Windows XP starting time launched in 2001, which is eons agone when it comes to technology. Windows has gone through a handful of operating systems since then. If you're still running Windows XP, it's high time that you upgrade to Windows 10.

While many people also take a fondness for Windows 7, there's no point moving from Windows XP to Windows 7. Go straight to Windows 10 considering you will be able to savour new features, exist better protected against malicious threats, and benefit from greater software support.

Unfortunately, there's no straight upgrade path from Windows XP to Windows 10. Nevertheless, the process to upgrade isn't too complicated. We're going to prove you how to transition betwixt the two.

1. Check Your Hardware Compatibility

The first matter you need to do is check that your computer can run Windows x. In that location's no universal answer for this because it depends on the components in your organisation.

As detailed past Microsoft, the minimum organisation requirements for Windows 10 are:

  • Processor: 1GHz
  • RAM: 1GB (32-bit), 2GB (64-bit)
  • Storage: 32GB
  • Graphics: Compatible with DirectX 9 or afterward with WDDM 1.0 driver
  • Resolution: 800 ten 600

Bear in mind that these are minimum requirements. If you lot take slow RAM or minimal storage space, yous won't savor the full Windows ten experience; your system will likely feel sluggish, and yous won't be able to install many programs.

dxdiag

To check your current Windows XP system'due south hardware:

  1. Press Windows key + R to open up Run.
  2. Input dxdiag and click OK.
  3. This will launch the DirectX Diagnostic Tool, which details the components you lot have installed. You'll find the pertinent information on the System and Brandish tabs.

If you lot've had your Windows XP system for a long time and never upgraded any of the parts, the chances are that you won't be able to run Windows ten smoothly. You should also search your component manufacturer'south website to ensure they even supply drivers to support Windows 10.

In near cases, you're better off buying a new computer that comes with Windows 10 or upgrading the components in your existing machine.

2. Support Your Data

Hopefully, you already know how important it is to dorsum up your data. Yous should be taking regular backups to protect against data loss.

Since in that location is no directly upgrade path from Windows XP to Windows x, it means that y'all tin can't retain your personal data and programs during the transition. It will completely wipe everything. Every bit such, you need to back up your data and then manually restore information technology on Windows ten.

First, think near everything you lot need to back up. At that place are various Windows files and folders yous should ever support: your documents, media files, emails, game saves, browser bookmarks, and so on.

backup-windows-cloud

It might be worth cloning your unabridged system with an ISO, alongside a separate backup of your personal data. This way, if you forget anything, then you can return to the ISO to restore it.

Next, decide what you lot're going to employ to store your fill-in. This will depend primarily on how much data you have. You could utilise a USB drive, an external hard bulldoze, or even a cloud backup service.

When you lot're ready, begin the backup. If you're using software to exercise this, information technology'll help you lot automate much of the work. Otherwise, manually copy and paste your data from your Windows XP machine to your backup device.

3. Install Windows 10

Once you've confirmed your computer tin handle the upgrade and you've backed up all the data you want to keep, it'southward time to install Windows 10.

To begin, download the Windows 10 creation tool from Microsoft. Use this to create a Windows 10 installer, for which you'll need a blank USB with 8GB of space.

windows 10 installation media

Once downloaded, launch the program:

  1. Read the license terms and click Accept.
  2. Select Create installation media (USB wink drive, DVD or ISO file) for another PC and click Side by side.
  3. Choose your required Language, Edition, and Architecture, then click Next.
  4. Select USB flash drive and click Next.
  5. Choose your drive from the listing and click Next.
  6. Follow the rest of the wizard through.

For full support on how to consummate this, see our guide on how to create bootable media to install Windows.

As an aside, you can even so download the Windows vii ISO from Microsoft, if y'all're insistent on upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7. However, as previously stated, we don't recommend using this equally old operating system.

Once your Windows 10 installation media is created, you need to tell your computer to boot from it. To do this, restart and enter BIOS. The key you press to enter the BIOS varies per system; you should see it displayed during system start-up, and it'southward usually the Delete central or a Office fundamental.

Tap information technology until you enter the BIOS and and then modify your boot device priority so that the installation media is start. For more data on this, see our guide on how to change the boot order.

Once complete, yous will exist taken through Windows 10 installation wizard. If prompted, be sure to select that you desire to install a new copy of Windows rather than an upgrade (which won't work).

You lot'll be asked to set your language, name, and other settings. It might have a while for the installation to complete, and so be prepared. In one case done, your system should restart automatically and take you into Windows 10.

4. Reinstate Your Data and Programs

Now y'all're on Windows x, and you tin can reinstate your personal data. This is a case of manually moving everything from your backup to the relevant new locations in Windows 10.

ninite

Remember also to install your programs. Ninite is specially good for this since y'all can bulk install lots of software with a few clicks.

Once yous're all gear up, spend some time getting to know Windows ten. There's lots of new functionality that didn't exist in Windows XP. We've covered how to control all Windows 10 settings, which should help you get the organisation running how you lot like information technology.

Your Windows XP to Windows 10 Upgrade Is Complete

Mission complete. Yous've successfully upgraded your system from Windows XP to Windows ten, away from the mesomorphic blue aesthetics onto a sleeker and better protected operating system.

If you're missing Windows XP, there are some means that you can resurrect it on Windows 10, similar downloading XP themes or running a virtual machine.