Windows XP commencement launched in 2001, which is eons ago when it comes to technology. Windows has gone through a handful of operating systems since then. If you're still running Windows XP, it'due south high fourth dimension that yous upgrade to Windows 10.

While many people also have a fondness for Windows 7, there's no point moving from Windows XP to Windows vii. Become straight to Windows 10 because you will exist able to enjoy new features, exist ameliorate protected confronting malicious threats, and benefit from greater software support.

Unfortunately, there's no directly upgrade path from Windows XP to Windows 10. Nonetheless, the procedure to upgrade isn't too complicated. Nosotros're going to testify you lot how to transition between the two.

1. Check Your Hardware Compatibility

The kickoff thing you lot need to do is check that your figurer tin can run Windows 10. There's no universal answer for this because it depends on the components in your system.

As detailed past Microsoft, the minimum organization requirements for Windows 10 are:

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

Comport in mind that these are minimum requirements. If you have tiresome RAM or minimal storage space, you lot won't savour the full Windows ten experience; your system will probable feel sluggish, and you won't be able to install many programs.

dxdiag

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

  1. Press Windows central + R to open Run.
  2. Input dxdiag and click OK.
  3. This will launch the DirectX Diagnostic Tool, which details the components you have installed. You'll find the pertinent information on the System and Brandish tabs.

If you lot've had your Windows XP system for a long time and never upgraded any of the parts, the chances are that you won't be able to run Windows 10 smoothly. You should also search your component manufacturer'due south website to ensure they even supply drivers to support Windows 10.

In near cases, you're better off buying a new figurer that comes with Windows 10 or upgrading the components in your existing motorcar.

2. Back Up Your Data

Hopefully, you already know how important information technology is to back up your data. You should be taking regular backups to protect confronting data loss.

Since at that place is no straight upgrade path from Windows XP to Windows 10, information technology means that you can't retain your personal data and programs during the transition. It volition completely wipe everything. As such, you demand to support your information and then manually restore information technology on Windows 10.

First, think about everything you lot need to back upwards. In that location are various Windows files and folders you should always support: your documents, media files, emails, game saves, browser bookmarks, and then on.

backup-windows-cloud

It might exist worth cloning your entire system with an ISO, alongside a split backup of your personal information. This fashion, if you forget anything, then you can return to the ISO to restore it.

Side by side, decide what yous're going to employ to store your backup. This will depend primarily on how much information you accept. Yous could use a USB drive, an external hard drive, or even a cloud backup service.

When you're ready, begin the backup. If you're using software to exercise this, it'll aid yous automate much of the piece of work. Otherwise, manually re-create and paste your data from your Windows XP motorcar to your backup device.

3. Install Windows x

Once you've confirmed your computer can handle the upgrade and you've backed upward all the data yous want to keep, information technology's fourth dimension to install Windows 10.

To begin, download the Windows x creation tool from Microsoft. Utilise this to create a Windows x installer, for which you lot'll demand a blank USB with 8GB of space.

windows 10 installation media

Once downloaded, launch the program:

  1. Read the license terms and click Have.
  2. Select Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD or ISO file) for another PC and click Next.
  3. Choose your required Language, Edition, and Compages, so click Next.
  4. Select USB flash drive and click Side by side.
  5. Cull your bulldoze from the list and click Next.
  6. Follow the rest of the wizard through.

For full back up on how to consummate this, see our guide on how to create bootable media to install Windows.

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

Once your Windows ten installation media is created, you need to tell your computer to boot from information technology. To practice this, restart and enter BIOS. The primal you press to enter the BIOS varies per system; you should see it displayed during arrangement start-upwardly, and it'southward usually the Delete primal or a Part central.

Tap it until you enter the BIOS and then change your kick device priority and then that the installation media is offset. For more information on this, see our guide on how to change the boot society.

Once complete, you will be taken through Windows ten installation wizard. If prompted, be sure to select that you desire to install a new copy of Windows rather than an upgrade (which won't piece of work).

You'll exist asked to set your linguistic communication, name, and other settings. It might take a while for the installation to complete, so be prepared. Once done, your system should restart automatically and take you lot into Windows 10.

4. Reinstate Your Data and Programs

At present you lot're on Windows x, and you can reinstate your personal data. This is a instance of manually moving everything from your backup to the relevant new locations in Windows 10.

ninite

Call up also to install your programs. Ninite is particularly good for this since yous tin can bulk install lots of software with a few clicks.

In one case you lot're all prepare, spend some time getting to know Windows x. There'southward lots of new functionality that didn't exist in Windows XP. Nosotros've covered how to command all Windows 10 settings, which should aid y'all go the organization running how you like it.

Your Windows XP to Windows ten Upgrade Is Complete

Mission complete. Yous've successfully upgraded your system from Windows XP to Windows 10, abroad from the chunky blue aesthetics onto a sleeker and better protected operating organization.

If you lot're missing Windows XP, there are some ways that you lot can resurrect it on Windows 10, similar downloading XP themes or running a virtual machine.

4 Ways to Revive Windows XP on Windows 10

Read Adjacent

Virtually The Author

Joe Keeley (899 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 total-fourth dimension freelance writer who enjoys making tech simple for anybody.

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