Deadline for free upgrade to Windows 10 is July 29, 2016
You're already an expert. Windows 10 is so familiar and easy to use, you'll instantly feel like an expert. The Start menu is back in an expanded form, and we transfer your pinned apps and favorites so they're ready to use.
It starts and continues quickly, has more built-in security to keep you well protected, and is designed to work with software and hardware you already have.
It combines the power of Windows 8 with Windows 7.Windows Insider.
Millions of people are already using Windows 10
The Windows Insider Program is a global community of fans who love Windows and want to help make it better. Insiders see the operating system in its early stages and play a role in shaping it. Their feedback has helped create the best Windows ever.
Learn more about being part of the Windows Insider community.
Specifications
They apply to a preliminary version of Windows 10 and are subject to change without notice.
System requirements
To upgrade to Windows 10 on your PC or tablet, the following is required.
Latest operating system: Make sure you are running the latest version, either Windows 7 SP1 or Windows 8.1 Update.
Not sure which version you're running? Check it out here.
Need to download the latest version? Click here to download Windows 7 SP1 or Windows 8.1 Update.
Processor: Processor or SoC of 1 GHz or faster
RAM: 1 GB (gigabyte) for 32-bit or 2 GB for 64-bit
Hard disk space: 16 GB for 32-bit operating system, 20 GB for 64-bit operating system
Graphics card: DirectX 9 or higher with WDDM 1.0 driver
Display: 1024 x 600
Important notes
The ability to upgrade a device depends not only on the system specification. Other factors include driver and firmware support, application compatibility and feature support, regardless of whether the device meets the minimum Windows 10 specification.
If your PC or tablet is currently running Windows 7 SP1 or Windows 8.1 Update, you can check if it is compliant by using "Check my PC" in the Get Windows 10 app.
Programs, files and settings are usually transferred as part of the upgrade. However, there may be certain programs or settings that are not transferred.
During the upgrade, Windows checks if your antivirus and antimalware subscription is up to date. Windows will remove the programs but keep your settings. After the upgrade, Windows installs the latest available version with the settings that were set before the upgrade. If your subscription is not up to date, the upgrade will activate Windows Defender.
Some programs provided to you by your OEM may be removed before the upgrade.
Certain third-party programs are scanned for program compatibility in the "Get Windows 10" app. If there is a known issue preventing the upgrade, a list of programs with known issues will be displayed. You can choose to accept, which will remove the programs from the system before the upgrade. Make sure to copy the list before you accept the program removal.
Features that are being phased out
If you have Windows 7 Home Premium, Windows 7 Professional, Windows 7 Ultimate, Windows 8 Pro with Media Center or Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center and you install Windows 10, Windows Media Center will be removed.
DVD playback requires separate playback software
Desktop gadgets in Windows 7 will be removed as part of the Windows 10 installation.
Windows 10 Home users automatically get updates from Windows Update.
7-Kabal, Minesweeper and Hearts that were pre-installed in Windows 7 will be removed as part of the Windows 10 upgrade installation. Microsoft has launched a version of 7 Solitaire and Minesweeper called "Microsoft Solitaire Collection" and "Microsoft Minesweeper".
If you have a USB drive, download the latest driver from Windows Update or from the manufacturer's website.
If you have Windows Live Essentials installed on your system, the OneDrive application is removed and replaced with the inbox version of OneDrive.
More requirements for using certain features
Cortana is currently only available in Windows 10 for the US, UK, China, France, Italy, Germany, France, Germany and Spain.
Speech recognition depends on the device's microphone. You get a better speech experience by having one:
High fidelity microphone array
Hardware driver with microphone setup shown
Windows Hello requires a specialized infrared camera for facial recognition or iris detection or a fingerprint reader that supports the Windows Biometric Framework.
Continuum is available in all Windows 10 versions. You just need to manually turn tablet mode on and off via Solution Center. Tablets and 2-in-1s with GPIO indicators or a laptop and slate indicator can be configured to switch to tablet mode automatically.
Music and video is streamed via Xbox Music or Xbox Video, which is available in certain countries and territories. You can find an updated list of countries and territories under Xbox on the Windows website.
Two-factor authentication requires the use of a PIN code, biometric device (fingerprint reader or infrared camera) or a phone with WiFi or Bluetooth capabilities.
The number of applications that can be pinned depends on the minimum resolution of the application.
To use touch, you need a tablet or display that supports multi-touch (more information)
A Microsoft account may be required for some features
Internet access (internet service provider may charge fees)
Secure boot requires firmware that supports UEFI v2.3.1 Errata B and has the Microsoft Windows Key Center in the UEFI signature database
