Windows XP first launched in 2001, which is eons ago when it comes to technology. Windows has gone through a handful of operating systems since then. If you're still running Windows XP, it's loftier fourth dimension that yous upgrade to Windows ten.

While many people besides have a fondness for Windows 7, there's no point moving from Windows XP to Windows 7. Go straight to Windows 10 because you will be able to relish new features, exist better protected confronting malicious threats, and benefit from greater software support.

Unfortunately, there's no straight upgrade path from Windows XP to Windows x. Nevertheless, the procedure to upgrade isn't too complicated. We're going to evidence you how to transition betwixt the two.

1. Cheque Your Hardware Compatibility

The commencement matter you need to do is cheque that your computer can run Windows x. In that location's no universal reply for this because information technology depends on the components in your system.

As detailed by Microsoft, the minimum arrangement requirements for Windows 10 are:

  • Processor: 1GHz
  • RAM: 1GB (32-fleck), 2GB (64-chip)
  • Storage: 32GB
  • Graphics: Compatible with DirectX nine or later with WDDM ane.0 driver
  • Resolution: 800 x 600

Bear in mind that these are minimum requirements. If yous have slow RAM or minimal storage space, you won't savor the full Windows 10 feel; your system will likely feel sluggish, and y'all won't be able to install many programs.

dxdiag

To check your current Windows XP arrangement'due south hardware:

  1. Press Windows key + R to open up Run.
  2. Input dxdiag and click OK.
  3. This volition launch the DirectX Diagnostic Tool, which details the components you take installed. You'll find the pertinent information on the System and Brandish tabs.

If y'all've had your Windows XP arrangement for a long time and never upgraded whatever of the parts, the chances are that you lot won't be able to run Windows x smoothly. Yous should likewise search your component manufacturer'southward website to ensure they even supply drivers to support Windows 10.

In near cases, y'all're better off ownership a new computer that comes with Windows x or upgrading the components in your existing machine.

2. Support Your Information

Hopefully, yous already know how of import it is to back upwards your data. You lot should be taking regular backups to protect against data loss.

Since there is no direct upgrade path from Windows XP to Windows ten, it means that you tin't retain your personal data and programs during the transition. It will completely wipe everything. Equally such, you demand to support your data and so manually restore it on Windows ten.

First, think nearly everything you demand to back up. In that location are diverse Windows files and folders you should e'er back up: your documents, media files, emails, game saves, browser bookmarks, and so on.

windows laptop backing up to the cloud

It might be worth cloning your entire organization with an ISO, alongside a separate backup of your personal data. This way, if you lot forget anything, then you can return to the ISO to restore it.

Next, decide what you lot're going to use to store your backup. This will depend primarily on how much data y'all have. You could employ a USB drive, an external hard drive, or even a cloud backup service.

When you lot're ready, begin the fill-in. If you're using software to practice this, it'll help you automate much of the work. Otherwise, manually re-create and paste your information from your Windows XP machine to your backup device.

iii. Install Windows x

Once you've confirmed your computer can handle the upgrade and you've backed upwardly all the data y'all desire to keep, it's time to install Windows x.

To begin, download the Windows x creation tool from Microsoft. Use this to create a Windows 10 installer, for which you'll need a blank USB with 8GB of space.

windows 10 installation media

One time downloaded, launch the programme:

  1. Read the license terms and click Accept.
  2. Select Create installation media (USB flash bulldoze, DVD or ISO file) for some other PC and click Next.
  3. Choose your required Language, Edition, and Compages, and then click Side by side.
  4. Select USB wink bulldoze and click Next.
  5. Cull your drive from the list and click Next.
  6. Follow the residuum of the sorcerer through.

For full support on how to consummate this, see our guide on how to create bootable media to install Windows.

Every bit an aside, you tin can however download the Windows seven ISO from Microsoft, if you're insistent on upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7. However, equally previously stated, nosotros don't recommend using this as old operating organisation.

In one case your Windows ten installation media is created, you lot need to tell your computer to boot from information technology. To do this, restart and enter BIOS. The central you press to enter the BIOS varies per system; you lot should see it displayed during system beginning-up, and information technology's commonly the Delete primal or a Function key.

Tap it until you enter the BIOS and then modify your boot device priority so that the installation media is outset. For more information on this, see our guide on how to modify the boot gild.

One time complete, you will be taken through Windows 10 installation wizard. If prompted, be sure to select that you desire to install a new re-create of Windows rather than an upgrade (which won't work).

You'll be asked to set your linguistic communication, name, and other settings. It might take a while for the installation to consummate, and then be prepared. In one case done, your arrangement should restart automatically and take yous into Windows 10.

four. Reinstate Your Data and Programs

Now you're on Windows 10, and you can reinstate your personal data. This is a case of manually moving everything from your backup to the relevant new locations in Windows 10.

ninite

Remember also to install your programs. Ninite is particularly good for this since you can bulk install lots of software with a few clicks.

Once you're all prepare, spend some time getting to know Windows 10. There's lots of new functionality that didn't exist in Windows XP. We've covered how to control all Windows 10 settings, which should help you go the system running how you like it.

Your Windows XP to Windows 10 Upgrade Is Consummate

Mission complete. You've successfully upgraded your system from Windows XP to Windows 10, away from the chunky blue aesthetics onto a sleeker and better protected operating arrangement.

If yous're missing Windows XP, there are some ways that y'all tin resurrect it on Windows 10, like downloading XP themes or running a virtual motorcar.

4 Means to Revive Windows XP on Windows ten

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Nearly The Author

Joe Keeley (868 Articles Published)

Joe was born with a keyboard in his hands and immediately started writing virtually engineering. He has a BA (Hons) in Business and is at present a total-time freelance author who enjoys making tech uncomplicated for everyone.

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