Is it possible to upgrade Vista to Windows 10?

Before the “ten” had time to officially come out, millions of users around the world had already downloaded it to their computers and virtual machines, after which they began to furiously dismantle it piece by piece. If you have not yet joined this march of lovers of everything new, today you have such an opportunity.

Unfortunately, the free upgrade of Windows (XP, 7, 8/8.1) to Windows 10 version was closed on July 29, 2016. But don’t despair - there’s only one loophole left (an official loophole!), which we’ll tell you about now.

What's the point?

Let's start with the fact that it is quite possible to upgrade Windows 7 and 8 to Windows 10 for free, but with XP it is a little more difficult - you must first get a newer version. As for the transition to the new version itself, its advantage over a regular installation is quite obvious - after you update, all your programs and settings will be saved, and you will not have to spend several hours restoring the usual “atmosphere”.

Every program and every setting will be carefully transferred to the new version, and you will only have to enter the password for your account, after which you can immediately start working with the modern version of the most popular OS.

Is it possible to update now?

You can update today! Naturally, in order to get the new version, you will have to take several additional steps, otherwise all users would already be on the “ten” and stubbornly would not understand what happened to their computer. If you follow the instructions below, the free update will not cause any difficulties.

How to upgrade Windows (XP, 7, 8/8.1) to Windows 10 for free after 07/29/1016?

Microsoft cares about users disabilities, offering them lifetime access to install Windows 10 on Windows (7, 8/8.1). The concern is that they offer special features (virtual keyboard, magnifying glass, etc.) that will be in this version (they may not be included). You can also pretend that you need them and quietly make the transition from (7, 8/8.1) to Windows 10 completely free of charge.

To do this you just need:
1) Have a licensed Windows 7, 8/8.1;
2) Go to the page of the official Microsoft website;
3) Click “Update now” - it will download installation file(the shortcut will appear on the desktop);
4) Click on the downloaded file - follow the instructions (a reboot will be required at the end).

Ready! Now you know how to install Windows 10 instead of Windows (7, 8/8.1). Use this method until it is covered.

For more information about this method, see the video + it shows how to make a clean version:

Is it possible to upgrade from XP to Windows 10?

Unfortunately no. First you need to become the owner of a later licensed version(7, 8/8.1). Only after this the above update will be available.

How was it possible to switch from XP, 7, 8 to Windows 10 before 07/29/2016?

The update center is already on every computer, it’s called Windows Update and is typically used to deliver traditional patches to your PC. As we have already said, on its own a new version The OS would not appear in it, but this situation could be corrected quite simply. First you need to download Windows application 10 Preparation Tool - it would unlock the ability to download the update to the new one on your PC operating system.

As soon as the program was completed, you could safely open the Update Center and look for a new item in it, which “weighed” from 2.5 to 3.5 gigabytes, depending on the version of the operating system you already have (x86 or x64).

That’s all, basically, all that’s left to do is press the “ Install” and the free update would begin to download and install. In the process, according to good tradition, the computer would have rebooted several times, but after 30-60 minutes you would have had a complete installation of Windows 10 from under Windows 7, 8/8.1.

What should you do if you received an update notification?

Some computers received notifications about how to update Windows 7, 8/8.1 to Windows 10 online and for free. It looked something like this:

After receiving this message, you could reserve a free operating system update for yourself. The download occurred at the moment it became available, and you could update the system itself a little later - at any convenient time.

In order to reserve it for yourself, you had to click on the “Reserve a free update” button and then enter the address on the page that appears Email, where you would later receive a notification that the files are ready for download.

Once the files were downloaded, you could install them at any time convenient for you!

Now you know how you can and cannot upgrade from Windows (XP, 7, 8/8.1) to version 10.

To begin with, the news is bad, or rather, even two bad news. Firstly, you cannot upgrade the Windows XP operating system to Windows 10 for free. Well, officially at least. In other words, in order to install licensed Windows 10 instead of the old Win XP, you must first purchase a license from Microsoft.

Secondly, upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 10 provides only a so-called clean installation, that is, switching from the old OS to the new one without affecting the files, programs and settings stored in the computer’s memory will also not work.

And this is not a condition of Windows 10, but Windows feature XP: even when upgrading from XP to “seven”, a clean installation of Windows with inevitable formatting is still required hard drive etc.

from Windows XP to Windows 10: how much does Win 10 cost?

From versions of Windows older than 7 or, let’s say, non-original versions of the system, you can only upgrade to Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Professional.

Home currently costs RUB 7,900 in the MicrosoftStore. (you can find software in online stores for 5,700 rubles), and Professional – 13,900 rubles. (about 9800 rubles on the Internet).

But even if you agree with the prices and, after reading all the reviews, have already managed to understand that Windows 10 is now considered the best of all Microsoft operating systems, then as an experienced user you should understand that before saying goodbye to Windows XP, you first need to clarify, “ Will there be a new system on the same computer? Windows 10, of course, is praised, including for the fact that it is not too demanding on hardware and works well even on relatively ancient machines, but such a check still won’t hurt.

from Windows XP to Windows 10: is it necessary to buy a new desktop or laptop? ?

Windows 10 has already surprised many owners of older machines, and in a good way, because after installing it, computers actually begin to function noticeably faster. This is partly explained by a clean installation, during which old software and any software garbage is guaranteed to be removed from the hard drive, which, as a rule, brings little benefit, but effectively “eats” system resources and memory.

In addition, the “efficiency” of the new Windows 10 is perfectly manifested on computers and laptops with SSDs, which are known to work faster than standard HDDs. Therefore, if you intend to install Win 10 on old computer instead of Win XP, then in this case it is recommended to replace it at the same time HDD to a more modern SSD (by the way, computer repair in Kiev - here such a replacement will be carried out better and faster). However, if the machine is already quite old – i.e. older than 7 years, then, of course, it would be more logical not to spend money on licensed Windows, but to put this money aside for new laptop or PC.

how to upgrade Windows XP to Windows 10?

If you have made a decision, then Microsoft then offers you two options to choose from - Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro, plus two more options - to get the system on a physical disk or in digital form (download from the site). And here there is an important point: will it be possible to then launch the installation of the digital version from Windows XP, if before that you need to format the PC’s hard drive?

Of course, before you start upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 10, you need to copy everything important and necessary from the computer’s memory to some safe place (preferably an external screw or flash drive). You will also need installation disk and Windows XP license keys. If they are lost and forgotten over the years, then it is better to restore them, for example, using utilities such as Magical Jellybean Keyfinde, and also save them on external media or simply write them down on paper. In addition, you must not forget about the content mailboxes, if it is stored on a PC, browser bookmarks and program settings - all this can be saved using built-in options.

And only after all these tedious but necessary steps can you start installing Windows 10.

Let us immediately note one more important fact: There are no guarantees that all programs that worked with XP will work exactly the same with Win 10, by the way, like all old peripherals, especially printers and scanners. Therefore, it won’t hurt to google information about the compatibility of such programs and device models with the new operating system. A little hint: if you find out that there are drivers for your printer (scanner, keyboard, joystick, etc.) for Windows 7, then it will most likely work with Windows 10 too.

how to upgrade Windows XP to Windows 10 for free?

On the company's official blog Microsoft how-o wrote that everyone who took part in testing Windows 10 as part of their insider program will be able to use new system free of charge even after July 29, since the program has not yet been completed. This means that if you managed to register as an “insider” before the 29th, then you can install trial version system and then upgrade to the final Windows 10 for free, although in fact it will still be a beta version of the OS.

Installing Windows 10 has its own peculiarities that you should know before installation, especially if you have licensed Windows 7/8/8.1.

1. What you need to know before installing Windows 10

If you have Windows 7 or Windows 8 installed, then the configuration of your computer is also suitable for Windows 10. The system requirements are more than affordable:

• Processor with a frequency of at least 1 GHz.
• 1 GB random access memory for a 32-bit system, 2 GB for a 64-bit system.
• 16 GB for a 32-bit system, 20 GB for a 64-bit system.
• A monitor with a resolution of at least 800x600 pixels (can you find one these days?).
• Video card supporting DirectX 9.

Back up your valuable files!

You never know what will happen. Save photos, videos, documents to a flash drive or external hard disk. If you have fast internet, you can install (or similar) and drop important files there. They will be accessible not only from your computer, but also anywhere there is Internet (just enter your username and password).

2. Questions and answers

2.1. Installing and activating Windows 10

1. Where to download Windows 10?

Answer: if you do not want to update via the Update Center (for example, for a clean installation or there is no operating system on your PC), use

2. Is it possible to activate Windows 10 with a Windows 7/8 key?

Answer: directly - no. If you try to install Windows 10 “cleanly”, with hard formatting disk, the key will not work. You must first install Windows, for which you have a key, then install Windows 10 on top.

3. I heard that Windows 10 needs to be installed only from a disk/flash drive. Is it so?

Answer: No. If you have a licensed Windows 7 or 8 installed, this is simple and will avoid activation problems.

Answer: old key won't work anyway. Don't worry: when connected to Internet Windows 10 will check your computer in the Microsoft database - if ten has already been activated on this computer, it will be successfully activated again (see Start – Settings – Update and Security – Activation).

5. I had licensed Windows on my laptop, but I deleted it and installed the assembly Windows Pro Ultimate Edition. If I install it on top of Windows 10, will it become licensed?

Answer: No! Place original Windows version that was earlier, activate it (the key can be hardcoded into the BIOS, but most often you will have to activate it with the key from the sticker on the bottom of the laptop) and then set the “ten” through the Center Windows updates.

Advice: On the hard drives of most laptops there is a recovery partition with a backup copy of the Windows that was installed when purchased. Unfortunately, if you cleanly install Windows with inept hands, this partition is damaged and you won’t be able to start the recovery, but still read the instructions for your laptop and try it, maybe you can get Windows back without any extra hassle.

6. I have more than one license key Windows 7/8. Can I install them one by one on my PC, upgrade to Windows 10 and thus get more than one Windows 10 license?

Answer: I haven’t personally tested it, but judging by the reviews, it won’t work. Activation of ten is tied to the computer hardware. It is enough to activate the “top ten” on the computer once, all subsequent Windows installations 10 will be tied to the first key. Microsoft technical support may be able to help you transfer your license to another PC, but there are no guarantees.

7. You say that activation is tied to hardware. And if I replace the video card/motherboard/anything else, what will happen to the activation?

Answer: I haven't checked it yet. I assume that if there are significant changes to the configuration, you will need to reactivate it or contact technical support.

8. Can be obtained Windows license 10 free?

Answer: in general, it is possible by joining Windows program Insider (more on this later), but you will have to pay by becoming a tester latest updates. So if you want stability, pay for a license; if not, use Windows 10 for free, but each update that comes may (but is not obligated to) cause problems with the system.

9. I set it to “ten”, there is no disk space left! What to do?

Answer: first of all, standard "Disk Cleanup" not going anywhere. Everyone forgets about this tool, but sometimes you can free up more space than the famous one Start– type the word Cleaning– run this program – select the drive C: – OK– wait – button Clear system files – wait – check all the boxes (or only the ones you need) – OK.

Secondly, a new disk cleaning tool has appeared in the top ten. Start – Settings – System – Storage – Disk C: – Temporary files – will be there backup copy previous Windows(in case you decide to go back, it’s been there for a month) and other files that you can get rid of if you wish.

10. What version will my Windows 7 Home Premium/Professional etc. be updated to?

Answer: see below:

For most home users, there is absolutely no difference between Windows 10 and Windows 10 Professional.

2.2. Working with Windows 10

1. How is she, fast?

Answer: subjective - loading faster than Windows 7. Compared to Windows 8 .1 There is no difference in performance, in my opinion. Except that applications installed from the Store launch faster.

2. More stable?

Answer: if anyone remembers the release of Windows XP (without SP1, SP2...), then Windows 10 is now at the same level. That is, everything works just fine. Of the most common problems: explorer.exe crashes (Desktop and windows close open folders), shortcuts are not created installed programs in the Start menu. So far, few people have reported critical errors due to which Windows 10 would not boot (there are not many reports for the query “Windows 10 will not start”). There are problems with games that use anti-piracy and anti-cheat systems, but this is not a problem with Windows, but with the developers of such creations; everything will be corrected in the future and will not go away. So if your online game is not launching, take a look at this system requirements– if Windows 10 is not there, then it does not have to run on it. Wait for updates and patches.

3. What is the new Start menu?

Answer: The menu is just a menu, nothing special. Live tiles are no longer full screen (this is configurable), so they can be used. For example, it is convenient to view the weather forecast in the Start menu. The search has been moved to a separate button and I think this is correct. The only thing missing is the Cortana assistant in Russian.

4. What else is new in Windows 10?

Answer: in fact, a lot of things have been added to this OS, you just have to take a closer look. For example:

• Several desktops. Yes, yes, finally creating multiple desktops is supported at the system level.
• Recording games. Yes, yes, Windows 10 will please beginner Let's Play players. Press Win+G and try. Sorely missed fine adjustments, but you can use it.
• Notification Center. Unfortunately, this is a very buggy thing, but the idea is not bad - to collect all program notifications in one place.
• Tablet mode. When turned on, each window opens full screen automatically. Tablet users will appreciate it.
• Convenient volume control. Finally!
• Expanded driver database. For all the PCs on which I installed Windows 10, there were standard drivers for all devices. Everything is working. Even a standard driver AMD video cards provided a comfortable game in the third Witcher. If I installed Windows 7/8, with standard driver The game wouldn't run as fast. This does not mean that there is no need to install third-party drivers, but at least there will be fewer complaints from beginners: “I reinstalled Windows, the games are now slow!”
• And other.

Of course, the changes also affected the Windows kernel. This means that most likely various anti-cheat systems for games and drivers for older devices will not work. This is normal when a new OS is released.

3. Three installation methods

Windows 10 can be installed in three ways:

1. Upgrade to Windows 10 via Update Center. The easiest installation option if you already have Windows 7 or 8.1 installed. On the first day of release, dozens were updated in this way 14 million PCs!

2. Installation over updating from disk/flash drive. Again, no different from installing previous OSes.

Pros: There is no need to reinstall anything, except perhaps the drivers for video and sound card. Other drivers are optional.

Minuses: if you somehow spoiled Windows settings(played with system optimizers), then most likely the glitches will remain. Windows Vista cannot directly update to Windows 10. You will have to install the update on top one by one from a disk/flash drive: Windows Vista -> Windows 7 -> Windows 8.1 -> Windows 10.

3. Installation from scratch. No different from installing Windows 7 () or Windows 8 (), except to create boot disks and flash drives couldn’t be simpler now.

Pros: a clean system is installed. Everything will work as quickly as possible, because the system is not littered with third-party software.

Minuses: you will have to re-install programs, games, configure.

4. Upgrade to Windows 10 via Update

As I already said, the easiest way. Make sure that

• you have a licensed Windows 7 or 8,
• all important files are copied to a safe place,
• you have at least 16 GB free on drive C (more is better, it all depends on the specific PC),
• all system updates are installed (more on this below).

Come in Start – Control Panel – Windows Update. If you reserved the installation of Windows 10, this will appear: This is not happy because you will have to wait. Ideally it should be like this:

Then just click “Get Started”, wait for the download (if it has not downloaded yet), agree to the license agreement and wait. It takes half an hour or longer to install, depending on the performance of the computer. E If you have not installed Windows updates, then Windows 10 is still far away. You need to install all updates:

Place (button "Install updates"), restart your computer, go to again, press "Search for updates" and install the updates again. If you had Windows 8, the Windows 8.1 update will be installed first (almost a gigabyte), then about 1.1 GB of Windows 8.1 updates will be installed. If you have slow Internet, the installation may take a day. Then another 2.6 GB of Windows 10 will start loading...

4.1. Fixing the missing offer to install Windows 10 in Update Center

4.1.1. Possible problems due to which the offer to install “top ten” will not appear

1. Important updates were not installed. See the update log (the button on the left in the Center), if some updates have a “Failure” status, do double click on this line, look at the error information and google the error code - you will probably find a solution.

2. You have not reserved the update (optional step):

3. Installation of updates is not configured correctly. Click "Settings" and make these settings:

Search for updates again.

4.1.2. Command "wuauclt.exe /updatenow"

If the above doesn't help, open the Start menu and type " cmd" without quotes. The item will appear "Command line". Click on it with the left mouse button - a black window will open command line. Type the command in it "wuauclt.exe /updatenow" and press Enter. This command forces the update mechanism to run. Once launched, the window can be closed. Wait a minute and open again. There should be an indicator Windows boot 10, after which there will be the offer we need to upgrade to Windows 10.

Team "wuauclt.exe /updatenow" You can also enter it in the “Run” window (keyboard shortcut Win+R). If all Windows updates are installed

4.1.3. If the Windows reservation icon still doesn't appear

You can install Windows update using MediaCreationTool. For more information, see below (Installing Windows 10 from a disk or flash drive over an existing one). I don't recommend this method because this moment it is unclear whether the license will be transferred to new Windows. I can’t check it because... The license is already linked to my PC.

4.1.4. If you receive errors when installing an update to Windows 10

When you try to install Windows 10 through Update, you may receive errors 80240020 and 80070057:

How to fix: 1. Delete everything in the folder C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download. 2. Run the command again "wuauclt.exe /updatenow".

1. After installing Windows 10, update your drivers. I described how to search for drivers in the previous chapter of installation instructions. Windows versions- eights. "ten" is different in better side the fact that the vast majority of drivers are installed out of the box, so you only need to install the driver on the most important hardware - the video card. Without a driver from the manufacturer, you will not get maximum smoothness in games.

2. Run Windows activation 10: Start – Settings – Update and Security – Activation – button "Activate". Then in the future you will be able to format your hard drive at least a hundred times and set the “ten” completely - it will be activated without a key.

5. Installing Windows 10 from a disk or flash drive over an existing one

You can start the installation either from a purchased disk with ten and select installation with all parameters saved, or use a program from Microsoft that will download and update Windows for you:

You need to download depending on the bitness of your Windows. The 32-bit version will not run on 64-bit Windows and vice versa. This is logical, because 32-bit Windows cannot be upgraded to 64-bit Windows. MediaCreationTool guides you through each installation step with clear questions.

6. Install Windows 10 from a disk or flash drive “cleanly”

I won’t repeat myself - installing Windows 10 in this regard is no different from that. The only difference is in simplifying the creation of a boot disk (see below).

7. How to create a bootable disk or USB flash drive with Windows 10 for a clean installation or upgrade over

It couldn’t be simpler - you need to use MediaCreationTool, which will do everything for you, as long as you have the Internet and a blank disk in the drive. A flash drive with a capacity of 4 GB or larger will also work.

Yes, yes, Microsoft has finally made a program that can both update Windows and create bootable disks. It's just some kind of holiday!

You need to download depending on the bitness of your Windows. The 32-bit version will not run on 64-bit Windows and vice versa.

If you need to know how to boot from such a disk, you can read my old article. Nowadays, computers are ruled not by BIOS, but by UEFI, but in general everything remains the same.

8. Why (not) you need to install Windows 10

The arguments for and against installing Windows 10 are the same, only the point of view is different:

1. Windows 10 will be the last major version of Windows. New features will come with new updates. Most likely, this was originally supposed to be done with Windows 8, but it didn’t work out - users didn’t accept this OS, and besides, the importance timely updates is still not clear to many. Therefore, the developers acted harshly - in the home version of Windows 10 (without the Pro additive) the system update standard means cannot be disabled.

For against

Behind: now the system will be protected the latest patches, eliminating vulnerabilities.

Against: updates can “break” the operating system, the computer simply will not turn on, for novice users this is a disaster.

For against

Behind: new features are useful. The Start menu has been improved and is more convenient. Added game recording, support for multiple virtual desktops, convenient work with windows and more. Performance is subjectively faster than Windows 7 (no difference compared to 8.1).

Against: outwardly neither fish nor meat. Many people find the Start menu terrible. Under the hood is the same V8 with a new skin. New features that radically change the appearance Windows view, can confuse people who are not confident in using a computer.

The question arises: should we switch to it or stay on the old 7/8? I’ll answer this: it’s really a new version of Windows. You can, of course, use an old phone, wear old jeans, eat month-old food... This is everyone's personal choice. I Not I adhere to the thoughtless principle “everything new is good,” but in this case I recommend trying a new operating system.

I have already Windows 10, what about you?

In the coming months, all modern Microsoft operating systems will be able to receive a free upgrade to Windows 10. And naturally, users want to know what Windows 10 is, asking a lot of questions and getting inaccurate answers, even on some of the most popular blogs. Let's try to sift the fact from the fiction and address the most common questions asked by both individual consumers and businesses.

The release date for Windows 10 is August 2015, and only this has been announced; there is no talk about the price of the product as of today. So far, it has only been said that for PC users running modern copies of Windows 7 and Windows 8.1, the Windows 10 update will be free during the first year of the life of the new OS.

Then the confusion began, to the point where some bloggers began writing that after this one-year period, users would have to pay the cost of the product or even sign up for a recurring subscription on their computers. Nothing like this. Free means free! If you upgrade your copy of Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 within the first twelve months after the release of Windows 10, pay for using Windows 10 on this computer you will never have to again. This includes all major Windows 10 updates, and they will be free too.

But if you buy new computer, along with it you will have to buy a new copy of Windows 10, the same applies to PCs running Windows control XP or Windows Vista, that is, these operating systems are not updated to Windows 10.

We don’t know what the prices will be yet. In January 2015, Microsoft stated that pricing was simply not a consideration yet. However, when Windows 8 was released, at the very beginning of OS sales, there were good discounts, and this is Microsoft's approach, that is, they want PC users to switch to Windows 10 as quickly as possible.

It's likely that XP and Vista users will also receive discounts, but most likely for a limited period of time, perhaps a month or so. There are no answers to these questions yet, but it is very unlikely that Microsoft will erect barriers to modernization.

Upgrade from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 to Windows 10.

If you're using Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, you'll be able to upgrade for free when Windows 10 is released. Likewise, if you have already upgraded from one of these operating systems to Windows 10 Technical Preview, you will also receive the final version of the OS for free.

To ensure that as many people as possible can benefit from the update, it will be available in several different ways. If you subscribe to a service, for example, on the Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) website, you can download the full ISO image of the final version and install Windows 10 yourself or burn the image to DVD.

Running the installation file of this ISO will allow you to install Windows 10 yourself.

Note. Windows 8.1 allows you to mount an ISO file so that it is accessible as a hard drive. Click right click mouse on the image and from the options that appear, select the “Connect” option.

Although, of course, it is much easier to update your already installed OS to Windows 10 via . And as soon as Windows 10 appears in the update center, any Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 user will be able to do this.

Technical Preview users will also be able to upgrade to the full version of Windows 10 by manually downloading the installation file from the Microsoft website. Although it is not yet known for sure, most likely for online purchases the OS will be supplied as ISO file, and a small loader.

Updating your Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 PC will allow you to keep it set parameters: files, settings, applications and desktop programs.

Possibility to roll back to an older version of Windows OS.

For the first time, the upgrade process also includes a rollback option, allowing you to go back to your previous copy of Windows as if Windows 10 never existed.

Upgrade from Windows RT to Windows 10.

If you use a device running Windows RT, you can also upgrade to Windows 10, albeit in a slightly different way.

Microsoft still hasn't explained exactly how the upgrade to Windows 10 will differ for Windows RT devices and some Windows phones Phone. The only thing we know is small Windows devices 10, those with screens of eight inches or smaller will come with touch support Microsoft versions Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint. These apps will be available for purchase on other devices in the Windows Store, and will most likely be free with Office 365 subscriptions.

It's just talk at the moment, but it's likely that touch versions of Office will completely replace the regular desktop editions, as Microsoft has announced that Windows devices with a screen size of eight inches or smaller will not have a desktop at all. This trend may also spread to RT devices.

Upgrade to Windows 10 from XP or Vista.

With Windows XP or Windows Vista, there is no direct upgrade path, and Microsoft has not yet commented on whether you will be able to upgrade or clean install Windows 10 at all.

When Windows 8 was released, you could upgrade to it from Vista, but without saving installed applications, only your settings and files. It's possible that running the installer on Windows Vista will produce the same results, so after installing Windows 10, you'll need to reinstall all your programs and settings.

The architecture of Windows XP is fundamentally different from modern operating systems. Microsoft systems, so upgrading to Windows 10 is not supported for this OS.

Windows 10 on new PCs.

If you buy a new computer, starting from the OS release date, you will receive a full copy of Windows 10 installed on it. Of course, this will not be a free copy; its cost will be included in the price of the PC.

This can be either a clean copy of the operating system, or OEM versions(equipment manufacturer). Unlike blank copies downloaded from Microsoft or purchased in stores retail, OEM copies of Windows are tied to a specific device and cannot be moved to other computers.

Software Assurance.

Enterprise customers with Microsoft Software Assurance will not be included in the upgrade program. For them, files ISO images Windows 10 will be available for download and installation as usual approximately 30 days before retail release.

Microsoft said that Software Assurance does not qualify for a free upgrade to Windows 10 even if their computers are running Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, nor is the Enterprise edition included in the offer.

Update Windows Phone 8.1 and Xbox console.

Microsoft stated that everything Windows users Phone 8.1 will receive a free upgrade to Windows 10, but there is one caveat. Some networks cellular communications We have decided not to provide further support for certain phone models, including those that can be upgraded to Windows 10.

For cellular networks that support the update, you can expect a retail release of the OS to be sent out and then installed within a few months, meaning not all phones will receive the update automatically. The point is that networks and phone manufacturers need to be sure that any OS update will be fully compatible with their phone and built-in applications, they need time to test the operating system and applications.

Consoles Xbox One will receive updates automatically. Xbox 360 consoles will not be upgraded to Windows 10.

Microsoft has provided the opportunity for users of licensed Windows 7, 8, 8.1 free update to Windows 10. However, owners of Vista and XP are deprived of this advantage. For a direct upgrade to Ten, they will have to pay $119 or more. However, you can upgrade to Windows 10 from Windows Vista absolutely free.

Upgrading from Windows XP and Vista to Windows 10

Users who are still using Windows XP and Vista, in order to upgrade the system to Windows 10 without losing data, must initially upgrade to “Seven” and only then switch to the new OS.

More in a fast way is only clean install with data formatting. To do this, you can use an ISO image from the official website of the developer or the Windows Media Creation utility.

If you want to upgrade from XP to Windows 10 without purchasing a license and saving data, you need to update the system to Windows 7.

• Download the image from the official Microsoft website of the bit size and build of the system that you have installed. That is, if you use Vista Home 32-bit, then Windows 7 should be Home 32-bit.
• After downloading the image, download it from the developer’s website Windows utility 7 USB/DVD Download Tool, which will help you mount the required image on a flash drive (the size of the flash drive must be at least 8 GB). Download and launch the tool on your PC.

• After installation, launch the Download Tool. The program will ask you to specify the storage location of the system image. Select the file and click “Next”.

• We indicate the drive on which you are going to write the image. All data that was previously stored on the flash drive will be erased.

• After creating the file, we launch Vista or XP updates to Windows 7. To do this, select the “Upgrade this computer now” section.

As soon as you upgrade to "Seven", using in various ways possible while preserving personal data.

Important! Before upgrading to Windows 7, and then to Windows 10, you need to check whether the specifications PC official requirements.