As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. Even the not-so-good ones like Windows Vista.
Microsoft is pulling the plug on Windows Vista on April 11, finally saying goodbye to the 10-year-old unpopular Windows version. It means Windows will severe important lifelines like security updates, bug fixes, support options, or online technical content updates.
Of course, you can still use Vista but you expose your computer to vulnerabilities like viruses and malware. So why risk when you can upgrade to more stable versions like Windows 10?
So here are some steps how to upgrade your Vista to Windows 10:
Hardware Check
Before you purchase Windows 10, your computer's specs should be able to support it. The requirements aren't that high, but if your computer is still using the Jurassic single-core CPU, then throw that away; buy a new PC (which of course, almost always comes with preinstalled Windows 10). That, or upgrade your specs first.
The requirements to smoothly run Windows 10 are:
• CPU / Processor: 1 GHz or faster
• RAM: 1 GB for 32-bit / 2 GB for 64-bit
• Hard Disk Space: 16 GB for 32-bit / 20 GB for 64-bit
• GPU / GFX card: DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver
• Display: 800x600 minimum
Version Check
How do you know if you're still running Windows Vista? Well, you can always look at the logo during boot, or you can double-check your version in two easy steps.
One, click START button and then type winver inside the search box. Two, double-click winver in the search results to open About Windows box, where it will show you the current Windows you have.
Back Up Your Files
It is the rule of the modern world: always have a backup, including computer files. Sometimes, something goes wrong and your years of digital memories and documents can disappear into the digital realm. To prevent this techno-agony, make sure you back up your files.
You can get an External Hard Drive to save your important files. They come in two forms: the regular passport HDD, or the more expensive solid state drive or SSD. Your choice.
Another way is to save on the cloud. You can store your files online via cloud like Microsoft OneDrive or Google Drive.
You can also partition your hard drive to keep your old files in an old drive, but it is not recommended especially if you're doing a reformat / clean installation of your hard drive when you install Windows 10.
Get Windows 10
So, everything good? Now get your version of Windows 10.
You can purchase a Windows 10 installation copy from the Windows Store. You can buy a digital copy (which you can download). Or if you prefer something you can hold, Microsoft offers a USB Flash Drive installer with free shipping (delivery time of 3-7 days).
Install Windows 10
There's no need to wipe your old version of Vista or wipe clean your HD because the installation will do it for you. Before you install Windows 10, make you sure you have your updated drivers (sound, network card, etc.) so you can install them afterwards.
Simply run the Windows 10 installation exe and the installer will guide you every step of the way. You can follow Microsoft's instructions online for more details
Voila, enjoy your life post-Vista and say hello to Windows 10!
