Upgrade Assistant: FAQ
Applies to Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1
Upgrade Assistant is a free download that scans your PC, desktop apps, and connected devices to see if they'll work with a later version of Windows, and then provides a free compatibility report. Depending on the version of Windows you're running, you can also use Upgrade Assistant to buy, download, and install Windows online.
If you're running Windows 7, tap or click Download Windows 8.1 Upgrade Assistant to get a compatibility report, and then you'll see optional steps to buy, download, and install Windows 8.1. For more info, see Upgrade to Windows 8.1 from Windows 7.
If you're running Windows 8, tap or click Download Windows 8.1 Upgrade Assistant to check compatibility, and then you'll be redirected to the Windows Store for the free update to Windows 8.1. For more info, see Update to Windows 8.1 from Windows 8.
Make sure all devices like printers and monitors are connected to your PC and turned on before you run Upgrade Assistant. If you want to check the compatibility of a device (or desktop app) before buying it, go to the Windows Compatibility Center.
Download Windows 8.1 Upgrade Assistant
If you're running Windows XP or Windows Vista, tap or click Download Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant to check if your PC meets the system requirements for Windows 8, which are nearly the same as the requirements for Windows 8.1. The option to buy, download, and install Windows 8 isn't available in most countries and regions. For more info, see Upgrade to Windows 8.1 from Windows Vista or Windows XP.
Download Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant
Notes
Depending on your Internet connection, it might take several minutes to install Upgrade Assistant.
Windows 8.1 Upgrade Assistant isn't supported for Windows XP or Windows Vista. For more info, see Upgrade to Windows 8.1 from Windows Vista or Windows XP.
Upgrade Assistant isn't supported for Windows RT or Windows RT 8.1. To check the compatibility of devices and apps, go to the Windows Compatibility Center.
You need to have Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) installed to use Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant. For more info, go to the Service Pack and Update Center.
To learn more about how we use your info, read the Windows 8.1 Upgrade Assistant and Setup privacy statement or Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant and Windows 8 Setup privacy statement.
Show all
What does Upgrade Assistant do?
In what countries or regions can I buy Windows using Upgrade Assistant?
What payment methods are available in Upgrade Assistant?
What currencies are available?
Are pre-paid debit cards accepted?
What if the download stops or is interrupted in Upgrade Assistant?
What do I do if I see an error message that says "We can't connect right now"?
What is the approximate download time?
Need more help?
See all support pages for install, upgrade, & activate.
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