If you’re using Windows 8, upgrading to Windows 8.1 is both easy and free. If you’re using another operating system (Windows 7, Windows XP, OS X), you can either buy a boxed version ($120 for normal, $200 for Windows 8.1 Pro), or opt for one of the free methods listed below.
Can you still upgrade to Windows 8 for free?
While you can no longer install or update applications from the Windows 8 Store, you can continue using those already installed. However, since Windows 8 has been out of support since January 2016, we encourage you to update to Windows 8.1 for free.
Can I download Windows 8.1 for free?
If your computer is currently running Windows 8, you can upgrade to Windows 8.1 for free. Once you’ve installed Windows 8.1, we recommend that you then upgrade your computer to Windows 10, which is also a free upgrade.
Which version of Windows 7 can be upgraded to Windows 8?
Users will be able to upgrade to Windows 8 Pro from Windows 7 Home Basic, Windows 7 Home Premium and Windows 7 Ultimate while maintaining their existing Windows settings, personal files and applications. Press Start → All Programs. When the program list shows, find “Windows Update” and click to execute.
How can I change my Windows 7 to Windows 8?
Here’s how to buy a Windows 8.1 upgrade as a direct digital download.
- Navigate to the Windows store, select Buy Windows and “get the upgrade on DVD.”
- Select the appropriate version of Windows.
- Click “Buy and download now.”
- Click Checkout.
- Sign in to your Microsoft account. …
- Enter payment information.
Will Windows 8 still work in 2020?
If you’re using Windows 8 or 8.1, you’re already past the mainstream support end date – that happened back on the 10th of July, 2018. … Windows 8.1 still enjoys security updates, but that will end on the 10th of January, 2023.
Is Windows 8 still supported?
Support for Windows 8 ended on January 12, 2016. … Microsoft 365 Apps is no longer supported on Windows 8. To avoid performance and reliability issues, we recommend that you upgrade your operating system to Windows 10 or download Windows 8.1 for free.
How do I activate Windows 8 without a product key?
Activate Windows 8 without Windows 8 Serial Key
- You will find a code on the webpage. Copy and paste it in a notepad.
- Go to File, Save the document as “Windows8.cmd”
- Now right-click on the saved file, and run the file as administrator.
How do I install Windows 8.1 without a product key?
Skip Product Key Input in Windows 8.1 Setup
- If you are going to install Windows 8.1 using a USB drive, transfer the installation files to the USB and then proceed to step 2. …
- Browse to the /sources folder.
- Look for the ei.cfg file and open it in a text editor such as Notepad or Notepad++ (preferred).
How can I install Windows 8 on my PC for free?
Step 1: Go to Microsoft’s page for upgrading to Windows 8 with a product key, then click on the light blue “Install Windows 8” button. Step 2: Launch the setup file (Windows8-Setup.exe) and enter your Windows 8 product key when prompted. Continue the setup process until it begins downloading Windows 8.
Why was Windows 8 so bad?
Windows 8 came out at a time when Microsoft needed to make a splash with tablets. But because its tablets were forced to run an operating system built for both tablets and traditional computers, Windows 8 has never been a great tablet operating system. As a result, Microsoft fell behind even further in mobile.
Can I upgrade to Windows 8 from Windows 7 without losing data?
Can you upgrade from windows 7 to Windows 8 without losing any data?
- Gather all important application discs and hardware driver discs you might need to be reinstalled.
- Check the manufacturer and software developers website for updates available and to find out about the status of compatibility with Windows 8.
Which version of Windows 8 is best?
For most consumers, Windows 8.1 is the best choice. It possesses all required functions for daily work and life, including Windows Store, new version of Windows Explorer, and some service only provided by Windows 8.1 Enterprise before.