Windows 10 is the successor of Windows 8 operating system. Microsoft is providing free upgrade to Windows 10 for all devices running Windows 7 Service Pack 1 or Windows 8.1 Update. The free upgrade option is valid for 1 year after its first release date. As Windows 10 was officially launched on July 29, 2015, the free upgrade option will expire after July 29, 2016. If you want to try this new operating system, upgrade today.
Windows 10 upgrade system requirements:
To run all the features of Windows 10 smoothly, your device must meet following requirements.
- OS: At least Windows 7 SP1 or Windows 8.1 Update
- Memory: minimum 1 GB (32-bit) or 2 GB (64-bit)
- Hard disk: minimum 16 GB (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)
- Processor speed: at least 1 GHz
- Graphics: at least Direct X 9 with WDDM 1.0
Before upgrading:
- Install the available updates for Windows 7 or Windows 8. You can do that by using Windows Update from the Control Panel.
- Update your drivers, BIOS and other programs.
- Create a backup of all important data and create a System Image Backup. Save your backup data on an external device.
- Plug in the power adapter to a power source. This is crucial. If battery power runs out during the upgrade process, your system might hang or show and error.
How to Upgrade to Windows 10?
There are several ways to upgrade a computer to Windows 10 operating system. But the basic criteria are same for all cases – your system must have Windows 7 or Windows 8.1.
Upgrade to Windows 10 by using Get Windows 10 app
If the Get Windows 10 app is already installed on your computer, you should see a notification in your system tray. This small app is automatically installed when automatic update is enabled on your computer. The Windows 10 app will basically guide you through in reserving and downloading a copy of Windows 10. If you do not have the Windows 10 app, you can get it from this link.
- Once the app is installed on your computer, the Get Windows 10 window will appear. Press Reserve your free upgrade button. It will start downloading necessary files in the background. The downloading automatically stops when Internet connectivity is interrupted and auto resumes from connectivity is available.
- Once download is completed, it will notify you. If you are looking at the window, you will see that Upgrade is available. Press OK, let’s continue button.
- Your system will ask you to save your Work and get the PC plugged in. Press Start the Upgrade now button.
- In the next window, agree with the license terms by pressing the Accept button.
- Follow the steps and finish installing the Windows 10 upgrade.
Upgrade to Windows 10 by using USB flash drive
Want to update Windows 10 with a USB, DVD or ISO? Use Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool to create your own installation media for your upgrade. You can download Media Creation Tool from this link. Following are the steps for upgrading from a USB drive.
- Run Media creation tool.
- It will ask you what you want to do. Select the second option (Create Installation media for another PC). Press Next.
- Select the correct language, edition and architecture. Press Next.
- Insert a flash drive with at least 4GB of free space. In the “Choose which media to use” screen, select USB flash drive. Press Next.
- Select your USB flash drive and press Next.
- The tool will start downloading relevant files. Once download completes, it will create a bootable USB. After the media has been created, press Finish.
- Insert your USB flash drive into the device that you want to upgrade. Then run setup.exe. The upgrade process will start. Remove your USB drive before the restarting your computer.
Upgrade to Windows 10 During User Registration
If you are running a new computer which comes packed with Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, you can upgrade to Windows 10 during the initial registration step.
- Connect the power adapter and turn on your computer.
- Register as a user on your new computer.
- Follow the user registration instructions. Select an Internet connection at the Internet connection stage.
- At the user registration screen, select “Upgrade”.
- When installation is complete, Windows 10 will be automatically installed.