Know How to Upgrade Windows 8 to Windows 10 Manually

Often, it happens that users are not interested in a clean install and do not want to agitate by cleaning the computer. They just want to jump and upgrade the system directly from Windows 8 to Windows 10. No doubt, it is a relatively simplified process, but proper steps are required. No problem. We are here to guide you along the whole procedure to upgrade Windows 8 to Windows 10. So, keep reading.

Need to Convert Windows 8.1 to Windows 10

Although users can go for new clean installation, they want to upgrade the systems and keep the applications, folders, and files all in the same place. Upgrading process is always accompanied by the minor problems. But still, it is chosen by various users because the procedure is much easier and faster as compared to cleaning the full machine and then importing all the old files and installing applications.

Even though the upgrading process is fairly simple, some points are to be remembered and important choices have to be made while upgrading process. A detailed process has been explained in the following section.

Prerequisites to Upgrade Windows 8 to Windows 10

Some of the practices that have to be followed while updating process are discussed in the upcoming section:

• Ensure that the Copy of Windows is Activated

The most important point to be kept in mind is that the present edition of the Windows should be properly activated. Although Microsoft suggested that Windows 10 would be a general upgrade that will even install on a deactivated Window, the result will never be fruitful as compared to the case of activated Windows.

To know if the copy of Windows 8 is enabled, hit on Windows+W to open up the Settings Search. Then, type “Activated” into the Search box, followed by launching See if Windows is activated results.

Another option is to open Control Panel >> System to check the status of the machine

In case of Windows 7, press on Start, right-click on Computer option and then, choose an alternative of Properties. The dialog-window which will open on the screen will show if a copy of Windows is activated.

• Backup Your Personal Computer

Do not forget to take a full backup of the system. However, upgrade procedure does not result in loss of data, but prevention is better than cure.

• Turn Off Third-Party Antivirus Tools

It is seen that some antivirus programs interfere with the Windows update process. So, it is required to uninstall them or turn them on before commencing the update procedure.

• Take the Assistance of Windows 10 Update

The Windows 10 update tool is a simple application which can be downloaded.
Another thing to note down before starting the procedure to convert Windows 8 to Windows 10 is that the update tool will figure out the appropriate version of Windows that should be updated too. It identifies if the current version of Windows is 32-bit or 64-bit, then you will be updated to the same edition. It means 32-bit installation will not be converted to 64-bit by the update tool, even if your system is compatible with it.

In a similar manner, update utility will know the appropriate version of Windows as well. Also, if you are using Pro edition, you will be updated to the Pro version of Windows 10. If you are using Home edition, you will be updated to Home edition of Windows 10. It is not possible to change the editions.

Workaround Method to Run the Upgrade Installer

When you are ready, you have to run the installer application. Follow these steps to upgrade Windows 8 to Windows 10:

1. To upgrade the system, a window will open up on the screen. Choose an option of Upgrade this PC now and then, click on Next. The tool will download the installation files.

2. When the files will be downloaded and unpacked, it will be asking you to accept terms and license. Hit on “Accept” and the tool will do the last update check

3. The installer will automatically select the option to keep all the personal files and installed applications safely in a place. If you want to alter it, hit on the option Change what to keep

4. If you have selected “Change What to keep”, a screen will open that lets you make a choice between different options, which include:

• Keep Personal Files and Apps: It will retain all files, folders, and installed applications. It will be the same as the default option given by the tool
• Keep Personal Files Only: Here, only files will be backed up and all the applications will be removed
• Nothing: All the personal files, installed applications, and Windows settings will be removed. Instead of selecting this option, users have to perform a clean install.

5. Select the desired alternative and hit on Next button to continue to upgrade Windows 8 to Windows 10. You will return to the main screen. Then, click on the Install button

6. While the Windows will be updating from 8 to 10, PC will reboot a few times as the application will be working. Once it is done, begin the Configuration

How to Configure Windows Once it is Updated?

Before signing in for the first time, it is required to configure a few options.

1. The first thing which will prompt is you have to verify your user account. This should be the same as used in Windows 8.1 or 7 account. If you want to set up a new account, hit on the option I’m not at the bottom of the page. It will enable you to generate a new online MS account.
2. In case, a new account is generated, the next thing you have to do is authenticate some privacy settings. It is needed to scroll down a bit, but they all will be present there. Generally, it is related to the stuff sent by Microsoft to the PC and vice-versa. The privacy-conscious may want to turn everything off, but require the time to poke through the options.
3. In the next step, select whether it is required to turn on the Cortana or not. If it is not turned on now, it can be done later.
4. And then, you will be introduced to some of the built-in apps of Windows. These applications will be the default file types for opening the supported files. If you do not want this, you can click on “Let me choose my default apps” link present at the bottom of the screen. Again, it is possible to change the default apps later on.
5. After this, Windows will check for the latest updates. Possibly, restart your PC and then, you are ready to sign in to Windows 10.
6. Now, see your applications if they have survived the upgrade process. If required, you can update them. Plug in your peripherals and observe that all of your hardware is working. Update the drivers, if necessary.

Wrapping Up

Being the latest version of Windows, Windows 10 offers the advanced and amazing features. This is the reason users want to upgrade Windows 8 to Windows 10 manually. The post explains an entire workaround solution to update the Windows and take advantage of the advanced features and services.