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This wikiHow teaches you how to upgrade your Windows 7 PC to Windows 8 using a DVD or by downloading the Microsoft Upgrade Assistant Tool.
Steps
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Insert the Windows 8 DVD into your Windows 7 PC. After a few moments, you should see a blue “Windows 8 Setup” window. [1] X Research source
- If you don’t see this window, double-click Computer or My Computer on your desktop, and then double-click your DVD drive.
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Select Download and Install Updates . It’s the first option.Advertisement
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Click Next . The installer will now check for important updates.
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Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install updates. When all updates are installed, you’ll be asked to enter your product key.
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Type your product key and click Next . This is the long set of letters and numbers that came with your Windows 8 DVD. Depending on where you purchased Windows 8, they key may also be in an email or on a printed receipt.
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Read the terms and check the “I accept the license terms” box.
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Click Accept .
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Select which items you want to save from your Windows 7 install. Select each type of data you want to keep. If you don’t want to retain any of your personal files or settings, select Nothing .
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Click Next . Depending on the option(s) you selected in the previous step, you may have to perform additional tasks or restart the computer. Once everything is finished, you’ll see an “Install” button.
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Click Install . Windows 8 will now start to install. The computer may reboot several times during the installation. Once Windows 8 is installed, you’ll be asked to select a background color.
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Select a background color and click Next .
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Select Use Express Settings . This sets up Windows 8 with the default security settings.
- If you want to customize your settings instead, click Customize to do so now.
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Verify your password. If your Windows 7 account was protected by a password, you’ll be prompted to enter it now.
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Select an account type to sign in. If you want to create a Microsoft account (recommended), click Next , and then follow the on-screen instructions to complete your the sign-up. If not, click Skip to access your desktop.
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Download the Upgrade Assistant tool from Microsoft. Make sure your Windows 7 PC is connected to the internet to download the tool. Save it to your computer when prompted.
- This method will help you install and run the Upgrade Assistant tool, which allows you to purchase and install a Windows 8.1 upgrade for Windows 7.
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Double-click the Upgrade Assistant tool. It’s the file that has a long name containing the text “WindowsUpgradeAssistant” and ends with “.exe.”
- You may have to click Yes to give the tool permission to run. [2] X Research source
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Chick See compatibility details . This displays a list of apps and drivers that may not work in Windows 8.1. Click Close when you’re finished.
- In most cases, app developers and manufacturers have created new versions and drivers you can install to correct these issues on your new operating system.
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Click Next if you want to continue with the upgrade. [3] X Research source This displays a list of Windows 8.1 versions available for purchase. The options will vary by location.
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Click Order next to the version you want to purchase. The contents of your order, including the size of the download, will appear.
- If you want to purchase a DVD, check the box next to “Windows DVD.”
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Click Checkout and follow the on-screen instructions to purchase. You'll have to provide your contact information and enter your payment method to complete the purchase. Once your purchase is complete, you’ll see a link to download Windows 8.1, as well as your product key.
- Write down your product key and store it somewhere safe. You'll need it to install Windows 8.1.
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Click the link to download the installer. If prompted, click Save to start the download.
- The installer is pretty big (around 2 GB), so it may take a while to download.
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Double-click the downloaded file to install Windows. You’ll be taken through a series of steps to install the operating system. Follow the on-screen instructions to choose your settings, install the upgrade, and then set up your new desktop.
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QuestionWould any files be deleted if I do so?Community AnswerNo. All your files will be saved.
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