To do this, right click 'Open' on your CD/DVD drive. Since the new version of Windows is not yet installed, you will have to use the tool from the Windows 8 installation DVD (even if you plan to use Windows 8.1). Otherwise, you will not be able to restore the data after the upgrade. Note that you must use the program of the destination Windows version and not the one of the source PC. Īnother possibility to save your data and your settings in a few clicks is to use the 'Windows Easy Transfer' program (formerly : Windows File and Settings Transfer) of Windows 8 or 8.1 (depending on the destination Windows version you choose). Usually, you will mainly save the content of the 'Documents' and 'Downloads' folders for each computer user, as well as the favorites (or bookmarks) stored in the different web browsers you use : Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer. To back up your data, the most recommended way is to copy your data to an external hard drive, an USB key or another partition of your hard drive (so not on the 'C' partition). Upgrade your computer to Windows 8 or 8.1Īlthough the upgrade technically allows you to keep your documents and settings, it's still preferable to back up your data and your favorites before performing the actual upgrade.Įspecially since depending on the source edition of Windows 7 and the destination edition of Windows 8, the retention options will not be the same.Indeed, if you want to upgrade from Windows 8 to 8.1, you will first need to download and install all the updates available via Windows Update before you can upgrade to Windows 8.1. Important : if you plan to install Windows 8.1 (which is highly recommended to continue to benefit from Microsoft support), we recommend that you use the Windows 8.1 installation DVD and not the Windows 8 installation DVD. Knowing that Windows 8 support ended on January 13, 2016, but that Windows 8.1 extended support only expires on January 10, 2023. So, here's how to upgrade your Windows 7 computer to Windows 8 or 8.1. Or the manufacturer of your computer or its motherboard doesn't provide drivers for Windows 10 in your case.

So it's time to upgrade to a new version of Windows.Īlthough you can upgrade to Windows 10, your computer may not be compatible with this version of Windows. This means that you will no longer receive security updates from Microsoft for Windows 7 and that this leaves you vulnerable to new attacks of hackers since that date. As you probably know, Windows 7 support has ended since January 14, 2020.

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