Installing Windows 10 over Windows 8.1

With Windows 10 roll-out starting on Wednesday, I have downloaded to Disk Image (ISO) which is available to Windows Insiders and have decided to install it on my main computer currently running Windows 8.1.  This image is labelled Windows 10 Preview 10240 and is thought to be what will be rolling out on Wednesday with updates.

Having installed many Window 10 previews over the past few months as a Windows Insider, I didn't expect any problems with this version but just in case, I first copied the current Windows 8.1 hard drive (SSD) to a new drive.  If there is a problem I have to opportunity to return to Windows 8 simply by replacing the hard drive in my laptop.

Most people will have Windows 10 downloaded into there system and will start the installation that way.  The installation process is over a hour so, don't start it too late in the day.  If you are a Windows 8 user there will be a lot of work after the installation is complete.

There are a couple of things you should know prior to starting the installation.  You will need to know your Microsoft ID and password as well as your Skype ID and password if, like me, you are a Skype user.  Skype for Windows 8, the universal app, will no longer run.  You will need to download and install Skype for Desktop and the download icon will be on your Windows 10 menu. Also, Windows Media Center is also not supported by Windows 10 so if you have it on Windows 8.1 or on Windows 7 it will be uninstalled during the Windows 10 installation process. However, most people do not have Windows Media Center and don't have to worry about that.

The installation went very smoothly and after about a hour and a half I was up and running.




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