1.9 - Upgrading Windows

Question 1

Why upgrade?

Answer 1

• Upgrade vs. Install
  – Upgrade - Keep files in place
  – Install - Start over completely fresh
• Maintain consistency
  – Customized configurations
  – Multiple local user accounts
• Upgrades save hours of time
  – Avoid application reinstall
  – Keep user data intact
  – Keep user settings
  – Get up and running quickly

Question 2

Upgrade methods

Answer 2

• In-place upgrade
  – Upgrade the existing OS
  – Keeps all applications, documents,
  and settings
  – Start the setup from inside
  the existing OS
• Clean install
  – Wipe everything and reload
  – Backup your files
  – Start the setup by booting
  from the installation media

Question 3

Prepare the boot drive

Answer 3

• Know your drive
  – Is data on the drive?
  – Has the drive been formatted?
  – What partitions are on the drive?
• Backup any old data
  – You may need that data again someday
  – Save user preferences
• Most partitioning and formatting can be completed
  during the installation
  – Clear the drive and start fresh

Question 4

Before the installation

Answer 4

• Check minimum OS requirements
  – Memory, disk space, etc.
  – And the recommended requirements
• Run a hardware compatibility check
  – Runs when you perform an upgrade
  – Run manually from the Windows setup screen
  – Windows 10 Upgrade Checker,
  PC Health Check for Windows 11
• Plan for installation questions
  – Drive/partition configuration, license keys, etc.
• Application and driver compatibility
  – Check with the app developer and
  hardware manufacturer

Question 5

Windows product life cycle

Answer 5

• Quality updates
  – Monthly security updates and bug fixes
• Feature updates
  – Annual update with new features
  – Used to occur every three to five years
• Support is provided after the release
  – 18 to 36 months
  – Dependent on the Windows version and edition
• Also called the Modern Lifecycle Policy
  – For continuously supported products