ARCHIVED: At IU, should I install or upgrade Windows?

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If you're unsure about putting a newer version of Windows on your computer, use the table here to help you decide.

Important:
  • Before proceeding with an install, check the Windows 8.1 Upgrade Assistant or the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor to ensure compatibility with your computer. Currently, there is no separate Windows 10 tool, but if your computer is compatible with Windows 8.x, it should also be compatible with Windows 10.
  • You should also check with your computer's manufacturer to make sure upgrading Windows does not result in a voided warranty, loss of service and support, or lack of drivers (software that tells Windows how to manage the hardware components, such as the sound card, video card, touchpad, and others). Also, check the Windows Compatibility Center.
OS currently installed on your computer
What you want to do Action
Windows 7, 8.x, or 10
Reinstall Windows (e.g., due to malware)
Windows 7 or 8.x
Perform a major version upgrade (e.g., Windows 7 to Windows 8.x or 10, Windows 8.x to Windows 10) and you don't want to risk issues that can occur from an upgrade. This will require reinstalling desktop apps.
Clean install
Windows 7 or 8.x
Upgrade to Windows 10, retaining your programs, apps, files and settings
Upgrade to Windows 10*
Lesser edition of Windows 8.x Upgrade to Windows 8.x Pro Add features*
Windows 7 or earlier
Upgrade to Windows 8.x or higher
Clean install
Lesser edition of Windows 7 (e.g., Home Basic)
Anytime Upgrade to Windows 7 to Windows 7 Ultimate
Upgrade installation*
Windows Vista or earlier Upgrade to Windows 7 or higher Clean install
Mac OS X
Install Windows from IU in addition to the existing Mac OS
Install Boot Camp
Linux Install Windows from IU Additional purchase required
None (blank hard drive) Install Windows from IU Additional purchase required

*You should only upgrade from a lesser version of Windows to a more feature-rich variety of the same version of Windows (e.g., from Windows 8.x to Windows 8.x Pro, or from Windows 7 Home Basic to Windows 7 Ultimate). If you're doing a major version upgrade (e.g., Windows 7 to Windows 8), do a clean installation instead.

This is document ayzr in the Knowledge Base.
Last modified on 2018-01-18 16:40:03.