How Update From Windows 8 To 8.1

Lesson 3: Upgrading to Windows 8.1

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Upgrading to Windows viii.1

If you're currently using Windows 8, you tin can upgrade your computer to Windows 8.1 for costless. However, it'south likewise important to know that Windows 10 was released in July 2015. When y'all upgrade to Windows eight.ane, you'll then be able to upgrade to Windows x, and we'd highly recommend yous do this—review our Windows 10 tutorial to acquire how.

Windows 8.1 editions

Windows 8.1 was released equally an update to Windows 8 in Oct 2013. There are iii main editions:

Windows eight.1: This is the standard edition, and it will run on desktops, laptops, and some tablets.
Windows 8.1 Pro: This gives you all of the features of Windows eight.1, besides equally some extra features intended for advanced users and businesses. For example, people who demand more security can use BitLocker to encrypt their files.
Windows RT eight.1: This is the edition that older tablets volition have. It may too be used by some budget laptops and netbooks. Windows RT comes pre-installed with a version of Microsoft Part, known every bit Office RT, which is optimized for touchscreens.

What'southward the deviation betwixt Windows 8.one and Windows RT viii.1?

You cannot install desktop applications on Windows RT 8.1. While Windows RT gives you access to the desktop, you can only use it for Office RT and customizing sure settings. If you desire to install and use traditional desktop applications on your calculator—for example, Adobe Photoshop or QuickBooks—you will need a device that runs Windows 8.ane or eight.1 Pro.

Windows tablets

If y'all want to apply Windows on a tablet, you'll need to purchase a tablet that has it pre-installed, such equally the Microsoft Surface. Other manufacturers also sell tablets that use Windows. Keep in mind that some older tablets may run Windows RT 8.one, which means you won't exist able to install desktop applications.

Photo of Microsoft Surface

Searching the spider web for compatibility info

Windows 8.ane system requirements

Earlier yous upgrade to Windows 8.1, it's important to brand sure your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements. Below are the requirements that Microsoft has given:

1GHz (gigahertz) processor or faster. Your processor will either be 32 bits or 64 bits, and 64-bit processors will have stricter hardware requirements (see below).
1GB (gigabyte) RAM (32-bit) or 2GB RAM (64-bit).
16GB bachelor hard disk infinite (32-bit) or 20GB (64-bit).
DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or college driver.
A screen resolution of at to the lowest degree 1024x768 pixels.

Notation that these are the minimum requirements. If you use your computer for gaming or other demanding apps, y'all may need a faster processor, more RAM, or a more than powerful graphics card.

The good news is that Windows eight has the same requirements as Windows seven, so if you lot're upgrading from Windows vii, you'll probably have no problems with Windows eight. On the other hand, if y'all want to upgrade from Vista or XP, yous should check your estimator's system information to see if it meets the requirements.

To view data virtually your computer:

To run into if your computer meets the requirements for Windows 8, you can view information most your computer by going to the Control Panel.

Click on the Start button and select Command Panel.
Click Organization and Security.
Click Organisation.
Y'all will now be able to encounter information near your computer'south processor, RAM, and more.

Software compatibility

In society for software to work, it has to exist uniform with the operating system. Therefore, you may non be able to use all of your existing software if you switch to a different operating arrangement. Before you upgrade to Windows 8, ask yourself if there is any software on your estimator that you can't do without—and so practice some research to find out if it is compatible.

If you lot are upgrading from Windows 7 or Vista, most of your apps should still piece of work. However, if you're using an older version similar Windows XP, at that place'south a good chance that some of your apps will not be uniform with Windows eight. A simple Google search will often be enough to tell if an app will be uniform in Windows 8.

Screenshot of Google