Microsoft released the Windows 8 upgrade options to a few insiders which I’ve detailed below. Like all Microsoft OS’s, there are several versions of Windows 8 so you might want to pull up our post which reviews the various versions of Windows 8 as you read the details below.
Windows 8 Upgrade Options
Windows 7 Starter, Windows 7 Home Basic and Windows 7 Home Premium can upgrade to Windows 8 while maintaining their existing Windows settings, applications and personal files like photos, movies and documents.Windows 8 Pro is available to those users running Windows 7 Starter, Windows 7 Home Basic, Windows 7 Home Premium, Windows 8 Professional and Windows 7 Ultimate. Again, upgrading will allow you to keep all your files and apps.Windows 8 Enterprise which typically is only available to Corporations with active Volume license and Software Assurance subscribers is available via upgrade to Windows 7 Professional and Windows 7 Enterprise installs. Not real shocking here since SA Corps. are probably already running Windows 7 Enterprise or Windows 7 Pro. via hardware OEM installs.Windows Vista (without SP1 installed) users can upgrade to Windows 8, however, only personal files (data only) will be kept through the upgrade. If you have Windows Vista with SP1 the story is a little better – personal files and system settings will be maintained through the upgrade.Users with Windows XP SP3 or higher will be able to upgrade to Windows 8, however, only personal files (data only) will be available after the install.
Non-Supported Windows 8 Upgrade Options
Cross-language installations are not supported if you plan to keep any files, apps or Windows settings.Microsoft will not support cross architecture upgrades – 32-bit to 64-bit. You will need to do a clean wipe and install; so backup those files and start looking for those application install DVD’s!
Overall, the upgrade path to Windows 8 looks pretty nice, especially considering a new upgrade offer for Windows 7 users. It’s good to see at least most of the users out there will be able to upgrade their systems with minimal impact. via ZDNet Comment
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