Windows 10: Prepare Windows 7 or 8.1 for the Windows Technical Preview with these official tools

Ron

Microsoft releases tools to help Windows 7 and 8 users easily switch to Windows 10 Technical Preview

If you’re yet to try the Windows 10 Technical Preview but don’t know how to install it alongside your primary Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 system, or just aren’t sure on how to install the said Technical Preview from its ISO file, Microsoft would like to help you. The Windows software-maker has released tools to quickly and safely get those systems to the Windows 10 Technical Preview ahead of the preview build that is expected in January. The said tools will allow you to update your Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 system to the latest Windows 10 Technical Preview build via Windows Update in early 2015.

The handy tools that you can snag via the download links below will automatically fetch the Windows 10 Technical Preview when it’s available for your existing operating system. All you need to do as of now is download the right application for your system and wait till the update arrives. But, before you do that, make sure your system meets at least the minimum requirements that Windows 10 requires. If you don’t remember, a 1GHz or faster processor is required, along with 16GB of free space on your hard-drive, a graphics card that is capable of handling DirectX 9, a Microsoft account, and internet access.

Once you utilize the tool, you will receive a message which states, “Windows Update will let you know when the latest preview build is ready to install on this PC in early 2015.” You can see the message below.

Windows 10: Upgrade from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 to the Technical Preview with these official Microsoft tools

If you can’t wait until then, you can also try installing the Windows 10 Technical Preview using a virtual machine software like VMWare or VirtualBox for Windows, and Parallels for Mac. Installing the new operating system via those applications won’t hinder with your primary operating system and it will also not tinker with the boot manager.

Update: To clarify, this tool is offered as part of the Insider Program for registered participants. It will allow you to make the move from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 Technical Preview via Windows Update. We’re providing the direct download links.

Thanks Foze for the tip!