Appendix A. Installing & Upgrading to Windows 10
If your computer came with Windows 10 already on it, you can skip this appendix—for now. But if you’re running an earlier version of Windows and want to savor the Win10 experience, this appendix describes how to install the new operating system on your computer.
Before You Begin
Most of the work involved in installing Windows 10 takes place well before the installation software even approaches your computer. You have some research and planning to do, especially if you want to avoid a weekend in Upgrade Hell.
For example, you must ensure that your PC is beefy enough to handle Windows 10. You also have to decide which of two types of installation you want to perform: an upgrade or a clean install. (More on this in a moment.)
If you opt for the clean install (a process that involves erasing your drive completely), you must back up your data. Finally, you have to gather all the software bits and pieces you need in order to perform the installation.
Hardware Requirements
Windows 10 runs on all the same computers as Windows 7 and 8 did; its system requirements are no steeper. Your machine needs a 1-gigahertz processor (or faster), 2 gigabytes of memory (or more), and 20 gigabytes of free hard drive space (or more).
Microsoft also points out, helpfully, that the touchscreen features require a touchscreen.
What You Have to Lose
Upgrading to Windows 10 from an earlier version doesn’t necessarily mean that all your stuff will survive the journey. Here’s ...
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