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

edythe

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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
 

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    Windows 8 (plain '8')
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Nope, you can upgrade from 7 and up.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
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    23" Acer x233H
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    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
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    Corsair 620HX modular
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    Antec P182
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    stock
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    ABS M1 Mechanical
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    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
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    15/2 cable modem
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Actually - I do believe you must have 8.1 ( I seem to recall having read)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 3.1 > Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS 8700
    CPU
    I7
    Memory
    24 GB
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?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 (plain '8')
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    PC/Desktop
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    Lenovo
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    CHROME & /OR AOL
    Antivirus
    McAfee ISS
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    SuperAntiSpyWare/MalewareBytes

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Gateway
    CPU
    AMD K140 Cores 2 Threads 2 Name AMD K140 Package Socket FT1 BGA Technology 40nm
    Motherboard
    Manufacturer Gateway Model SX2110G (P0)
    Memory
    Type DDR3 Size 8192 MBytes DRAM Frequency 532.3 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics
    Sound Card
    AMD High Definition Audio Device Realtek High Definition Audio USB Audio Device
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Name 1950W on AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x76
    Screen Resolution
    Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x768 pixels
    Hard Drives
    AMD K140
    Cores 2
    Threads 2
    Name AMD K140
    Package Socket FT1 BGA
    Technology 40nm
    Specification AMD E1-1200 APU with Radeon HD Graphics
    Family F
    Extended Family 14
    Model 2
    Extended Model 2
    Stepping 0
    Revision ON-C0
    Instruction
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    Opera 24.0
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    Avast Internet Security
------------------------------
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 ...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 (plain '8')
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo
    Browser
    CHROME & /OR AOL
    Antivirus
    McAfee ISS
    Other Info
    SuperAntiSpyWare/MalewareBytes
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
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
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
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
------------------------------
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.”
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Gateway
    CPU
    AMD K140 Cores 2 Threads 2 Name AMD K140 Package Socket FT1 BGA Technology 40nm
    Motherboard
    Manufacturer Gateway Model SX2110G (P0)
    Memory
    Type DDR3 Size 8192 MBytes DRAM Frequency 532.3 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics
    Sound Card
    AMD High Definition Audio Device Realtek High Definition Audio USB Audio Device
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Name 1950W on AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x76
    Screen Resolution
    Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x768 pixels
    Hard Drives
    AMD K140
    Cores 2
    Threads 2
    Name AMD K140
    Package Socket FT1 BGA
    Technology 40nm
    Specification AMD E1-1200 APU with Radeon HD Graphics
    Family F
    Extended Family 14
    Model 2
    Extended Model 2
    Stepping 0
    Revision ON-C0
    Instruction
    Browser
    Opera 24.0
    Antivirus
    Avast Internet Security
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...


------------------------------
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.”
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 (plain '8')
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo
    Browser
    CHROME & /OR AOL
    Antivirus
    McAfee ISS
    Other Info
    SuperAntiSpyWare/MalewareBytes
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.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
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.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 3.1 > Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS 8700
    CPU
    I7
    Memory
    24 GB
I have 8.1 Pro-----Paid money for it.
Got this in my tray---

screenshot_272.jpg

Got this in Windows Update---

screenshot_272.jpg

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

https://insider.windows.com/
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Gateway
    CPU
    AMD K140 Cores 2 Threads 2 Name AMD K140 Package Socket FT1 BGA Technology 40nm
    Motherboard
    Manufacturer Gateway Model SX2110G (P0)
    Memory
    Type DDR3 Size 8192 MBytes DRAM Frequency 532.3 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics
    Sound Card
    AMD High Definition Audio Device Realtek High Definition Audio USB Audio Device
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Name 1950W on AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x76
    Screen Resolution
    Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x768 pixels
    Hard Drives
    AMD K140
    Cores 2
    Threads 2
    Name AMD K140
    Package Socket FT1 BGA
    Technology 40nm
    Specification AMD E1-1200 APU with Radeon HD Graphics
    Family F
    Extended Family 14
    Model 2
    Extended Model 2
    Stepping 0
    Revision ON-C0
    Instruction
    Browser
    Opera 24.0
    Antivirus
    Avast Internet Security

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Education 64 Bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X4 980 Black Edition Deneb 3.7GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS M4N68T-M V2 µATX Motherboard
    Memory
    8GB 4GBx2 Kingston PC10600 DDR3 1333 Memory
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA Geforce GT640 2 Gig DDR3 PCIe
    Sound Card
    VIA VT1708s High Definition Audio 8-channel Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" LG E2242 1080p and 2 19" I-INC AG191D
    Screen Resolution
    1280x1024 - 1920x1080 - 1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    Crucial MX100 256 GB SSD and 500 GB WD Blue SATA
    PSU
    Thermaltake TR 620
    Case
    Power Up Black ATX Mid-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Stock heatsink fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless K350 Wave
    Mouse
    Logitech M570 Trackball and T650 TouchPad
    Internet Speed
    80 Mbps Down 30 Mbps Up
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    HP DVD1040e Lightscribe - External USB2
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
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 (plain '8')
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo
    Browser
    CHROME & /OR AOL
    Antivirus
    McAfee ISS
    Other Info
    SuperAntiSpyWare/MalewareBytes
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.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Education 64 Bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X4 980 Black Edition Deneb 3.7GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS M4N68T-M V2 µATX Motherboard
    Memory
    8GB 4GBx2 Kingston PC10600 DDR3 1333 Memory
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA Geforce GT640 2 Gig DDR3 PCIe
    Sound Card
    VIA VT1708s High Definition Audio 8-channel Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" LG E2242 1080p and 2 19" I-INC AG191D
    Screen Resolution
    1280x1024 - 1920x1080 - 1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    Crucial MX100 256 GB SSD and 500 GB WD Blue SATA
    PSU
    Thermaltake TR 620
    Case
    Power Up Black ATX Mid-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Stock heatsink fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless K350 Wave
    Mouse
    Logitech M570 Trackball and T650 TouchPad
    Internet Speed
    80 Mbps Down 30 Mbps Up
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    HP DVD1040e Lightscribe - External USB2
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' ..
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 (plain '8')
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo
    Browser
    CHROME & /OR AOL
    Antivirus
    McAfee ISS
    Other Info
    SuperAntiSpyWare/MalewareBytes
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.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Education 64 Bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X4 980 Black Edition Deneb 3.7GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS M4N68T-M V2 µATX Motherboard
    Memory
    8GB 4GBx2 Kingston PC10600 DDR3 1333 Memory
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA Geforce GT640 2 Gig DDR3 PCIe
    Sound Card
    VIA VT1708s High Definition Audio 8-channel Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" LG E2242 1080p and 2 19" I-INC AG191D
    Screen Resolution
    1280x1024 - 1920x1080 - 1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    Crucial MX100 256 GB SSD and 500 GB WD Blue SATA
    PSU
    Thermaltake TR 620
    Case
    Power Up Black ATX Mid-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Stock heatsink fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless K350 Wave
    Mouse
    Logitech M570 Trackball and T650 TouchPad
    Internet Speed
    80 Mbps Down 30 Mbps Up
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    HP DVD1040e Lightscribe - External USB2
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 !
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 (plain '8')
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo
    Browser
    CHROME & /OR AOL
    Antivirus
    McAfee ISS
    Other Info
    SuperAntiSpyWare/MalewareBytes
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