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Windows 8 Upgrade Information

Microsoft, one of the world’s topmost software companies in the world, has gained the reputation of offering some of the best software products for the customers and users. Microsoft was catapulted to fame mainly when they launched the Windows series of Operating System. With Windows, the software maker Microsoft gained unparalleled popularity.

Windows 7 is the most popular operating systems at present when we consider the OS market share. As per the statistics, over fifty percent of the Windows Operating System users in the world use Windows 7 for their OS use. Windows 7 was the OS, which replaced Windows Vista. Windows Vista did not do well in the market. Windows 7 rectified all Vista problems and became an instant hit.

Now, with the launch of advanced, modern and metro-ized Windows 8, Microsoft has introduced some really new features and changes. Especially the user interface is nothing like people have seen till date. Compared to Windows 7, Windows 8 has many new features. The main criticism Windows 8 has faced is the drastically different User Interface. Apart from that, there are many things advantageous of using Windows 8 powered systems.

Windows 8 OS

First and foremost, after many testing runs, it is seen that Windows 8 is really faster compared to Windows 7 in every possible way. When you consider the install, booting, sleep/resume, various file operations, features etc. you will get to know about the superiority of the new Windows OS in many aspects. The software giant has really come through on their promise that Windows 8 Upgrade would deliver a new level of performance and even function wonderfully on a modest hardware platform. The minimum Windows 8 requirements are really modest, like a 1 GHz or faster processor, 1GB [32-bit] or 2GB [64-bit] of RAM, and a DirectX 9 graphics device with minimum WDDM 1.0 or higher driver. It would be great news for the old PC users that hardware upgrades are typically not necessary for accommodating Windows 8 OS.

In case you are wondering will this new operating system work on older computers, actually they will if these minimum hardware requirements are met. Many small businesses can really feel happy having older personal omputers due to budget constraints. The great thing is that Windows 8 installation use only 10 Giga Bytes of space on your hard drive. This way, Windows 7, Windows Vista and even the old Windows XP Operating System users may not have many issues. Windows 8 upgrade is not just a dream now, you can easily afford it.

Windows 8 Has The Potential To Revive Old Systems

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Windows 8 Upgrade Information

Windows 8 OS

Make The Upgrade From Windows 8 To Windows 8.1 OS

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Windows 8 Upgrade Options

Recent market share figures indicate that many Windows 8 users are yet to make the upgrade to Windows 8.1. The percentage of the users still using Windows 8 comes just above 4%, while the Windows 8.1’s market share has crossed the 9% mark. It seems that just after making the Windows 8 upgrade, these users are not very keen on upgrading their systems any time in the future.

Windows 8.1 is like a Service Pack update for Windows 8 OS

Though marketed as a separate OS version, Windows 8.1 is actually just a Service Pack update, as far as Windows 8 users are concerned. This means that you need not bother about installing a new OS. You just have to use the Windows Update feature in the OS to upgrade to Windows 8.1. However, many Windows 8 users are under the impression that upgrading to Windows 8.1 will require a new OS installation.

This is the main reason why many of them hesitate to install this update so soon after the Windows 8 upgrade. They already went through the processes like creating a backup of all their important drive, writing an OS installation disc and so on when they installed Windows 8 and they are not very keen on doing all this again anytime soon.

Benefits of upgrading to Windows 8.1

Windows 8 Support Deadlines

There are certainly many benefits to upgrading to Windows 8.1. For one thing, Microsoft introduced many changes to the OS structure and the user interface in Windows 8.1. The OS is much more user friendly than it was before. Also, Microsoft introduced yet another update called Windows 8.1 Update 1, which added even more features to the OS.

Windows 8.1 has the Start button, Task Bar, the Quick Launch Bar and a reduced form of the desktop Start Menu, all of which are not present in Windows 8. Also, in Windows 8.1, you can enable the option for directly booting into the OS Desktop Mode.

Another reason you need to upgrade to Windows 8.1 is that Microsoft will soon end the support services for Windows 8 OS. You will get about one more year of support for Windows 8 from Microsoft. But, after January 12, 2016, only the Windows 8.1 versions will receive any support service from Microsoft.

Once you make the upgrade to Windows 8.1, the Mainstream support continues until January 9 2018, followed by Extended Support until January 10, 2023. So, make sure to upgrade your Windows 8 system before this date.

Microsoft To Make Up For Windows 8, With Windows 10

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Windows 8 Problems

It doesn’t bear reminding that Windows 8 flopped big, and on several counts. The last time Microsoft received similar flak was when Vista was out, but even that OS wasn’t as heavily panned. People who jumped in and did the Windows 8 upgrade have few good things to say about the experience, and the OS went on to become a major headache for the tech giant. But the Redmond-based software maker is set to turn things around with their Windows 10 release this year.

The latest update on their blog puts the count of preview users at over 1.5 million. This build of the upcoming OS has been out for tryouts since October, available as a free download to anyone with a Microsoft account. Simply registering with the Windows Insider program gets you the installer file, with wide choices available based on OS language and architecture. People have taken this up enthusiastically; current stats show that over 450,000 are “highly active” in the use of the new OS.

Where product previews are concerned, this is a first for Microsoft. No other program, including the Windows 8 upgrade preview, has been so well received until now. The development team is eager for the chance to fix as many bugs and errors as they can. There’s no better way to discover these than letting the users find them.

Windows 10 Release

The reports from users are generated automatically from crash logs, or sent manually using the Windows Feedback app. Microsoft’s Gabe Aul says this is helping appreciably with the shaping of the product. Citing an example, he mentioned a bug which the development team might not have been able to detect and catch using test automation. Said bug caused the OneDrive icon in File Explorer to change to the Outlook icon, making it confusing for users to access the former.

Many errors of this kind are being easily found and fixed with the help of feedback from Windows Insiders. At present, the company says they’ve been able to uncover and remove over 1,300 individual bugs in this way, since the Windows 10 preview was put out. On top of that, there have been many minor adjustments to the UI, to make it of more comfortable use to the target audience.

The next build of the OS will be revealed at an event held by the company on January 21. They’ll also be announcing a release date for the final version at this event.

Making Up For Windows 8

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The UI In Windows 8

Microsoft first announced their upcoming Windows 10 a few months back. Designed to reverse Microsoft’s fall in popularity, this OS does away with a lot of the shortcomings in Windows 8. The latter OS never achieved the same momentum as the former already has pre-release. Add to that the fact that most customers who did the initial Windows 8 upgrade, ended up detesting it.

The Windows 8 OS is well known for being a bad mix of two different interfaces. One of these is the regular desktop, which has been around for a seriously long time, and is what most Windows users around the world rely on. The other is the more modern tactile interface, called Metro. But Microsoft no longer calls the latter by this name.

After doing a Windows 8 upgrade, you got these separate environments dumped on you, in what Microsoft since euphemizes as a “duality”. Each of these environments had its own different architecture, help system, email program, setting panel, and way of use. Also, there was a different kind of application program for each. In the desktop, you had the regular programs, while the tiled Metro apps worked a lot like those in your iPad. Microsoft was dragging in the best of both, but apparently these weren’t meant to be in the same OS.

Most computers at the time didn’t have touchscreens, and this approach turned out to be excessive. Worse yet, the OS was panned by critics and longtime users alike, and worked poorly on both types of devices it was meant to run on. There are still more computer users worldwide who use Windows 7 instead, while only under a fifth of them use Windows 8.1 and Windows 8.

Windows 8 Issues

Windows 10

At present, there is a technical preview of Windows 10 which you can download off the internet for free. This lets users try out the new operating system and speak out on any shortcomings before the real thing comes out next year. This must be the first time Microsoft is being so receptive of user suggestions, instead of simply looking at the trend.

Windows 10 has no annoying Start screen, but still retains the tactile app interface as part of a revamped Start menu. You have a lot of returning features from the Windows 7 UI, as well as some of the more congruent aspects of the Modern environment. It’s a huge relief that the latter doesn’t take over the way it did in Windows 8.

Windows 10 Vs Windows 8

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Windows 10 Release

The impending release of Windows 10 OS is something that millions of PC users are looking forward to, with many already preferring it over the unsavory prospect of a Windows 8 upgrade. Windows 10 has a lot to offer, and takes little away from the traditional Windows UI. It fixes one of the major Windows 8 issues, the absence of the Start menu.

Along current projection, Microsoft says, Windows 10 will be used to upgrade over 600 million PCs after it comes out next year. Windows 10 is already famed for its features set, thanks to the free tech preview Microsoft released at the start of October. Almost everybody loves it, although the available version does have many bugs and issues that need fixing. Microsoft had already been warned of these and other problems, and that users should only try it on a secondary machine. Despite this, the company has issued several patches and fixes after the problems were reported.

Manufacturers love it too, and have high hopes for the sale of this OS on new computer models due next year. Most believe that this will bring in a major boost to PC shipment health, which is currently in a dip.

For users of Windows 7, which is the last good OS from Microsoft, a direct jump to Windows 10 looks much better than a Windows 8 upgrade. Much of the hardware and software requirements are the same, and they’d also have the following to look forward to after an upgrade.

Windows 10 Download

A better Start button, with Live tiles on one side, and the usual program shortcuts on the other.
A better visual style, borrowed from Windows 8, but not so different from the old one as to be discomfiting.
More multitasking options using the new Snap Enhancements. Using this, there’s now the provision to use four apps at once on a single screen.
A single platform for all applications, whether legacy Windows programs, or the newer Windows apps. And a single Windows Store to get the latter from.
Multiple desktop manageability using the new Task View button.

The technical preview can be downloaded after signing up with the Windows Insider Program on the official staging site. Download the right ISO off the installation page, and set it up on a bootable drive. A few steps more, and you’re done with the installation.

You Can Execute Windows 8 Upgrade On Your Own – Useful Tips

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Upgrade To Windows 8

Windows 8 upgrade is not that tedious as you might have thought it would be. With the following easy-to-follow directions, you can create your own Windows 8 installation disc and do the upgrade to the latest operating system from the convenience of your home.

Obtain the license key

Windows 8.1 update files are available as free download from Microsoft’s download centre. However, in order to activate your OS, you will need the license key. If you are currently using Windows 8 and are planning to upgrade to the latest Windows 8.1 update, you do not have to buy a new license key. Microsoft allows Windows 8 users to upgrade to Windows 8.1 for free. All you need to know is exact version of Windows 8 you have installed or were installed by your PC vendor. If what you have is a laptop, turn it around and check if the vendor has pasted a label containing the license key on the back.

In case you have missed the license key, you can retrieve it from your Windows Registry. For that, you would need a key-finder application. There are many free key-finder applications available for free online. When you download a free key-finder tool online, be aware of the risks of getting malwares along with it. It is recommended to download the software from any of the known download centres. After you have found out your license key, note it down on a piece of paper.

Windows 8 Upgrade Assistance

Downloading the Windows 8.1 upgrade files

Once you have ensured that you have the valid Windows 8 license key, you can go ahead with downloading the Windows 8.1 upgrade files. The upgrade files are available at Microsoft’s Windows 8 upgrade site. The download may take a few minutes depending on the speed of your internet connection. Once the download of the upgrade files is compete, double-click the setup file to begin the installation. You will be prompted to enter the license key. Enter it and click the click Next to proceed.

If you have multiple PCs where you wish to install Windows 8, it is advisable to create a Windows 8 setup DVD or a bootable USB drive. You can use either of them to install Windows 8.1 on as many devices as you wish, given that you have enough license keys. If you have more questions regarding the Windows 8 upgrade, contact our Windows 8 support desk.

How Different Is Windows 10 From Windows 8

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About Windows 10 OS

As it turns out, those who chose not to go ahead with the Windows 8 upgrade, were indeed smart to do so. Microsoft has officially abandoned the Windows 8 project. They are planning to release a new Windows operating system, Windows 10, which they hope will convince these Windows OS users to finally make the upgrade.

About the differences between Windows 8 and Windows 10

Microsoft has finally realised the folly in trying to impose the same OS UI on all Windows OS users. Instead, Windows 10 will have a different OS UI according to the type of the computer device, on which it is installed. For example, on desktop PCs, Windows 10 will have the Windows 7-style Desktop UI. But, the same OS, when installed on a smartphone or a tablet will have the full Metro UI.

Also, Microsoft is taking their Unified OS project forward with Windows 10. According to Microsoft, the same Windows 10 can be run on all Microsoft devices available. This will include not just the smartphones, tablets and PCs already supported by Windows, but Xbox gaming consoles as well as the wearable gadgets like smart watches. So far, Microsoft has not issued any clarifications about this.

Another difference between Windows 8 and Windows 10 is the many new applications and features Microsoft will definitely be including in Windows 10. Already confirmed among the list of new apps is the voice assistant application Microsoft Cortana. An early version of the Cortana app is already available in the Windows 8 upgrade version, Windows Phone 8.1. Microsoft will upgrade this and make it a standard built-in feature in all Windows 10 versions.

Try The Windows 10 Preview

The main difference is, of course, the return of the Start Menu. Windows 10 desktop users will get the full Start Menu. But, from the Windows 10 Tech Preview, it is clear that the Start Menu in the new OS has undergone a few changes. Microsoft has replaced the All Programs section in the Start Menu with a Metro UI-type app screen.

Another new addition in Windows 10 is the Task View feature. Microsoft has included Multiple Desktop feature in the new OS. Using the Task View, you can switch among multiple running desktops or apps. According to tech experts, this feature looks very similar to the Mission Control tool available in OS X.

These are just a few of the many differences between Windows 8 and Windows 10. Try the Windows 10 Preview and experience the difference yourself.

Windows 8.1, And Why It’s More Popular Than Windows 8

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Windows 8 And 8.1

You probably know that Windows 8.1 is more popular among desktop PCs than Windows 8 ever had a chance to be. Now this isn’t surprising considering Windows 8.1, which was originally the Windows 8 upgrade OS, fixes many of the problems that its forerunner had. Initially, the latest OS had trouble picking up sales momentum, but that has changed since.

Windows 8.1’s market share has taken a leap from 6.7 percent in September to 10.9 percent in October, as per statistics from technology analyst Net Applications. The marked difference in popularity with its predecessor isn’t hard to explain, although it might seem so with Microsoft busy marketing their upcoming Windows 10 with a free Technical Preview out for download. Although Windows 8 was heavily panned since it first made it out, Windows 8.1 had a better reception owing to the comeback features it contained.

Windows 8.1 brings in a Shutdown button on the Start screen as well as the provision to run Metro apps on the desktop. But this barely affected the customers who chose to stick on to older Windows versions instead. Windows 7 has been the most popular OS in the line to date, having gotten a peak user share of 53.1 percent. Users are still fuming at Microsoft’s decision to end support for this OS next year.

Popularity Of Windows 8.1

Most Windows users now, including those with Windows 7 and XP on their systems, are waiting to see how Windows 10 will turn out. The one-size-fits-all OS, as Microsoft calls it, reinstates many of the legacy features which the desktop crowd is accustomed to, while still managing to add a significant amount of new ones to enhance computing experience. The Technical Preview out now is very popular, and the company has even released a second build containing many bug and error corrections to the first.

Windows 8.1 first came out as a free update, and that’s one of the reasons why anyone even gave it a second glance after the way Windows 8 bombed. But a look at the former would tell you that it’s a decent enough OS, even though it has some of the bugs left over from the initial mess. The last update came out in April, with sufficient changes to actually interest desktop users with a mouse-and-keyboard setup. Trying this out would understandably be very different from the original Windows 8 upgrade. This probably explains why it’s growing on the popularity front.

Windows 8.1 Overtakes Windows XP Market Share

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Windows 8 OS

We all know that the Windows XP operating system was very much popular among its users. The operating system was very stable and the interface was very easy to use. This is the reason why the OS was the most favorite among all the Windows operating systems. It had its monopoly for 13 years and on April 2014 the operating system was discontinued by Microsoft. Many operating systems came after the Windows XP OS, but none of them were able to become as popular as Windows XP. Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8 were released after XP, but these operating systems were not a competition to the much popular XP OS.

Even after discontinuing Windows XP, the operating system is still being used by many of the businesses and corporations. Some of them have paid Microsoft for extended support. The market share of the latest Windows 8 operating system was well below that of Windows XP operating system. The changes that were brought about by Windows 8 were not welcomed by the traditional Windows users. Conventional Windows users are used to making use of the Start button to do all the tasks and in the Windows 8 operating system, the Start button was missing! The users were very much disappointed with the missing Start menu and this had resulted in many complaints in the Microsoft support forums.

Windows 8.1 Update

Many users who had done the Windows 8 upgrade even thought of reverting to their old operating system. The complaints from the users made Microsoft reconsider the decision of taking the Start button off. This resulted in the release of the Windows 8.1 Update. At first, it came as an update to the Windows 8 operating system. The main aim of the update was to reintroduce the Start button. With this update, Start button came back and many other new features were introduced and now the latest statistics shows that the market share of Windows 8.1 is now slightly more than that of the Windows XP.

It is good that Microsoft listened to the complaints of the users and took their suggestions openly. With the release of the Windows 8.1 update, more and more users are now moving to the Windows 8 operating system series. If you wish to know more on the Windows 8 upgrade, you can contact the Windows help and support team.