Steps to Follow in Upgrading to Windows 8.1

After knowing the different Windows 8.1  versions and getting to know the system requirements that a certain laptop or PC should have so it can work with Windows 8.1, it is time to learn how you can upgrade to this operating system version which is the latest one from Microsoft.

If your machine already has a Windows 8 operating system installed to it, you can just download the Windows 8.1 upgrade file from the Windows Store and once it is done downloading, you will just need to restart your computer by clicking on the “Restart now” button once you are prompted when you are prompted and just wait for the set up to complete. You will also see some prompts towards the end of the installation which you would need to answer.

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What if My Computer is Not on Windows 8?

In case your machine runs an older edition of Windows like Vista or Windows 7, you will first need to do some preliminary tasks like identifying if the system requirements for Windows 8.1 is met and if you are planning to “dual boot” Windows 8.1 with your old operating system, you might as well need to check if there is still enough hard disk space that is left to hold the new OS. Some other things that you need to prepare are as follows:

  • Be sure that your important files are saved in a reliable backup storage device or saved in a cloud storage account so they can be easily retrieved later on.
  • Keep a list of all the programs and apps that are currently installed on the old OS so you can easily identify and install them back after your machine gets upgraded to Windows 8.1.
  • Close all running programs and applications to avoid any interference during the installation process.
  • Since upgrading or installing Windows 8.1 takes some time, you will need to make sure that your computer or laptop is plugged in to a power source instead of just depending on batteries. Take note that any interruption like a sudden power off while installation is on going will cause serious damage to your computer.
  • To learn more about the system requirements that a laptop or PC should possess so Windows 8.1 can run in it, you can read our tutorial that lists all of them in detail.
  • If you are still in the stage of identifying the Windows 8.1 edition that would best fit your needs, you can find a complete description of all available editions in this tutorial that we have published recently.

The Upgrade Prompts That You Would Encounter

Now that you have learned some of the things that you need to prepare before delving into the process of installing Windows 8.1 into your computer or upgrading your machine to this latest operating system version from Microsoft, it is time to get into the prompts that you will meet along the way and learn how you should respond to them.

1. License Terms Agreement Prompt

The very first prompt that you will meet while on the process of installing Windows 8.1 into your computer is the one that shows the License Terms Agreement. This prompt contains a document that you can scroll over and stipulates the things that you need to agree with in installing Windows 8.1 into your computer.

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Most people really don’t bother that much when confronted by this prompt and don’t even read what it states but it would be very helpful on your part as a user if you read the terms that Microsoft has set which applies to all users so you can easily comprehend things and know what action to take in case a problem occurs in the future. Once you are done reading the terms, you can simply click the “I Accept” button which means that you have agreed with the terms stated and proceed on with the process.

2. Configure Your Default Settings

Another step that you will surely meet during Windows 8.1 installation is the one that will ask you how would you want to configure settings on your new Windows 8.1 operating system. There are two available settings (Customize and Express settings) and we would recommend that you choose “Express settings” so you can easily get everything in place without the need of going through a detailed list of settings to tweak.

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The Settings prompt that will appear during Windows 8.1 installation looks like the screenshot above and from here, you can see the list of settings that will automatically be configured. Just click the “Use express settings” button located at the bottom so you can proceed on with the next steps.

3. Sign in to Your Microsoft Account

The next step will now ask you to sign in to your Microsoft Account which will be used by the Windows 8.1 operating system so that all you settings as well as some other important files will be synced to your other Windows 8.1 devices at home. From here, just enter the password that is associated to your Microsoft Account but if you are not connected to the Internet, you can just follow the other step which will help you log in to a Local Account. To learn more about these types of accounts that you can use in your Windows 8.1 machine, you can read our tutorial that shows all the steps involved in creating both Microsoft and Local accounts.

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4. Choose a Method in Verifying Your Account

Now, for security purposes, Microsoft will ask you to verify your account and you have two choices in doing this. You can either send a verification code to your mobile phone via SMS or receive an email containing the code which you will need to enter into the box that you would find on the prompt.

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Be sure to enter the correct code so you can proceed to the next step. If you only have one computer and there is now way for you to open your email quickly to get the code, we suggest that you just send the code to your mobile phone for an easier and quicker access.

5. Turn OneDrive On or Off

The next prompt will then ask you whether you want to activate OneDrive or not. OneDrive is Microsoft’s cloud storage service which gives up to 15GB of online storage to Windows users. This free space can be used in storing your important files and keeping them away from any problem that might arise in the future that could corrupt them. Storing files into OneDrive will also allow you to access your favorite stuff even from other Windows 8.1 or Windows RT devices or even on other computers that runs an older edition of Windows.

6. Get to the New Start Screen

Once Windows 8.1 is completely installed on your computer, you will be redirected to the brand new feature called “Start Screen” and if you upgraded from Windows 8, you might notice some changes such as the “Messaging” app being removed and a button for power and search seating at the top-right corner of the screen just beside your account name and picture.

Upgrading Made a Lot Easier!

As you can see, upgrading to Windows 8.1 is quite easier compared to doing it in previous Windows versions. It also gives you access to a lot of other innovative features which are nowhere to be found in other Windows editions. Want to learn more about Windows 8.1? We have published much articles, tips, tricks and tutorials about this brand new operating system which will surely be of great help to you so feel free to dig a little bit into our article archives or search for appropriate topics using our article categories on the WindowsTechies.com homepage.