Microsoft recommends using the "Upgrade Assistant" to upgrade to Windows 8

        If your computer is currently running Windows 7, your files, apps and settings will be easily transferred to Windows 8. If your computer is running Windows XP or Windows Vista, then you will need to reinstall your app after the upgrade. Four main functions

upgrade assistant:

- it can scan your hardware, applications, and devices connected to to see if they are suitable for Windows8, ensure that the need to use on your computer All peripherals (such as printers and monitors) are connected to your computer and enabled before you run the Upgrade Assistant.

Upgrade Assistant will check your computer hardware, in order to understand whether your hardware meets the system requirements for Windows8 installed on your computer, including CPU speed, PAE, NX, and SSE2 processors and other functions, and how much RAM And hard drive capacity. It also checks the compatibility of your currently installed apps and devices.

- it will provide a compatibility report.

for applications and devices Windows7 generally apply to Windows8, but in some cases you may need to update the product, or after the upgrade you might need to uninstall and reinstall the product. The compatibility report lists the applications and devices that can be used in Windows 8, the applications and devices that may not be available, and what you can do after the upgrade to reinstate their use. If some of your apps or devices are not listed, it may be because we don't have compatibility information for the product yet. For more information on specific products, please refer to the Windows Compatibility Center or consult the product manufacturer.

you can save or print compatibility report for future use. Unless you choose the "Do not keep" option during the upgrade, you will be able to find the report on your desktop after the upgrade. For more information, see Using your apps and devices in Windows 8.

- it will check if your computer supports a particular Windows8 function.

in particular: Windows application store, against, safe start-up and multi-touch functionality. If your computer does not support one or more of these features, you will see a warning. You can still install Windows 8, but certain features will not be available.

- it provides purchase, Windows8 the option to download and install.

If your computer is ready to provide advice and guides you through the steps to upgrade Upgrade Assistant which version you buy.