How to Upgrade to Windows 10 From Windows 8 and Windows 8.1

Windows 10 launches on Wednesday, and you're probably going to want to update. The good news is that Microsoft has made the process surprisingly painless. Seriously, you just click a couple buttons and everything should be set.



If you already own a computer running Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, then Windows 10 is going to be completely free — and updating should be really easy. Just make sure you don't put it off too long: if you don't update within a year from Wednesday, you'll have to pay for it.

Also Read: What's New in Microsoft Windows 10

Make Sure Your Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 is Eligible for Windows 10

Microsoft Windows 10 System Requirements For Upgrade

Update Your Current Windows Version If Your Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 isn't Up to Date

You will need to install all of the updates for the current version of Windows you have on your machine. If you've set up automatic updates, you should be all set, but double-check first.

• On Windows 8 or Windows 8.1, go to Start, PC Settings, Update and recovery, and Windows Update.

• On all versions of Windows, your computer will you if there are any available updates and walk you through the process of downloading and installing them.

• You may need to check for and install updates several times to finish this process.

Once you're on the latest version of either operation system, the Get Windows 10 app should be available, and you'll be able to grab the free update.

Update to Windows 10 If Your Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 is Really Up to Date

Once your Windows 8 or windows 8.1 computer has the latest updates, a Windows icon will pop up in the task bar on your desktop, letting you know you can reserve Windows 10. Follow the directions on the screen to let Microsoft know that you would like the Windows 10 update. You may enter your email address to confirm the update, but it is not necessary.

When you're finished with the reservation process, all you can do is sit back and wait for Microsoft to automatically send Windows 10 to your computer, a process that can take several days or weeks. When it's time to install the update, you will get  a  notification on your computer.