System Requirements
In many ways, Windows 8 is a radical departure from the norm - an app store, Modern UI and ARM support are all testament to that - but underneath these shiny new additions, Windows 8 retains the solid core of Windows 7.
Knowing that the groundwork behind both operating systems is the same, it's no surprise to find that the minimum system requirements are identical, too.
Windows 8 |
Windows 7 |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
32-bit |
64-bit |
32-bit |
64-bit |
|
| Processor | 1GHz 32-bit processor |
1GHz 64-bit processor |
1GHz 32-bit processor |
1GHz 64-bit processor |
| Memory | 1GB |
2GB |
1GB |
2GB |
| Disk Space | 16GB |
20GB |
16GB |
20GB |
| Graphics | DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM driver |
DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM driver |
DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM driver |
DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM driver |
Microsoft's minimum requirements state that any system capable of running Windows 7 will happily run Windows 8, but there are a few optional requirements worth bearing in mind. You'll need a touchscreen to make optimum use of the new Windows 8 interface, obviously, but an Internet connection is also essential to many of the web-connected apps, and a minimum screen resolution of 1,366x768 is needed to retain full app functionality.
Though Windows 8 installs on systems with a lower resolution, anything less than 1,366x768 results in the loss of 'snap' functionality - a feature which allows for apps to be positioned side by side. As a result, many of the low-cost, low-resolution netbooks that championed the arrival of Windows 7 are unable to make full use of the Windows 8 feature set.
Upgrading
Our recommendation when installing a new version of Windows is to carry out a clean install, which ensures an optimal experience and a clutter-free migration to a new operating system. However, there are plenty of users who need to retain their existing files and applications, so Microsoft continues to offer a range of upgrade paths.
Consumers running Windows XP are able to upgrade to Windows 8 and keep personal files intact, while Windows Vista users are able to upgrade to Windows 8 and preserve both system settings and personal files. Windows 7 users, meanwhile, get the fully-featured experience and are able to carry out an in-place upgrade to Windows 8 that retains system settings, personal files and applications.
Consumer Upgrade Paths: Windows 7 to Windows 8 |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
Upgrade to Windows RT |
Upgrade to Windows 8 |
Upgrade to Windows 8 Pro |
|
| Windows 7 Ultimate | No |
No |
Yes |
| Windows 7 Professional | No |
No |
Yes |
| Windows 7 Home Premium | No |
Yes |
Yes |
| Windows 7 Home Basic | No |
Yes |
Yes |
| Windows 7 Starter | No |
Yes |
Yes |
An upgrade path is available for almost every Windows user, but how much you can carry across to Windows 8 depends entirely on which version of Microsoft's OS you're coming from. It's worth noting, also, that certain editions of Windows 7 can only be upgraded to certain editions of Windows 8, as detailed in the table above.