Windows XP first launched in 2001, which is eons ago when it comes to technology. Windows has gone direct a smattering of operational systems since then. If you're still running Windows XP, it's high time that you promote to Windows 10.

While many people also have a fondness for Windows 7, in that respect's no stage moving from Windows XP to Windows 7. Go straight to Windows 10 because you will be capable to enjoy new features, live better secure against malicious threats, and benefit from greater software support.

Unfortunately, at that place's no plainspoken climb path from Windows XP to Windows 10. Nevertheless, the outgrowth to upgrade isn't too complicated. We're going to show you how to transition between the two.

1. Check Your Hardware Compatibility

The first thing you need to do is cheque that your computing device can run Windows 10. On that point's zero universal answer for this because it depends on the components in your system.

As detailed past Microsoft, the borderline system requirements for Windows 10 are:

  • Processor: 1GHz
  • Random access memory: 1GB (32-bit), 2GB (64-bit)
  • Storage: 32GB
  • Graphics: Compatible with DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver
  • Resolution: 800 x 600

Mind that these are marginal requirements. If you have long-play RAM or minimal storage blank space, you won't enjoy the full Windows 10 experience; your organization will presumptive feel inert, and you won't be able to install umteen programs.

To check your electric current Windows XP system's hardware:

  1. Press Windows tonality + R to open Campaign.
  2. Input dxdiag and click OK.
  3. This wish launch the DirectX Diagnostic Tool, which details the components you have installed. You'll find the to the point entropy happening the System and Display tabs.

If you've had your Windows XP system for a long time and never upgraded any of the parts, the chances are that you won't beryllium able to run Windows 10 smoothly. You should also look for your component manufacturer's website to ensure they straight supply drivers to subscribe Windows 10.

In most cases, you're better off buying a new estimator that comes with Windows 10 OR upgrading the components in your existing machine.

2. Clog up Your Data

Hopefully, you already know how important IT is to back up your information. You should be taking rule-governed backups to protect against data loss.

Since there is no primary climb path from Windows XP to Windows 10, it agency that you arse't hold back your personal data and programs during the transition. Information technology will completely wipe everything. Per se, you postulate to support your data and so manually repair information technology on Windows 10.

First, recall near everything you require to choke off. In that respect are various Windows files and folders you should always spinal column skyward: your documents, media files, emails, game saves, web browser bookmarks, etcetera.

IT might be worth cloning your entire system with an ISO, alongside a separate backup of your ain data. This path, if you leave anything, then you throne return to the ISO to restore information technology.

Next, decide what you're going away to use to store your support. This testament depend primarily on how much data you have. You could utilisation a USB drive, an extraneous hard drive, operating theatre even a cloud backup service of process.

When you're ready, begin the backup. If you're using software to Doctor of Osteopathy this, it'll help you automate much of the work. Otherwise, manually copy and spread your information from your Windows XP machine to your backup device.

3. Install Windows 10

Once you've confirmed your computer can palm the acclivity and you've backed every the information you desire to dungeon, it's metre to install Windows 10.

To begin, download the Windows 10 creation joyride from Microsoft. Use this to create a Windows 10 installer, for which you'll involve a blank USB with 8GB of space.

Once downloaded, found the program:

  1. Interpret the license terms and click Accept.
  2. Select Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD or ISO file) for another Microcomputer and click Next.
  3. Choose your required Language, Variation, and Architecture, then click Next.
  4. Take USB flash drive and penetrate Next.
  5. Choose your drive from the list and click Following.
  6. Follow the rest of the wizard through.

For stentorian support on how to complete this, see our channelize on how to make up bootable media to install Windows.

A an aside, you can still download the Windows 7 ISO from Microsoft, if you're insistent on upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7. However, equally previously stated, we father't recommend using this equally old operating system.

Once your Windows 10 installation media is created, you need to tell your computer additionally from it. To ut this, restart and enter BIOS. The key fruit you press to enter the BIOS varies per system; you should see it displayed during organization start out-up, and it's ordinarily the Delete discover or a Function key.

Tap it until you enter the BIOS and then change your boot device priority so that the induction media is first. For more information on this, examine our guide how to change iron boot order.

Once dead, you leave be taken through and through Windows 10 installation wizard. If prompted, be sure to select that you want to install a raw copy of Windows kinda than an upgrade (which won't workplace).

You'll be asked to set your language, name, and another settings. Information technology might require a while for the installation to complete, so be prepared. Once through with, your organisation should restart automatically and take you into Windows 10.

4. Restore Your Data and Programs

Now you're on Windows 10, and you can reinstate your individualised data. This is a case of manually moving everything from your backup to the relevant refreshing locations in Windows 10.

Remember also to install your programs. Ninite is in particular good for this since you can bulk install oodles of software with a few clicks.

Once you're all raise, spend some time getting to know Windows 10. There's lots of new functionality that didn't exist in Windows XP. We've covered how to hold in every Windows 10 settings, which should assistance you get the organisation running how you like it.

Your Windows XP to Windows 10 Upgrade Is Full-scale

Missionary station complete. You've successfully upgraded your system from Windows XP to Windows 10, away from the chunky blue esthetics onto a sleeker and better protected operating system.

If you're missing Windows XP, there are some slipway that you can resurrect it on Windows 10, like downloading XP themes Beaver State running a virtual automobile.

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About The Author

Joe Keeley (792 Articles Published)

Joe was born with a keyboard in his hands and immediately started writing about technology. He has a BA (Hons) in Business and is now a regular freelance writer World Health Organization enjoys devising tech simple for everyone.

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