If the Use the recommended options for this PC checkbox is on the bottom, make sure it has a checkmark inside it. The next thing you need to do is select what language, architecture, and edition you want to install. That way, you will have a copy of Windows 10, just in case you need it in the future. I recommend creating the media ( either USB or ISO).
This program can do a direct upgrade or create the Windows 10 media ( USB or ISO file). The first thing you have to do is download and run the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool. Since this will be an 'in-place upgrade', you will need the Windows 10 installation media. Now, you have everything you need to take care of, and you are ready to start the Windows 10 upgrade. Check out the section ' Make the recovery media' in the following article, five things you should do first when you get a new computer. So, if you ever want to go back to the Windows version that came with your computer, you will need to create the recovery media before doing the upgrade. When you perform an upgrade to Windows 10, the setup program will replace it with a copy of Windows 10. Almost every computer comes with a hidden partition that has the original software that came pre-loaded with the machine. Now there is a dirty little secret about upgrading to Windows 10 that nobody ever talks about, and that is the recovery media. Just follow steps #2 through #6 in this article, seven things to do before and after upgrading to Windows 10.
And I recommend creating a full backup only in case something goes wrong. Checking for drive errors, cleaning up your drive, and uninstalling third-party anti-virus/malware software are just a few. If your laptop has an incompatible graphics processor, you cannot upgrade it to Windows 10.īut there are a few things I recommend doing before starting the upgrade process.
Here is how to add an expansion card to your desktop computer.
If it turns out that the on-board graphics processor in your desktop computer is incompatible, you can always install an inexpensive ( under $50) PCI-e graphics card ( if you have an open PCI-e slot). The Windows 10 installer will run a check for hardware that will not work with Windows 10 and will allow you to stop the upgrade or continue. There are specific graphics processors known to be incompatible.īut the only way you will find out is by starting the upgrade process. Most computers running Windows 7 / 8.1 already meet the requirements, but there are exceptions. Second, your computer needs to meet the hardware requirements for Windows 10.