Windows 10: Windows XP and Vista will require clean installation to upgrade

Windows 10 pink background

As Microsoft prepares to ship Windows later in the year, it’s a logical for users beginning to ask how the upgrade will work and which operating system will require a clean install.

Not a real surprise here, Windows Vista and Windows XP fall in the category of clean install required. According to the head of the Windows Insider program, Gabe Aul, the only upgrade supported path are Windows 7 and newer.

However, you have to see the glass half-full, Microsoft is making Windows 10 such a low footprint operating system that you will be able to install it on a five-year old or even older hardware, and that by itself is a great news.

Windows 10 system requirements:

  • Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster
  • RAM: 1 gigabyte (GB) (32-bit) or 2GB (64-bit)
  • Free hard disk space: 16 GB
  • Graphics card: Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM driver

While Microsoft has not announced when Windows 10 will actually be released, the next preview aimed to show off the consumer features is due later this month. And we are expecting to see new features such as Continuum, Cortana, and a bunch of new improvements.

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About the author

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 14 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 20 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.