Upgrading to Windows 8.1 A Guide for Windows 7 Users Version 1.2

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Introduction

This document describes how to upgrade your operating system from Windows 7 to Windows 8.1 using the upgrade offering ordered through your WebStore.

Important:

o Windows 8 users can upgrade to Windows 8.1 at any time for free. Visit www.Windows.com for more information.

o Older versions of Windows cannot be upgraded to Windows 8.1 directly. Users of Windows Vista or XP who wish to switch to Windows 8.1 are advised to order and install Windows 8 and then visit www.Windows.com for the free upgrade to Windows 8.1. Ensure that your

computer meets all Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 system requirements first.

BEFORE YOU UPGRADE…

 Ensure that your computer meets all Windows 8.1 system requirements.

 Ensure that your computer has an active Internet connection.

 Ensure that your computer is plugged in to a power source (if using a laptop or tablet).

 Get the latest critical and important updates for your computer.

 Download the Windows 8.1 upgrade offering from your WebStore.

 Ensure that all of your external devices (e.g. printers, monitors) are plugged in and turned on so that their compatibility with Windows 8.1 is checked during the update.

 Back up any important personal files on your computer (recommended).

WINDOWS 8.1 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

Your computer must meet the following requirements to run Windows 8.1:

Processor: 1 GHz or faster

RAM: 1 GB (32-bit) or 2 GB (64-bit)

Free hard-drive space: 16 GB (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)

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Upgrading to Windows 8.1 from Windows 7

Important: Windows settings and apps will be lost during the upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 8.1. Personal files should not be affected, though it is still recommended that you back up important files before upgrading.

1. Find and double-click the .exe file for the Windows 8.1 upgrade once it has finished downloading.

Note: If you downloaded the software to your default download location, it should

be in your computer’s Downloads folder.

2. Enter your product key in the field provided, and then click Next.

Note: Your product key can be found on your Order Receipt and in your order

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3. Wait while the update checks the compatibility of your machine, apps and external devices.

4. Review the compatibility report to determine which of your current programs and devices are compatible with Windows 8.1, and then click Next.

Note: Even apps that are compatible with Windows 8.1 will be lost during the

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5. Select whether or not you wish to keep your personal files after upgrading, and then click Next.

Note: If you choose not to keep your personal files, you will still be able to restore

them later from the folder “Windows.old”.

6. Wait while Windows 8.1 is downloaded to your computer.

7. Select Install now on the screen that opens once the download is complete, and then click

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8. Perform any additional tasks you are prompted to perform to prepare your computer for the upgrade.

9. Click Install to begin the installation of Windows 8.1.

Note: Your computer will restart several times during the installation process.

10. Once Windows 8.1 is installed, select a colour preference, give your PC a name, and then click

Next.

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12. Sign in to your Microsoft account (OR, if you do not yet have a Microsoft account, click create

a new account and follow the on-screen prompts).

Note: If you previously used a local account to sign in, you will be prompted to sign

in with that account before creating a Microsoft account. Alternatively, you could continue to use your local account by clicking Continue using my existing

account. This is not recommended, however, as Windows 8.1 is designed to be

used with a Microsoft account.

13. Click Next to use default OneDrive cloud storage settings.

Note: You can change OneDrive settings later under PC Settings.

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15. When the upgrade to Windows 8.1 is complete, you will be directed to the new Start screen.

Need More Help?

For additional information and support for the Windows 8.1 upgrade, visit Microsoft Support.

Note: Your update to Windows 8.1 comes with 90 days of no-charge support from Microsoft,