
This operating system is eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 10 when available.If you choose to boot from removable media, you won’t be able to keep your software programs, Windows settings, or personal files when you upgrade.ġGHz or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (圆4) processorġ6GB available disk space (32-bit) / 20 GB (64-bit)ĭirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver The following table shows what you can keep during an upgrade, depending on the current version of Windows you are running. You can upgrade to Windows 8 from Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 8 Release Preview, Windows 8 Consumer Preview, or Windows Developer Preview, but you might not be able to keep all of your files, software programs, and settings. Finally, Windows 8 also gives you the ability to "refresh" itself to give users a new starting point and a cleaner version of Windows. Windows has also made changes to make your PC more secure by boosting its existing security features and adding "SmartScreen," which acts to prevent suspicious programs or apps from being installed or running on your machine. New functions also allow you to search for your favorite software programs, open, close, hide, resize, or run multiple apps simultaneously with the swipe of a finger or a swipe of the mouse. To access your PC, Microsoft has replaced a standard PIN or password with a swipe gesture unlock your PC by clicking or swiping preset locations you’ve selected on the lock screen. Along with the new Start screen, the lock screen now includes e-mail, calendar, and clock widgets. Windows 8 Live tiles provide real-time updates from your Facebook, Twitter, and e-mail accounts. The new Windows 8 start screen is your personalised home for items you use the most and can be customised according to your user preferences. Windows 8 Pro also adds enhanced features if you need to connect to company networks, access remote files, encrypt sensitive data, and other more advanced tasks. With Windows 8 Pro, you can connect and share your files. If you currently have a personal computer running Windows 7, Windows XP with SP3 or Windows Vista then you can upgrade to Windows 8 Pro (Professional).

The image to the right shows the different designs available. The box design you receive may differ from that shown in the image above.
