must i have 8.1 installed in order to get Win. 10

[edythe]

currently have Win 8 - i know i could update to 8.1 but is it a requirement to have 8.1 in place inorder to be able to download and install the new upcoming Win. 10 ... thanks in advance

 

[pparks1]

Nope, you can upgrade from 7 and up.

 

[KYHI]

Actually - I do believe you must have 8.1 ( I seem to recall having read)

 

[edythe]

Nope, you can upgrade from 7 and up.

----------
Thank you for replying ...i'm also assuming that 'support' for Win 8 will end as it did for XP?

 

[David Bailey]

This may be of interest---

Windows 10 Is Almost Here: Here

This too---

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/gp/lifecycle-windows81-faq

 

[edythe]

This may be of interest---
Windows 10 Is Almost Here: Here
This too---
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/gp/lifecycle-windows81-faq

------------------------------
I hate to sound 'thick' but i tried to read and comprehend what was being said ...not sure i totally understood it all ...it mentioned updating for Win 7 & 8 users but didn't come out and say you must update first to 8.1, have it in place and 'then' you can install 10 .... unless i missed something ...

 

[Fury8]

Nope, you can upgrade from 7 and up.

----------
Thank you for replying ...i'm also assuming that 'support' for Win 8 will end as it did for XP?

End of support
Windows 8 & Windows 8.1 January 9, 2018
Windows lifecycle fact sheet - Windows Help

 

[pparks1]

There are direct upgrade paths from 7, 8 and 8.1.
Windows 10 Is Almost Here: Here

As far as support for previous versions of the OS, XP was supported for a very long time.

Here is the link that shows Vista will have support until April 11, 2017, Windows 7 has support until Jan 14, 2020 and Windows 8 has support until Jan 10, 2023.
Windows lifecycle fact sheet - Windows Help

 

[pparks1]

End of support
Windows 8 & Windows 8.1 January 9, 2018
Windows lifecycle fact sheet - Windows Help

That is end of maintstream support. Meaning that after that date, Microsoft won't be adding in any new features into the OS. This page describes the differences between mainstream and extended support: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/gp/lifepolicy

Extended support is what most people consider "still supported" Microsoft will be releasing windows updates patches for security issues until Jan of 2023 for Windows 8

 

[David Bailey]

This may be of interest---
Windows 10 Is Almost Here: Here
This too---
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/gp/lifecycle-windows81-faq

------------------------------
I hate to sound 'thick' but i tried to read and comprehend what was being said ...not sure i totally understood it all ...it mentioned updating for Win 7 & 8 users but didn't come out and say you must update first to 8.1, have it in place and 'then' you can install 10 .... unless i missed something ...

Maybe this quote makes things clearer.
If not, Google is very useful.---

It’s official, folks: Windows 10 will be a free upgrade for existing Windows users—as long as you claim it quickly.Kicking off the consumer-focused Windows 10 event in Redmond on Tuesday, January 21, Microsoft operating system chief Terry Myerson announced that current users of Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows Phone 8.1 will be able to upgrade to the new operating system for free as long as they do so within one year of Windows 10's launch. Once you’ve claimed the upgrade, it's permanent, and Microsoft will keep you updated for the supported lifetime of the device.
“We think of Windows 10 as a service,” Myerson said.
UPDATE: Windows 10 will be available to download July 29, and existing Windows 7 and 8 users can "reserve" their copy today.
Here's the fine print from the Windows 10 page on Microsoft's site:
“It is our intent that most of these devices will qualify, but some hardware/software requirements apply and feature availability may vary by device. Devices must be connected to the internet and have Windows Update enabled. ISP fees may apply. Windows 7 SP1 and Windows 8.1 Update required. Some editions are excluded: Windows 7 Enterprise, Windows 8/8.1 Enterprise, and Windows RT/RT 8.1. Active Software Assurance customers in volume licensing have the benefit to upgrade to Windows 10 Enterprise outside of this offer. We will be sharing more information and additional offer terms in coming months.”

 

[edythe]

from Edythe: i tried - i really did -to understand what you sent but it's my problem ! LOL - i guess i should ask: what is the worst that could happen if i don't get Win 10 and stay with 8 or go so far as to at least upgrade to 8.1 ? (eventually)... thanks so much tho for trying to help...

This may be of interest---
Windows 10 Is Almost Here: Here
This too---
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/gp/lifecycle-windows81-faq

------------------------------
I hate to sound 'thick' but i tried to read and comprehend what was being said ...not sure i totally understood it all ...it mentioned updating for Win 7 & 8 users but didn't come out and say you must update first to 8.1, have it in place and 'then' you can install 10 .... unless i missed something ...

Maybe this quote makes things clearer.
If not, Google is very useful.---

It’s official, folks: Windows 10 will be a free upgrade for existing Windows users—as long as you claim it quickly.Kicking off the consumer-focused Windows 10 event in Redmond on Tuesday, January 21, Microsoft operating system chief Terry Myerson announced that current users of Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows Phone 8.1 will be able to upgrade to the new operating system for free as long as they do so within one year of Windows 10's launch. Once you’ve claimed the upgrade, it's permanent, and Microsoft will keep you updated for the supported lifetime of the device.
“We think of Windows 10 as a service,” Myerson said.
UPDATE: Windows 10 will be available to download July 29, and existing Windows 7 and 8 users can "reserve" their copy today.
Here's the fine print from the Windows 10 page on Microsoft's site:
“It is our intent that most of these devices will qualify, but some hardware/software requirements apply and feature availability may vary by device. Devices must be connected to the internet and have Windows Update enabled. ISP fees may apply. Windows 7 SP1 and Windows 8.1 Update required. Some editions are excluded: Windows 7 Enterprise, Windows 8/8.1 Enterprise, and Windows RT/RT 8.1. Active Software Assurance customers in volume licensing have the benefit to upgrade to Windows 10 Enterprise outside of this offer. We will be sharing more information and additional offer terms in coming months.”

 

[pparks1]

If you had to upgrade from 7 to 8 first, then the upgrade would NOT be free as the upgrade to Windows 8 is not currently free. From what I have read, the link to upgrade will be present right in Windows 7 via Windows Update.

This link shows direct upgrades from 7 to 10
Here's how Windows 10 upgrade paths will work | PCWorld

Note: It does show that you cannot go form 8 to 10 directly, you have to go to 8.1 first and then to 10. but you can go from 7 directly to 10.

 

[KYHI]

Windows 7 SP1 and Windows 8.1 Update required. Some editions are excluded: Windows 7 Enterprise, Windows 8/8.1 Enterprise, and Windows RT/RT 8.1.

 

[David Bailey]

I have 8.1 Pro-----Paid money for it.
Got this in my tray---



Got this in Windows Update---



Maybe sign up for the Insider program will help---

https://insider.windows.com/

 

[alphanumeric]

To do the free upgrade to Windows 10 through Windows update, you must have Windows 7with sp1 or Windows 8.1. If you are running Windows 8.0 you need an ISO to make install media to do the upgrade to Windows 10. Microsoft Reveals Windows 10 Upgrade Path, Confirms Windows RT Won’t Be Receiving Windows 10

 

[edythe]

To do the free upgrade to Windows 10 through Windows update, you must have Windows 7with sp1 or Windows 8.1. If you are running Windows 8.0 you need an ISO to make install media to do the upgrade to Windows 10. Microsoft Reveals Windows 10 Upgrade Path, Confirms Windows RT Won’t Be Receiving Windows 10

----------------------------
I don't have win 8.1 yet - still with Win 8 so i undertand i must have 8.1 to get 10 and while still using '8' i can't getKB 3035583... do i have that right ? thanks

 

[alphanumeric]

You can upgrade to 10 from Windows 8.0, you just can't upgrade online. I don't know if that excludes you from the free upgrade though. All I can tell you is you'll need to download the ISO and create install media to do the upgrade. Is there a reason why you haven't upgraded to 8.1? IMHO its much better than 8.0 and also a free upgrade.

 

[edythe]

You can upgrade to 10 from Windows 8.0, you just can't upgrade online. I don't know if that excludes you from the free upgrade though. All I can tell you is you'll need to download the ISO and create install media to do the upgrade. Is there a reason why you haven't upgraded to 8.1? IMHO its much better than 8.0 and also a free upgrade.

-----------------
i haven't upgraded to 8.1 because i'm 'chicken' - LOL - don't know if i have all ''pre-requesites' since i'm not auto-updating - i get reminded - i check the updates/ read description and choose what i want ...many i research (''more information'') seem things i don't need i.e. ''language' upate, etc. there is one for 'auto' update to Win 8.1...i didn't want that ...i wanted to decide myself when to do this update. Went to ''store'' and the update to 8.1 is there ...think i read it wouldn't be available in the store if i wasn't up-to-date with current required/recommended updates, if that's true... i'm sure i should do 'gymnastics' i.e. error-check/defrag/disc clean/run a.v. updates before i'd do the 8.1 upgrade... just 'lazy' ..

 

[alphanumeric]

Ok, I was just curious. Some have had issues where the upgrade failed for some reason. You can get Windows 8.1 install media here to clean install with. Create installation media for Windows 8.1 - Windows Help It will read and use Windows 8.0 keys and 8.1 keys. Even OEM embedded keys. Verified it myself on my laptop. I'm not saying do it, just giving you options to think about.

 

[edythe]

Ok, I was just curious. Some have had issues where the upgrade failed for some reason. You can get Windows 8.1 install media here to clean install with. Create installation media for Windows 8.1 - Windows Help It will read and use Windows 8.0 keys and 8.1 keys. Even OEM embedded keys. Verified it myself on my laptop. I'm not saying do it, just giving you options to think about.

-----------
thjanks so much - read the article -quickly - have to really 'study it' ...i have 858 GB'S ...AND NEED 3850 mb for Win 8.1 update ...is that enough ? also unpinned from 'start' the apps i had on desktop i.e. google map, etc. and a few others - oh boy am i nervous over all of this ... i will be making a house-move in 2 months and may need this machine - so i'll wait until i'm re-hooked before trying to install win 8.1.... One question: stated to turn off Anti Virus ...i have a ''security-suite' by McAfee - any 'danger' during download of 8.1 without virus protection? i will not be using the internet ...not that important that i 'keep working' while download takes place - will not have any programs open except the download... thanks again !