Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant

by Microsoft Corporation for Windows 7

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Make sure your PC is ready for Windows 8

Windows 8 is a relatively new operating system that comes with unique system requirements. But, while it is possible to download it regardless of requirements, not all systems can handle its technical and hardware demands. Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant is a utility software that makes sure that your system is equipped for Windows 8. This freeware scans your computer to ensure that the new OS will run smoothly and that the transition is effective.

Small and portable

Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant is a portable and small app that lets you check if your computer system is compatible with the Windows 8 release. The app also helps you in figuring out which edition is more suitable per your software preference. It scans your computer and provides a compatibility report and optional steps for you to buy, download, and install Windows 8.

Users can run the app without needing to install Windows 8 first. More, installation is not a prerequisite, so you can drop the exe file anywhere in your drive and run it. You can even move it on a USB flash drive or any similar storage unit to run it on any computer. Also, Windows Registry does not get any entry update when you run the app. With this, you are sure that no file is left behind when you remove the program from your hard disk.

Scan and report

Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant takes a wizard approach in its service using its modern and simple interface. It automatically scans your computer upon initialization for all installed devices. Be warned, though, as the scan speed dependsĀ on the complexity of your hard drive. Most of the time, the scan takes a while to complete.

The app will check if all devices on your computer will work with Windows 8. It will also run a diagnosis in your PC hardware to see if it meets the Windows 8 requirements, such as CPU speed, SPAE, NX, and SSE2. It will also see if you have enough RAM size and hard disk capacity. Before initializing Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant, make sure that you connect all your peripheral devices to the PC.

In addition to your devices and hardware, Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant will also check if the apps installed in your computer is compatible with Windows 8. Apps and devices that work with Windows 7 generally work with Windows 8. However, some need upgrading to work properly in the new OS. Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant will give you a compatibility report that lists down which among your installed apps may or may not work with Windows 8.

Finally, Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant scans your PC for support of certain Windows 8 features, specifically Windows Store, secure boot, multitouch, and snap. The app will send a warning if one or more of these features are not supported. You can still download and install Windows 8, though. However, the specific feature which is not compatible will be unavailable to you.

Instant download manager

After scanning your PC for Windows 8 compatibility, Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant will provide you with a recommendation on which edition to buy. Once you choose to pursue with the installation, the app turns into an effective download manager. You can set it to keep certain files or settings to make the transition easier. There is even an option to change the color scheme before the download starts.

The app will keep you posted on the status of the download. Fair warning, Windows 8 is a large file, and the download process is lengthy. But, Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant will keep you updated every step of the way.

Check if your system is ready

Although it is not an indispensable tool, Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant is a helpful app to have when you are thinking of updating your operating system. The app runs smoothly and works with little to no errors. It is also portable and lightweight and is not prone to crashing or freezing. When you want to check if your system is ready for an upgrade, this app is a must-try.