Chapter 21. Upgrading to Windows 8.1

In this section:

• Understanding differences among Windows 8.1 editions

• Upgrading from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1

• Determining system requirements

• View basic information about your computer

• Using the Upgrade Assistant

• Performing the installation

• Using the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter

• Updating drivers

Windows 8.1 comes in several editions, but you’ll be concerned with only two. You’ll choose Windows 8.1 or Windows 8.1 Pro. Beyond that you can opt to purchase the full edition or an upgrade. Here you’ll learn about upgrading. Finally, you can install a 32-bit version of the software or a 64-bit version, based on your system’s hardware properties.

However, before you make the purchase or start the installation, you need to check several things. Your computer will either need to already be running Windows 8, or will need to have enough available hard drive space to install the new operating system, enough memory to run it, and a compatible processor that meets the processor requirements listed for the edition of Windows 8.1 that you select. If you’re unsure about making these comparison, you can run the Windows 8.1 Upgrade Assistant.

After your decisions are made, you will perform the upgrade and then resolve any problems that arise after installation is complete.

Understanding differences among Windows 8.1 editions

There are four editions of Windows 8.1. You’ll probably purchase the first option, Windows 8.1, but you might opt for Windows 8.1 Pro.

Here’s an overview of the various editions of Windows 8.1:

• Windows 8.1. The mainstream consumer edition of Windows 8.1. This edition has all the features most people need when using the operating system in a home setting, including everything introduced in this book (and more).

• Windows 8.1 Pro. Designed for tech enthusiasts and business/technical professionals. Windows 8.1 Pro adds additional features including BitLocker and BitLocker to Go, the ability to serve as a Remote Desktop host, and the ability to join a domain, among other things.

• Windows 8.1 Enterprise. A version that is available only through Microsoft’s volume licensing subscription program. Enterprise includes features that are useful to those using Windows 8.1 in a Windows server environment and who require more management tools and security, an available virtual desktop infrastructure, Direct Access, BranchCache, and other enterprise features.

• Windows RT. Preinstalled on tablets running on ARM-based processors. This version doesn’t include all of the features of other versions of Windows 8.1, and you can’t purchase it as a stand-alone product. It is available preinstalled only on compatible devices. Additionally, Windows RT has limitations: you can’t install software from CDs, DVDs, or the Internet, for starters; you can install only software from the Windows Store. It does come with a tablet version of Microsoft Office, which is quite useful.

In addition to choosing one of these editions of Windows, you should select either a 32-bit or a 64-bit version. You’ll learn how to determine which of these is right for you in the section titled View basic information about your computer.”

Determining system requirements

If you want to run Windows 8.1 on your PC, here’s what it takes:

• Processor 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with support for PAE, NX, and SSE2

• RAM 1 GB (32-bit) or 2 GB (64-bit)

• Hard disk space 16 GB (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)

• Graphics card. Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM driver

Additional requirements to use certain features include the following:

• To use touch, you need a tablet or a monitor that supports multitouch.

• To access the Windows Store and to download and run apps, you need an active Internet connection and a screen resolution of at least 1024 x 768.

• To snap apps, you need a screen resolution of at least 1366 x 768.

• Internet access (ISP fees might apply).

• Secure boot requires firmware that supports UEFI v2.3.1 Errata B and has the Microsoft Windows Certification Authority in the UEFI signature database.

• Some games and programs might require a graphics card compatible with DirectX 10 or higher for optimal performance.

• Microsoft account required for some features.

• Watching DVDs requires separate playback software.

• Windows Media Center license sold separately.

• BitLocker To Go requires a USB flash drive (Windows 8 Pro only).

• BitLocker requires either Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 1.2 or a USB flash drive (Windows 8 Pro only).

• Client Hyper-V requires a 64-bit system with second level address translation (SLAT) capabilities and additional 2 GB of RAM (Windows 8 Pro only).

• A TV tuner is required to play and record live TV in Windows Media Center (Windows 8 Pro Pack and Windows 8 Media Center Pack only).

• Free Internet TV content varies by geography, some content might require additional fees (Windows 8 Pro Pack and Windows 8 Media Center Pack only).

To determine whetheryour PC meets these requirements, you can run the Upgrade Assistant: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/upgrade-to-windows-8. You’ll learn how to use this assistant in the section titled Use the Upgrade Assistant.”

Upgrading from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1

If your computer already has Windows 8 installed, you might not need to read any further in this section. Your computer, laptop, or tablet is already compatible and ready for the installation. You can simply install the Windows 8.1 update that is available through the Windows Store. Before you start, close any desktop applications and save your work if applicable. Also, note that the installation can take some time (most likely an hour, but possibly much longer), and that your device will restart several times. Make sure your tablet or laptop is plugged in to a power source too.

Upgrade from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1

1. On the Start screen, click Store.

   

2. Click the option to update to Windows 8.1 for free.

   

3. Click Download.

   

4. Click Restart Now when prompted, and wait for setup to complete (not shown). At the end of the installation process, answer the prompts outlined next.

Caution

Make sure that laptops and tablets are plugged in to a power outlet before starting the installation.

Windows 8.1 installation prompts

Once the installation of Windows 8.1 is getting close to being finalized, you’ll be prompted to do a few things and answer a few questions to complete set up. Here are a list of the prompts you’ll see:

• Agree to License Terms. Click I Accept to agree to these terms to continue the set up process.

• Configure default settings. Click Use Express Settings to quickly move through the setup process.

• Sign in to your account. Type the password associated with your Microsoft Account. If you don’t use one or aren’t connected to the internet, follow any prompts to log in to your local account.

• Choose a method to verify your account. Choose to receive a text to your mobile phone or an email to verify your account. The communication will contain a code. Enter the code after it arrives and click Next.

• Opt to use SkyDrive. Click Next to use SkyDrive. If you don’t want to use SkyDrive, click Turn Off These SkyDrive Settings (Not Recommended).

• Access the new Start screen. When installation and setup is complete, you’ll see the new Start screen. It will be configured as it was with Windows 8, with the Windows 8.1 changes applied (which includes, among other things, the Messaging app having been removed).

Tip

It’s a good idea to select Express Settings when prompted during setup; you can always change the settings later.

View basic information about your computer

To find out what your computer consists of, specifically what kind of processor is installed, whether the system is 32-bit or 64-bit, the amount of installed memory, available hard drive space, you can locate and view the system properties for your device. If you have Windows 8 installed on your device, checking to see whether your computer meets the minimum requirements for Windows 8.1 isn’t necessary. However, it might be necessary if you’re currently running Windows 7.

View basic information about your computer

1. On your Windows 7-based computer (performing this task on Vista is similar), click the Start button in the lower-left corner of the screen.

   

2. Right-click Computer.

3. Click Properties.

   

4. Note the edition of Windows you have.

5. Verify that you have a compatible processor and enough memory.

6. Note what type of system you have (32-bit or 64-bit).

7. Check for touch capabilities.

8. Click the Close button.

   

9. Click the Start button again, and click Computer.

   

10. Verify that you have the required hard drive space on your primary drive.

    

Tip

If your PC is running Windows 7 or Windows 8, your files, apps, and settings will easily transfer to Windows 8 or Windows 8 Pro when you perform an upgrade. If your PC is running Windows XP or Windows Vista, you’ll need to reinstall your desktop applications. Some features, such as touch, might require a new PC.

Using the Upgrade Assistant

Even if you know that your current computer system has enough hard drive space, memory, and processor capacity, there could still be problems with upgrading it to Windows 8.1. You might have desktop applications that aren’t compatible with the newer operating system, hardware that won’t work properly because the manufacturer has not provided an updated device driver, or other issues. So, even if you think your system is ready for Windows 8.1, run the Upgrade Assistant anyway.

Use the Upgrade Assistant

1. Using Internet Explorer on the computer you’d like to install Windows 8.1 on, navigate here: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/upgrade-to-windows-8.

2. Click Download Upgrade Assistant.

3. Click Run.

   

4. Click See Compatibility Details.

   

5. Make a note of what needs to be resolved before you can successfully install Windows 8.1.

6. Click Close.

   

7. Click Next (shown on previous page).

8. Read the information provided in the resulting screen (not shown). You may be prompted to open the Windows Store to perform the upgrade or purchase and download it from Microsoft’s website. Follow the prompts as needed.

Tip

If you are running Windows 8, you will perform the upgrade using the Windows Store. If you are using Windows 7 or earlier, follow the prompts to purchase and download the product.

Performing the installation

If your computer is installed with Windows 8, you can upgrade to Windows 8.1 from the Windows Store. If it is running Windows 7 or earlier, it’s more complicated. Thus, it is much easier to purchase a computer with Windows 8.1 on it than it is to buy and install it yourself. Installation requires several steps, and there are too many steps and configurations to outline here. That said, the process will take some time and you’ll have some decisions to make during the upgrade, so you’ll want to set aside an afternoon for it if you want to do it yourself.

When you’re ready to install Windows 8.1, you must perform several tasks, including the following:

• Purchase Windows 8.1. You can make the purchase from the Buy Windows 8.1 webpage: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/buy.

• Download Windows 8.1 when prompted.

• Start the installation of Windows 8.1. You’ll have two options, Install Now or Install Later. It’s best to choose Install Now.

• Choose to keep Windows Settings, Personal Files, and Apps; Just Personal Files; or Nothing. These choices vary based on which version of Windows you upgrade from. It’s easiest to choose the first option to keep all of your apps and files intact.

• Wait while installation completes. Your computer will reboot several times.

• Set up Windows 8.1 by answering questions when prompted. You’ll choose a Start screen color, join a network if applicable, get and/or sign in with a Microsoft account, and more.

Tip

Be aware that if you’re upgrading from Windows XP, the upgrade will transfer only apps, but no settings or user account files. For this reason, it’s a good idea to back up or make note of those system and file settings.

Using the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter

After installing Windows 8.1, you might experience problems with older desktop applications that have yet to be updated to be compatible with Windows 8.1. However, you can configure these applications to run in the mode they were designed to run in, using the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter.

Run the Windows Program Compatibility Troubleshooter

1. From the Start screen, type Compatibility.

2. In the results, click Run Programs Made For Previous Versions Of Windows.

   

3. Click Next.

   

4. Select the problematic software in the list. If the software isn’t listed, click Not Listed and browse to the program before continuing.

   

5. Click Next.

   

6. Click Try Recommended Settings. (Select Troubleshoot Program only if you’ve worked through these steps before and the recommended settings didn’t work.)

   

7. Click Test The Program.

   

8. Try the program (not shown).

9. Click Next.

   

10. Select an appropriate option regarding the fix.

    

11. Click Close (or repeat these steps to run the troubleshooter again and try different settings).

    

Caution

If you don’t see the problematic application in step 4, click Not Listed and use the displayed options to browse to the program and select it.

Updating drivers

Device drivers are software programs that enable your computer to communicate with hardware (and vice versa) such as printers, scanners, cameras, phones, and so on. After installing Windows 8.1, you might find that you’re having issues with specific devices and need to update their drivers.

You might be prompted by Windows 8.1 to search for a driver the first time you try (unsuccessfully) to use the hardware. If so, follow the prompts to do so. You might be prompted at some later date by the Action Center that a new driver is available. If so, follow the instructions in the Action Center to perform the upgrade. Device drivers might also be installed automatically from Windows Update.

However, sometimes a problem needs immediate attention, such as an issue with internal hardware such as wireless network cards, sound devices, or display adapters. In these cases, you can update device drivers manually with Device Manager.

Update device drivers manually

1. From the Start screen, type Device Manager.

2. Click Device Manager in the results.

   

   See Also

   Learn more about Windows Updates and the Action Center in Chapter 20.

   Tip

   If you are experiencing problems with software or hardware compatibility, go to the Windows 8 Compatibility Center: www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/compatibility.

3. Double-click a problematic device.

   

4. Click the Update Driver button.

5. Click Search Automatically For Updated Driver Software.

   

6. If Windows states that your driver is up to date or that a driver was unavailable, click Close. If Windows reports that a newer driver is available, follow the instructions to upgrade.

   

7. Click Close again (not shown).

8. Click the x to close Device Manager.