This web site uses cookies to improve your experience. By viewing our content, you are accepting the use of cookies. To find out more and change your cookie settings, please view our cookie policy . Close How to upgrade Windows 7 to Windows 8 The mosaic-like Windows 8 is a dramatic shift for Microsoft as it embraces the tablet and touchscreen era, creating a standard experience across phones, tablets, laptops and desktops. Eight months after the preview was made available, the genuine article is now sitting on Microsoft's servers, waiting for you to download it. If you're currently running Windows 7, you're in the best position to upgrade to the newest operating system. While XP users have the option to keep their files, and Vista users can keep their files and Windows settings too, only Windows 7 users have the choice to keep files, settings and applications in place after the upgrade. As anyone who's upgraded Windows in the past will know, this makes life much easier than it has been in previous versions. In the early hours of this morning, I took the new operating system for a spin and upgraded a Windows 7 system. What follows are the steps required and the process you'll have to go through to upgrade your own PC to Windows 8. Microsoft seems to be pushing all users towards the Pro edition, as the standard Windows 8 version (which doesn't include advanced tools like remote desktop and BitLocker encryption ) isn't yet available