On March 17, 2016, Windows 10 Mobile officially launches as an upgrade for existing Windows Phone 8.1 devices. While the mobile operating system has been available for months on handsets specific handsets like the Lumia 950 duo and others, existing phones running Windows Phone 8.1 couldn’t upgrade.
Today, after months of testing through the Insider program, Windows 10 Mobile is rolling out as a free upgrade for select Windows Phone 8.1 handsets compatible with the operating system.
Phones upgradable to Windows 10 Mobile
Here are the phones with support for Windows 10 Mobile: Lumia 1520, Lumia 930, Lumia 640, Lumia 640XL, Lumia 730, Lumia 735, Lumia 830, Lumia 532, Lumia 535, Lumia 540, Lumia 635 (1GB), Lumia 636 (1GB), Lumia 638 (1GB), Lumia 430, Lumia 435, BLU Win HD w510u, BLU Win HD LTE x150q, MCJ Madosma Q501.
Windows 10 Mobile requirements
In order to upgrade to Windows 10 Mobile, you have to make sure that your handset is running Windows Phone 8.1 GDR1 QFE8 or later.
The installation files can take up to 1.4GB of space, as such make sure that you have the space available.
While the operating system is ready for primetime, Microsoft warns that most apps, in-app purchases, and settings will migrate over to the new installation. However, some apps, in-app purchases, or settings may not migrate during the upgrade.
How to upgrade to Windows 10 Mobile
To upgrade, you will need to download the Windows 10 Upgrade Advisor app from the Windows Store to see if the upgrade is available on your handset. Then simply run the app and select Enable Windows 10 upgrade. When the new version of the operating system is available on your device, go to Phone update on Settings to upgrade.
Windows 10 Mobile officially launches March 17, 2016, but it’s up to carriers to make the upgrade available on existing devices. Microsoft is working with mobile operators to get the operating system available as soon as possible.
The mobile version of Windows 10 includes a number of new features that makes existing phones even more productive. Among the new features, there is a new Start screen, new Settings app, support for Universal Windows 10 apps, and Cortana, which now is the same version as the one for Windows 10 for PC. There are also features such as Windows Hello and Continuum, but these features require new hardware and won’t be available on existing Windows Phone 8.1 devices.
Source Microsoft
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].