- Running Windows 7, Windows XP or Windows Vista? Upgrade to Windows 8 with Windows 8
- Once you install Windows 8, Windows 8.1 is available as a free update directly from Microsoft
- Customize your Start screen with Live Tiles
- Stay safer with Windows Defender
- Encrypt your data with Bitlocker
Windows 8 sports an all-new interface, a focus on easy-to-use apps and added security all built on top of the speedy Windows 7 platform.
System Requirements
- 1 GHz processor
- 2 GB RAM
- 20 GB available hard disk space
- 1366 × 768 screen resolution
- DirectX 9 graphics processor with WDDM driver
Additional Requirements to Use Certain Features
- Internet access (fees may apply)
- For touchscreen, you need a tablet or a
monitor that supports multi-touch
- Microsoft account required for some features
- Watching DVDs requires separate playback
software
- Windows Media Center license sold separately
- To access the Windows Store and to download
and run apps, you need an active Internet connection and a screen resolution
of at least 1024 x 768
- To snap apps, you need a screen resolution of at least 1366 x 768
Common
Questions & Answers
Can I upgrade from a Windows operating system older than Windows XP?
If you want to
upgrade from an earlier Windows operating system than Windows XP (for example,
Windows 95 or Windows 2000), you'll need to purchase the Windows 8 System
Builder. You won’t be able to keep any files, settings, or software programs
when you install the new operating system.
Can I upgrade from a 32-bit version of Windows
to a 64-bit version of Windows 8?
If your PC has a 64 bit-capable processor (CPU)
but is currently running a 32-bit version of Windows, you can install a 64-bit
version of Windows 8. You also won't be able to keep any files, settings, or
software programs when you upgrade from a 32-bit to a 64-bit version.
If I upgrade and select keep
nothing, how can I restore my files after the upgrade?
If you're running Windows Developer Preview or
Windows 8 Consumer Preview when you upgrade, or if you choose the option to
keep nothing when you upgrade, your files won't come with you to
Windows 8. However, you might still be able to copy your files over after you
upgrade. If you don't reformat your hard drive during installation, your files
are saved to the Windows.old folder, where you can retrieve them after the
upgrade.
If I change my mind, can I uninstall Windows 8
and go back to a previous version of Windows?
Not exactly - To go back to your previous version
of Windows, you'll need to format your hard drive and then reinstall the
previous version of Windows from the recovery or installation media that came
with your PC. Typically, this is on a DVD. If you don’t have recovery media,
you might be able to create it from a recovery partition on your PC using
software provided by your PC manufacturer. Check the support section of your PC
manufacturer’s website for more info. After you install Windows 8, you won’t
be able to use the recovery partition on your PC to go back to your previous
version of Windows.
How can I tell if my devices (keyboards, mice,
webcams) will work with Windows 8?
Windows 8 generally works with the same
peripheral devices and apps that work with Windows 7. In some cases, a device or
program might require an update. The best way to tell if your devices will work
before you upgrade is to run Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant, a free program that
scans your current hardware, software programs, and devices for compatibility.
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