What previous applications, settings, personal files can be retained after you upgrade to Windows 8.1

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Update to Windows 8.1: frequently Asked Questions

Applies to Windows 8.1

How do I update Windows 8.1?

The following describes how to update to Windows 8.1 based on the version of Windows that is currently running:

If you are running Windows 8, you can update to Windows 8.1 free of charge in the Windows application store. For more information, see Upgrading from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1.

If you are running Windows 7, you can use the Windows 8.1 upgrade assistant to purchase and download Windows 8.1. In the upgrade assistant, you can choose to install immediately, install Windows 8.1 later, or use a media or USB disk with an ISO file to install. For more information, see Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8.1.

If you are running Windows Vista or Windows XP, you will need to perform a new installation using DVD. Be sure to review your system requirements before you purchase a DVD. For more information, see Upgrading to Windows 8.1 from Windows Vista or Windows XP.

How much does Windows 8.1 cost?

If Windows 8 is already running, it is free. Go to the Windows Application store to update to Windows 8.1.

If you are running a previous version of Windows, you can see the current pricing in the purchase of Windows Web pages or the upgrade assistant.

Can my computer run Windows 8.1?

If you are running Windows 8 or Windows 7, the best way to determine whether your computer and connected devices are ready for Windows 8.1 is to download and run the Upgrade assistant, which can be scanned by the upgrade assistant and tell you what you need to do before and after the update.

For previous versions of Windows, you need to review the system requirements. We recommend that you visit the computer manufacturer's website for information on updated drivers and hardware compatibility.

The following is a summary of the system requirements:

"Processor": 1 GHz or faster

"Ram": 1 GB (32 bits) or 2 GB (64 bits)

"Free hard disk Space": GB (32-bit) or GB (64-bit)

Graphics card: Microsoftdirectx 9 graphics device with WDDM driver

Attention

If there is not enough space on your hard disk, you can free up some space. For more information, see Tips for freeing drive space on your computer.

You need to touch the input hardware to experience the touch features in Windows 8.1. For more information, see Multitouch hardware requirements.

Can I keep my files, settings, and applications?

If you start your computer from an installation media (such as a DVD or U disk) that you created when you download ISO, you will not be able to keep your application, Windows, settings, or personal files when you install Windows 8.1.

The following table shows what you can keep when updating, depending on the version of Windows that is currently running on your computer. To verify which version of Windows is currently available, see which Windows operating system I am running?

If you are running Windows 8, you will need to reinstall your Windows App Store application from the application store. In the application store, swipe or right-click from the top edge of the screen, click or click your application, select the application you want to install, and then click or click Install.

If you are running Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP, you will need to reinstall all applications by using the original installation CD or by purchasing a confirmation e-mail (if the online purchase applies).

Does my update contain Windows Media Center?

Whether. If you are installing Windows Media Center, you need to add functionality to Windows 8.1. If you are running Windows 8.1 Professional and you have Windows Media Center, you do not need to reinstall it after you update to Windows 8.1. For more information, see Adding a feature Web page.

Can I play DVDs after I update to Windows 8.1?

If you already have Third-party DVD player software in Windows 8, you should be able to continue using it in Windows 8.1. If you are running Windows 7, Windows XP, or Windows Vista, you will need to reinstall it.

If you do not have a third-party application to play DVDs, or if you currently rely on Windows Media Player to play DVDs, you will need to download and install a third-party application or install Windows media Center to play DVDs. For more information, see Adding a feature Web page.

Can I change my language when I update?

The easiest way to change a language is to update the same language that is currently on your computer and then add a new language. For more information, see Add a language or keyboard.

If you are using a DVD or USB disk to perform a new installation of Windows 8.1, you can change your language in Windows Installer. For more information, see How to perform a new installation of Windows.

Attention

If you are running Windows 8 and have the language pack or Language Interface Packs (LIP) installed, they will be deleted when you install Windows 8.1.

Can I update from 32-bit version of Windows to a 64-bit version of Windows 8.1

If your computer has a 64-bit 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 will need to purchase a DVD of the product and perform a new installation. When you update from 32-bit version to 64-bit, you will not be able to retain any files, settings or applications.

Note that the Windows 8.1 professional Pack is used to upgrade from Windows 8.1 to the Windows 8.1 Professional Edition, not for cross architectural installations, or to contain any media. If you want to change the architecture, please purchase the Windows 8.1 Professional Edition.

For more information about which Service packs are available, see Adding features.

How do I buy DVD discs?

You can purchase a Windows 8.1 DVD from a Microsoft application store or from any other retailer, if available in your country or region. You can purchase this product online from the Microsoft application store in the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom and USA.

If you want to build your own computer and install Windows 8.1, or if you want to run a different operating system on a local virtual machine or a separate partition (including a Mac), you can purchase a Windows 8.1 system assembler product (OEM version). If your country or region provides Windows 8.1 system assembler products, you can purchase these products at the franchise, but you will need to ask the sales representative for more information. This version does not contain customer support.

How do I get help?

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

Whether you're buying a DVD update from a store or paying to download updates from the Internet, your update will also enjoy 90 days of free support from Microsoft. This 90-day deadline starts after installing and activating Windows 8.1. (May generate telephone or other access charges.) ）

Can I revert to my old operating system?

If you have Windows 8 attached to your computer, you can restore it to Windows 8 by initializing your computer. Your personal files will not be affected, but the application that comes with your computer will need to be reinstalled. For more information, see How to restore, restore, or initialize your computer.

If you are running Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP, you will need to reinstall previous versions of Windows by using the recovery or installation media that came with your computer (usually a DVD).

If you do not have recovery media, you can use the computer manufacturer's software to create recovery media by using the computer's recovery partition prior to the update. Check the Support section of the computer manufacturer's website for more information. After you install Windows 8.1, you will not be able to resume using the previous version of Windows by using the recovery partition on your computer.