Windows 8 is officially available to install today, so you might be wondering “how do I get this awesome new OS on my old computer?” Microsoft has made it even easier this time to upgrade your current system to the latest and greatest, and it’s cheaper too. If you’re upgrading from Windows 7 you get to keep basically everything (settings, files and programs), but it is always good to do a backup first. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Download Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant
The Upgrade Assistant is what will make this process so painless. Head on over here and choose “Start Download” for the $39.99 version of Windows 8 Pro. Once it installs open it up we’re ready to really begin.
Step 2: Download Windows 8
One Upgrade Assistant is running you’ll see this screen. The program is searching through all your installed programs to see what is compatible with Windows 8. This may take a long time.
After that is complete you will see the screen below. You can review what apps are not compatible with Windows 8. If you are satisfied click “Next.”
Next you are going to choose what you want to keep. Coming from Windows 7 means you can keep everything, but you can also choose to just keep personal files, or do a fresh install and keep nothing. Make a choice and then click “Next.”
Now it is finally time to lay some money down. Select “Order” on the next screen and then you will see the screen below. Now you can choose to also receive a physical disc. Once you have what you want select “Checkout.” It will say “We’re getting a few things ready” and then let you fill in personal information and select payment type.
After you are done paying you should receive an email with the product key, and it will also show you the key on the screen below. Once you have the key click “Next.”
Now the Upgrade Assistant is going to download Windows 8. This can take a long time, depending on your internet connection. You can use your computer while it’s downloading.
When the download is finally completed you can either install it now, create media, or save it to the desktop. If you choose “Install by creating media” on the next screen it will give you the option to save it to a thumb drive, or save the iso file and do what you want with it.
After all that Upgrade Assistant will show you the product key again just in case you didn’t get the email and didn’t copy it down before. Now it’s on to the final step.
Step 3: Install Windows 8
The rest of the process is easy. Upgrade Assistant will start the installation process and you can just sit back and watch. Your computer may restart a few times. It’s okay. After the installation is complete all there is left to do is set up Windows 8 the way you like it. Enjoy!