Windows 10 update options for laptop

dx052

I have a Dell XPS laptop which is running Windows 8 OS, I am looking to update to Windows 10 so I can some Windows 10 supported software. Looking online I am getting options for a licence only or a usb drive which is more expensive. What would be the best option for this purchase? I have a laptop and a desktop to put it on.

almillar

If you've got a proper licence for Windows 8, it should cover you to install Windows 10. I did this recently on a netbook with Windows 7 Starter on it. Install Windows 10 fresh, insert your Windows 8 Key at the start of installation, and it should activate when installed and connected to the net.
You can download an installation tool, which will then download the latest Windows 10 and can make a USB installation disk (8GB at least, and choose either 64 bit or 32 bit), or burn a DVD (slower!).

molerat

As above, MS would like you to believe that the free option ended over a year ago and now paying for W10 is the only way but if you have a fully licensed W7 or W8 you can still upgrade free. https://www.zdnet.com/article/heres-how-you-can-still-get-a-free-windows-10-upgrade/

dx052

I will have to check laptop when I get home. The operating system was pre installed at time of purchase.

dx052

I tried to download the OS direct from microsoft and it went all the way to the end and then said it failed and had to revert back to Windows 8. I don't want to spend to much time on this so would prefer and recommendations to purchase the OS

elsien

dx052 wrote: »

I tried to download the OS direct from microsoft and it went all the way to the end and then said it failed and had to revert back to Windows 8. I don't want to spend to much time on this so would prefer and recommendations to purchase the OS

Mine did that the first time then for some reason worked fine on the second attempt.

EveryWhere

dx052 wrote: »

I tried to download the OS direct from microsoft and it went all the way to the end and then said it failed and had to revert back to Windows 8. I don't want to spend to much time on this so would prefer and recommendations to purchase the OS

You will be installing the same software if you purchase it.So could fail in exactly the same way.
Many prefer a clean install. Better still, a clean install to SSD.
Perhaps better to download and create the media an upgrade that way, instead of running the upgrade immediately.

that

check you have enough free space on the drive too.

Would also say do a chkdsk before installing, as a corruption prevented an installation once