As of 8 April 2014, Microsoft has completely discontinued support for Windows XP. If you are torn between upgrading to Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1, this thread will serve as a guide to help you through the upgrading process. Anything beyond the frequently asked questions, this thread will remain open for anyone to ask anything about the upgrade process. However please keep this civil and on topic or it will be locked.
1. Will my existing device(s) work with Windows 8 or Windows 8.1?
While it is virtually impossible to list all devices that can work with WIndows 8 / 8.1, Microsoft has created a compatibility chart to better explain what devices will work on the Windows 8 operating system: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/compatibility/CompatCenter/Home?Language=en-US
2. What are the minimum requirements for Windows 8 / 8.1?
These are the minimum requirements direct from Microsoft:
PROCESSOR: Minimum 1 GHz or better with support for PAE, NX, and SSE2 (more info: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/what-is-pae-nx-sse2 )
RAM: Minimum 1GB of RAM (32-bit version) or 2GB RAM (64-bit version)
HD: Minimum 16GB of HD space (32-bit version) or 20GB (64-bit version)
GRAPHICS CARD: Direct X 9 compatible with WWDM Driver
Optical Drive or USB ISO file required for installation
3. I don't have an optical drive on my laptop or desktop and want to install Windows 8 from an ISO file. What do I do?
As long as the file you downloaded has been legally obtained (from a legitimate source such as Microsoft or one of its' OEM partners like Digital River), you can install your operating system from a large USB flash drive using the guide provided here: http://blogs.msdn.com/b/habibh/archive/2011/09/14/how-to-create-a-bootable-usb-flash-drive-to-install-windows-8-developer-preview.aspx
4. I have completed installation of Windows 8 from the OEM or Windows 8 installation disc. Why can't I upgrade to Windows 8.1?
Windows 8.1 provides an enhanced feature suite over Windows 8 including the return of the start menu button. Once installation of Windows 8 has finished on your laptop or desktop, run system update from the control panel and install *ALL* updates when asked. Once your system installs update patch KB2919442 for both 32-bit and 64-bit versions. Once that patch has been installed, the update to Windows 8.1 will appear in the Microsoft App Store. To check and see what the latest update installed is, these are the steps you take:
1. Control Panel
2. Windows Update
3. View Update History
It will then list all of the software updates for Windows 8 that have been performed since the installation.
1. Will my existing device(s) work with Windows 8 or Windows 8.1?
While it is virtually impossible to list all devices that can work with WIndows 8 / 8.1, Microsoft has created a compatibility chart to better explain what devices will work on the Windows 8 operating system: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/compatibility/CompatCenter/Home?Language=en-US
2. What are the minimum requirements for Windows 8 / 8.1?
These are the minimum requirements direct from Microsoft:
PROCESSOR: Minimum 1 GHz or better with support for PAE, NX, and SSE2 (more info: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/what-is-pae-nx-sse2 )
RAM: Minimum 1GB of RAM (32-bit version) or 2GB RAM (64-bit version)
HD: Minimum 16GB of HD space (32-bit version) or 20GB (64-bit version)
GRAPHICS CARD: Direct X 9 compatible with WWDM Driver
Optical Drive or USB ISO file required for installation
3. I don't have an optical drive on my laptop or desktop and want to install Windows 8 from an ISO file. What do I do?
As long as the file you downloaded has been legally obtained (from a legitimate source such as Microsoft or one of its' OEM partners like Digital River), you can install your operating system from a large USB flash drive using the guide provided here: http://blogs.msdn.com/b/habibh/archive/2011/09/14/how-to-create-a-bootable-usb-flash-drive-to-install-windows-8-developer-preview.aspx
4. I have completed installation of Windows 8 from the OEM or Windows 8 installation disc. Why can't I upgrade to Windows 8.1?
Windows 8.1 provides an enhanced feature suite over Windows 8 including the return of the start menu button. Once installation of Windows 8 has finished on your laptop or desktop, run system update from the control panel and install *ALL* updates when asked. Once your system installs update patch KB2919442 for both 32-bit and 64-bit versions. Once that patch has been installed, the update to Windows 8.1 will appear in the Microsoft App Store. To check and see what the latest update installed is, these are the steps you take:
1. Control Panel
2. Windows Update
3. View Update History
It will then list all of the software updates for Windows 8 that have been performed since the installation.