it meets the system requirements for Windows 8, and take steps to backup your data.  If you are running Windows XP or Vista, you will need to reinstall any apps after the upgrade.  The upgrade should transfer personal files, or let you restore them from a windows.old file after the upgrade, but to be certain of not losing data one should save the files elsewhere, either in the cloud or on external media.

Windows 8 requires a 1GHz processor with support for PAE, NX, and SSE2; 1GB of RAM for 32bit or 2GB for 64 bit; 16GB(32bit) or 20GB(64bit) of hard disk space; and a graphics card – Microsoft Direct X9 with WDDM Driver.  You can run Microsoft’s Upgrade Assistant to ensure your system meets the requirements and all your devices are compatible with Windows 8.  Upgrade Assistant is a free 5.23MB download from the Microsoft Web site.

The Installation Process

If you have saved Windows 8 to your hard drive, you can start the installation from the icon it places on your desktop.  If you install from removable media, you must boot the computer from the removable media.  This usually means hitting the F12 key during the startup to select boot options.  Note: If you start from removable media, you will not automatically keep your apps, Windows settings or personal files when you upgrade.

After booting, select your language preference.  Next, you will be asked for your product code.  Be sure to write it down before you start.  You will be given an option to reformat your hard drive.  You should not need to do so.  The installation process may take several minutes.  You will then be prompted to remove external media (USB drive, CD) if using it.  The system will reboot itself.  It may offer a further option for installation.  Choose one.  A Getting Ready message will appear for several minutes and then another reboot.

Set Up

Pick your screen color. Choose custom or express settings.  You will be asked to sign in.  With your email address you can sign in to a Microsoft account and hook up with the cyber world.  Your Facebook friends and Amazon account, for example, will be automatically linked.  If you do not choose to do this, you can sign in with another password.  A basic tutorial will automatically begin.  Eventually a Windows 8 screen will appear.

It is time to explore and, if necessary, add back any files you need to recover from external sources or from the Windows.old file in your new operating system.

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