As part of the online upgrade process, you
must download and run the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant, a piece of software that
will walk you through your Windows 8 installation. You have the option of
ordering a backup DVD or creating your own Windows 8 backup on a DVD or USB
drive; we recommend that you burn your copy of Windows 8 to a physical disk to
ensure that you have it handy in the event of a computer failure.
Once you start the Windows 8 installation,
the screens that you see will vary depending on factors such as what version of
Windows you’re currently running, whether you’re upgrading to Windows 8 or
performing a clean install, and how your hardware is configured. One major
decision you’ll face after launching the Windows 8 Setup Assistant utility is
whether to go online and download software updates to help the installation
process run more smoothly. The setup utility will scan the applications and
devices on your PC, notify you if anything isn’t compatible with Windows 8, and
then present options to fix the incompatibilities. For example, you may need to
update some of your favorite software or download new drivers; however, if you
double-checked your software and hardware with the Compatibility Center
earlier, you shouldn’t have issues.
The setup assistant should now take a
moment to scan your system and suss out problems; if it finds any issues, it
will notify you and offer options to help you automatically download and
install updates before continuing with the installation process.
Next, you’ll need to enter the product key
that came with your copy of Windows 8. If you purchased a physical copy, your
key should be somewhere on the case that holds your disk. Digital customer
should have received their Windows 8 product key in an email from Microsoft. If
you need to obtain a replacement key, contact Microsoft customer support (at
support.microsoft.com/contactus; you may be asked to pay a fee). Note that if
you don’t have a valid product key, you cannot install Windows 8; unlike with
previous versions of Windows, no trial option is available (as of this
writing). If you prefer to try before you buy, the Windows 8 Release Preview is
still currently free for download (go.pcworld.com/win8preview).
Choose what to keep
The next major step is the appropriately
named ‘Choose what to keep’ page, where you get to choose exactly what aspects
of your current Windows setup you want to carry over to Windows 8. If you
choose nothing, your current Windows installation will be deleted and replaced
with Windows 8, with many of your old documents and files moved to a
Windows.old folder located in your home directory. If you’re upgrading from
windows XP, you’ll have the option to bring along your “personal files”, a term
that refers to anything stored in the User folder, including anything in
subfolders such as the Documents and Desktop folders. Make sure files you want
to keep are in the User folder before continuing with the Windows 8
installation.
‘Choose
what to keep’ page, where you get to choose exactly what aspects of your
current Windows setup you want to carry over to Windows 8
If you’re upgrading from Windows Vista,
you’ll have the option of bringing along your Windows settings in addition to
your personal files. Though this doesn’t include all of your Windows settings,
most of them (including your sound settings, desktop background, and Internet
history) will make the transition to windows 8. If you’re upgrading from
Windows 7, you’ll have the option of carrying over your Windows settings, your
personal files, and even your applications. Note that some of your apps may not
work in Windows 8; and even some that will work may not make the transition and
will need to be reinstalled.
After you choose what to keep, Windows 8
Setup will run one last check to ensure that your PC can handle the version of
Windows 8 you’re trying to install. If it finds a problem, a window will pop up
outlining the issue and suggesting a solution; for example, during one
installation we were told that our version of 64-bit Windows 8 Pro required at
least 20GB of free space on the hard drive (which we lacked), and we were
presented with a ‘Free up space’ button, which launched the Windows Cleanup
Utility. If you run into any issues with your installation at this stage, you
will have to address them before continuing.
If all goes well, you should see an
appropriately titled ‘Ready to install’ screen. Close all open programs, and
press the Install button. Windows 8 will then begin installing; the process
should take roughly 15 to 20 minutes, so go ahead and take a break. When the
installation is complete, your PC should reboot one last time and then greet
you with a slick interface and certain options for personalizing it. Congratulations!
Step-by-step installation
1.
Before you do anything else, verify that Windows 8 is
compatible with your current hardware by visiting the Compatibility Center for
Windows 8 Release Preview website.
2.
When you start the Windows 8 Setup application, you
have the option of going online to automatically download software and driver
updates for greater Windows 8 compatibility. We recommend that you do so.
3.
You must enter a valid product key before Windows 8
Setup will continue. If you do not have a valid product key, you will not be
able to upgrade your PC to Windows 8.
4.
Next, choose how much of your current Windows setup you
want to carry over. Your options will depend on your current version of
Windows.
5.
After you make your choices, the Windows 8 Setup
Assistant will run a final check to ensure your PC is ready for Windows 8, and
will notify you if anything needs your attention.
6.
Before Windows 8 begins installing, double-check that
you’re happy with the choices you’ve made, and confirm that you have backed up
all of your important data.
7.
Windows 8 should begin installing, a process that can
take anywhere from 10 minutes to more than an hour. Don’t be surprised if your
PC restarts several times during the process.
8.
If everything goes smoothly, the first thing you’ll do
in Windows 8 is choose a color scheme for your new Start screen. We suggest
picking a nice emerald green.
9.
Congratulations – you’ve successfully upgraded
to Windows 8! This is what the new interface looks like. To get back to the
traditional Windows desktop, simply select the Desktop tile or hold the
<Windows> key and press D.
