Microsoft s Windows 10 has been out for more than a week now, but consumers considering upgrading still have questions about it.
The following is taken from an exchange I had with one reader who is considering updating a computer that s currently running Windows Vista. His situation is unusual; Vista was unpopular even when it was new, and now, eight years later, less than two percent of all desktop computer users are running it, according to Net Applications. But his questions are relevant even to users running other copies of Windows.
I ve reworded some of the reader s questions for clarity.
Q: What specifications does a computer need to run Windows 10?
A: Microsoft has a page that details those specifications. But at minimum, you ll need a processor running at 1 gigahertz, 1 gigabyte of memory and 16 gigabytes of disk space. Those are the same basic specifications that were needed to run Windows 8.1 and Windows 7, the operating systems that preceded Windows 10.
If you re unsure of your system s specifications, you can also download and run Microsoft s Windows 8.1 Upgrade Assistant to test your system. Generally if your computer can run Windows 8.1 it should be able to run Windows 10. The Upgrade Assistant Web page has a special section devoted to users on computers running Windows XP or Vista.
Q: What steps to I need to take to convert Vista to Windows 10? Is it even possible?
A: Given that the minimum specifications needed to run Windows 10 are the same as those needed to run Windows Vista, it s quote possible than an older Vista (or even XP) machine will be able to run the new update. But even if your computer can run Windows 10, it might not give you the best experience, depending on its age and specifications.
And there s another thing to consider if you are currently running Windows XP or Vista: the price of upgrading. While Microsoft is offering Windows 10 as a free upgrade for computers running Windows 7 or 8, it s $120 to upgrade Vista or XP computers to the new software. Given that, it might make more sense to simply buy a newer, faster computer that has Windows 10 pre-installed.
All Windows users whose computers are eligible for the upgrade can buy or download the new operating system through Microsoft s store. Users who are purchasing the software can download it directly from Microsoft or can choose to have the company send it to them on a USB drive.
Before installing the software, however, I would highly recommend that you backup your computer first.
Q: Will all of the software that I currently have on the Vista software also run on Windows 10?
A: Good question. It s possible that applications written for earlier versions of Windows won t work on Windows 10. One way to check is to contact the publishers of your most important applications or visit their Web sites to see if they have any information on Windows 10 compatibility.
Q: Will I lose my data if I upgrade, especially my various files that are on Windows Word?
A: The upgrade process shouldn t affect your document files at all.
However, as reported last week, some folks who are upgrading to Windows 10 are finding that the update is rendering their computers unusable. So, it s always a good idea to backup your machine before you upgrade.
Photo: Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella speaks at an event demonstrating the new features of Windows 10 at the company s headquarters in Redmond, Wash. in January. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)