Here’s How to Check If Your PC Can Run Windows 10
Windows 10 is coming July 29, which means you’ll finally be able to say goodbye to Windows 7 and the much-reviled Windows 8. But before you get too excited about Microsoft’s shiny new operating system, you’ll have to make sure it will actually work with your computer.
To its credit, Microsoft has designed Windows 10 to run on virtually any PC that can run Windows 7 and 8. But if you aren’t 100 percent sure that your computer is up to the task, you can use these quick steps to double-check.
Windows 10 upgrade check
If you’re using Windows 7 or Windows 8, you’ve probably noticed that a small Windows flag has taken up residence in the lower left corner of your screen. That’s Microsoft’s Windows 10 upgrade tool.
That tool comes with the most recent version of Windows 7 and Windows 8, so if you aren’t seeing it, you’ll have to download and install the latest Windows updates.
Once you’ve got the tool, here’s how to use it:
1. Left-click the Windows icon to open the upgrade tool.
2. Click the options button (three fat lines) in the upper right corner of the upgrade window.
3. In the “Getting the upgrade” section, click Check your PC.
4. Windows will then tell you whether or not your PC meets the requirements to run Windows 10. And that’s that.
Manually checking your PC
If you don’t see the little Windows icon on your PC, you can always manually check to see if your computer can run Windows 10. Here’s how:
1. Navigate to the Microsoft’s Windows 10 specifications webpage to see the operating system’s requirements.
2. If you have Windows 8 or higher, go to the Start screen and type PC Info.
3. Select the PC info option and you’ll see a list including your computer’s processor and the amount of RAM it has.
4. Click Disk space on the left side of the screen to see how much free storage space your computer has available.
Still using Windows 7 or XP? No worries. You can check your PC’s specs by navigating to the Control Panel from the Start menu and clicking System.
Assuming your machine’s specs match Microsoft’s for Windows 10, you should be good to go when it comes time to upgrade.
Email Daniel at dhowley@yahoo-inc.com; follow him on Twitter at @DanielHowley or on Google+.
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