Update to Windows 8.1: FAQ

Here's how to update to Windows 8.1 depending on the version of Windows you're currently running:

• If you're already running Windows 8, you can update to Windows 8.1 in the Windows Store for free. For more info, see Update to Windows 8.1 from Windows 8.

• If you’re running Windows 7, you can buy and download Windows 8.1 using Windows 8.1 Upgrade Assistant. In Upgrade Assistant, you'll have the option to install Windows 8.1 now, later, or using media with an ISO file or a USB flash drive. For more info, see Upgrade to Windows 8.1 from Windows 7.

• If you're running Windows Vista or Windows XP, you'll need to perform a clean installation with a DVD. Make sure to review system requirements before buying a DVD. For more info, see Upgrade to Windows 8.1 from Windows Vista or Windows XP.

Notes

• If you're updating from Windows RT, see Windows RT 8.1: FAQ.

• If you're updating from Windows 8.1 Preview or Windows RT 8.1 Preview, see Update from Windows 8.1 Preview to Windows 8.1.

If you're already running Windows 8, it's free. Go to the Windows Store to update to Windows 8.1.

If you're running a previous version of Windows, you can see current pricing on the Compare and decide webpage or in Upgrade Assistant.

If you're running Windows 8 or Windows 7, the best way to tell if your PC and connected devices are ready for Windows 8.1 is to download and run Upgrade Assistant, which scans them and tells you if there is anything you'll need to do before or after updating.

For previous versions of Windows, you should check the system requirements. We also recommend that you visit your PC manufacturer's website for info about updated drivers and hardware compatibility.

Here is a summary of the system requirements:

Notes

• If you don't have enough room on your hard drive, you might be able to free up some space. For more info, see Tips to free up drive space on your PC.

• You need touch input hardware to experience the touch capabilities in Windows 8.1. For more info, see Multitouch hardware requirements.

If you start your PC from installation media that you created when you downloaded the ISO, such as a DVD or USB flash drive, you won't be able to keep your apps, Windows settings, or personal files when you install Windows 8.1.

This table shows what you can keep when you update, depending on the version of Windows you currently have running on your PC. To verify which version of Windows you have now, see Which Windows operating system am I running?

• If you're running Windows 8, your Windows Store apps will need to be reinstalled from the Store. In the Store, swipe down from the top edge of the screen or right-click, tap or click Your apps, select the apps you want to install, and then tap or click Install. You can also reinstall apps from the Start screen by tapping or clicking the tiles.

• If you're running Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP, all of your apps will need to be reinstalled using the original installation discs, or purchase confirmation emails if you bought the apps online.

No. If you want to install Windows Media Center, you need to add features to Windows 8.1. If you're already running Windows 8.1 Pro and have Windows Media Center, you won't need to reinstall it after updating to Windows 8.1. For more info, see the Add features webpage.

If you already have third-party DVD playback software in Windows 8, you should be able to keep using it in Windows 8.1. If you're running Windows 7, Windows XP or Windows Vista, you'll need to reinstall it.

If you don't have a third-party app that plays DVDs, or if you currently rely on Windows Media Player for DVD playback, you'll need to download and install a third-party app or install Windows Media Center to play DVDs. For more info, see the Add features webpage.

The easiest way to change your language is to update to the same language you currently have on your PC, and then add a new language afterwards. For more info, see Add a language or keyboard.

If you're performing a clean installation of Windows 8.1 with a DVD or USB flash drive, you can change your language in Windows Setup. For more info, see How to perform a clean installation of Windows.

Note

• If you're running Windows 8 and have a language pack or a language interface pack (LIP) installed, they'll be removed when you install Windows 8.1.

If your PC has a 64-bit capable processor (CPU) but is currently running a 32-bit version of Windows, you can install a 64-bit version of Windows 8.1, but you'll need to buy it as a DVD and perform a clean installation. You won't be able to keep any files, settings, or apps when you update from a 32-bit to a 64-bit version.

Please note that the Windows 8.1 Pro Pack is used to upgrade from Windows 8.1 to Windows 8.1 Pro, and isn't for cross-architecture installs and doesn't include any media. If you want to change architectures, buy Windows 8.1 Pro.

For more info about what service packs are available, see Add features.

You can buy a Windows 8.1 DVD from the Microsoft Store or any other retailer if available in your country or region. You can also buy it online from the Microsoft Store in Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and United States.

If you want to build your own PC and install Windows 8.1, or want an additional operating system running in either a local virtual machine or separate partition (including a Mac), you can buy the Windows 8.1 System Builder products (OEM versions). If available in your country or region, you can buy Windows 8.1 System Builder products at participating stores, but you'll need to ask a sales rep for more info. This version doesn't include customer support.

If you need help installing Windows 8.1, you can contact support.

Your update also comes with 90 days of no-charge support from Microsoft, whether you buy the update as a DVD from a store or as a download from the web. The 90-day period begins after you install and activate Windows 8.1. (Telecom or other access fees might apply.)