Windows 10: Upgrading 8.1 --> 10 - drivers?

Hey gang,

So after holding off for a while, I am getting closer to taking advantage of the free upgrade offer for Windows 10.
I would prefer to go through the upgrade process, rather than a clean install. I rather do clean installs when I really need to, like changing out for a new motherboard. Just don't want to go through the hassle until absolutely necessary.
I build all my own systems, and keep them pretty current regarding hardware and drivers.

The Windows 10 upgrade advisor tells me my system is ready and should be no conflicts with the upgrade, for my hardware and software.
Knowing that for some hardware the vendors supply separate drivers for 10 versus 8, my question is: Should I uninstall my drivers for say my video card, sound card, printer prior to doing the upgrade, or will the upgrade process to Windows 10 pretty much take care of that for me? Obviously once installed I will grab the latest Windows 10 drivers and install them...
Just trying to prepare as best I can for when I do decide to take the plunge.

Thanks for any tips,

:)

 

My PC running a windows 8 (not 8.1) I can upgrade to Windows10?

My PC running a windows 8 (not 8.1) I can upgrade to Windows10?

Like this - (Windows 8) >> (Windows 10)

not (Windows 8) >> (Windows 8.1) >> (Windows 10)

and second question... If I upgraded to windows 10. I can clean install Windows 10 by .ISO with my old windows 8 key?

 

Can I upgrade from Windows 8.1 32 bit to Windows 10 64 bit without wiping my files?

Hi,

No.

The free Upgrade is Windows 8.1 32bit > Windows 10 32bit.

Or 8.1 64bit > 10 64bit.

There is no upgrade path from 32bit to 64bit in any Windows Operating system as they are different architecture.

That is done with a clean install, which is not allowable while you are doing the free upgrade.

Cheers.

 

You don't have to but it might help a bit in terms of avoiding driver compatibility issues. I am not sure but, either way, I don't see any problem. But before upgrading, you might want also to get the latest drivers first for your hardware by visiting the manufacturer's website and save them on a USB flashdrive. Look for Windows 10 compatible drivers for your chipset, audio, LAN and video.

 

Good idea I will be sure and grab the drivers first and have them available.

Thanks!

 

But if you will ask the entire community here, clean install is always the way to go. It's a new OS, so why not start fresh and speed up your PC by getting rid of all the junk that accumulated on your PC through time. Just something to think about.

 

Yes I know and appreciate that. I have done that many times previously, I do keep a pretty clean system and am really not too concerned about much junk that may have accumulated, and just rather save the grief for when I upgrade to a new motherboard which I will probably do in another year or so, so thinking at this time I would try just doing the upgrade route rather than the clean install.

Often I have waited to install a new windows version when I am doing a motherboard upgrade, but this time the way it fell looks like I will be doing that in between motherboard upgrades. So trying to take the path of least resistance LOL.

By the way, if one does go the upgrade route and then determines afterward well think I might be better installing clean, any issue with being able to do so at that point?
Thanks,

 

There will be no problem. Just wipe out and install.
Btw, W10 key is tied up to the hardware. So, you may have an activation issue in the future if you change your motherboard. But getting in touch with MS support may ease out things for you. But there's also a sysprep method that you can do first to keep your windows activated even after a hardware change. Check it out here: Installing A New CPU Without Losing Windows Using Sysprep

 

Thanks for the great info, much appreciated!

 

Sysprep will not keep Windows 10 activated when you replace the motherboard. Windows 10 will start up on the new motherboard, calculate a different Hardware ID than what was activated and deactivate.

 

Yeah, I have tried this method with Windows 7 but haven't got the chance to do it with Win 10 yet. Just something worth trying if changing a hardware is inevitable. For sure, the last resort is contacting a support. @NavyLCDR , have you tried it on Windows 10? or you are just saying it because we all know that Windows 10 key dies with the device?

 

I have not tried it myself.

 

I see.
At least the OP now knows what to watch out for if he decides to upgrade any hardware on his PC.
Cheers!

 

Indeed, that will certainly be a bridge I will have to cross in the not too distant future as I tend to upgrade my hardware fairly regularly, as I build all my own systems.
If it does trigger an activation issue, hopefully a call to MS will resolve it without too much hassle.

I expect I will do another motherboard upgrade in the next year or two , probably a graphics card before then.