Windows 10 is currently freely available to all users of genuine versions of Windows 7 Service Pack 1 and Windows 8.1. However, this offer is only available for a few more months, with the end date slated for July 29.
Time is ticking and if you rush in to download and install the latest Windows 10, you may be forced to pay for a new one in order to carry out a clean installation. As of now, Microsoft says that Windows 10 is already on more than 300 million devices, however, this will not stop the company from ending its free upgrade program as earlier planned.
After the said July 29 date, anyone who wants to upgrade to the new operating system will have no choice but to shell out about $120 for the operating system’s product key and installer package. So, if you have been feeling disturbed by the notification that advised you to upgrade to Windows 10, it will soon be disappearing. But remember, it will disappear with the free offer. However, this free upgrade offer will still go on for those users with needs for assistive technologies.
There is no better time to start thinking about upgrading to the new OS than now. But before you proceed with the upgrade, make sure your desktop or laptop meets the minimum requirements for Windows 10.
Windows 10 minimum requirements
In order to upgrade to the new Windows 10 OS, you first of all need to know that your device must be installed with a registered version of Windows 7 SP1 or Windows 8.1. If you aren’t sure about the OS you are using, visit the official Microsoft website to find out.
As far as the hardware specs are concerned, the new OS will only work on a device with a CPU clocked at 1GHz, has 1GB of RAM for those using the 32-bit version and 2GB RAM for the 64-bit version. As far the storage space is concerned, you need at least 20GB of free space for 64-bit versions and 16GB for the 32-bit version. As for the video card, it needs to be DirectX 9-capable with WDDM driver.
There is really no need for backing up your PC since the upgrade will leave your old files and apps untouched.
How to upgrade from Windows 7/8.1 to Windows 10
It’s not hard to step up your PC’s software from Windows 7 or 8.1 to the latest version. All you need is to visit the official Windows 10 download page and from there, you can simply hit the button that says “Upgrade now.” This will download the operating system’s download client.
Once it is downloaded to your PC, open it to begin the installation of the client. This client will immediately begin to download Windows 10 while at the same time walking you through the setting up process. Depending on the strength of your internet signal, the process might take an hour. Don’t fret when you see the device restarting severally – it’s a normal procedure.