Upgrade Paths from Previous Versions

For many people, the Windows Vista experience begins with the purchase of a new PC. For others, the experience begins by upgrading a current PC. If you plan to upgrade, it's important to understand the options. Your choices depend on the version of Windows that is currently running on your PC and the type of computer hardware you have to run certain features. Here’s how you can start planning for an upgrade to Windows Vista.

The options

You can upgrade from your current edition of Microsoft Windows XP or Windows 2000 to a corresponding or better edition of Windows Vista by purchasing and installing an upgrade copy of Windows Vista.

Installation options

You can upgrade in-place, which means you can install Windows Vista and retain your applications, files, and settings as they were in your previous edition of Windows.

Clean install

If you upgrade to Windows Vista with a clean installation, you should use Windows Easy Transfer to automatically copy all your files and settings to an extra hard drive or other storage device, and then install Windows Vista. After the installation is complete, Windows Easy Transfer reloads your files and settings on your upgraded PC. You will then need to reinstall your applications.

The table below outlines the upgrade options mapped to the different Windows Vista editions.

	Home Basic	Home Premium	Business	Ultimate

Windows XP Professional
Windows XP Home
Windows XP Media Center
Windows XP Tablet PC
Windows XP Professional x64
Windows 2000

Requires clean install.
In-place installation option available.

Notes:

If you are currently using Windows 2000 Professional or Windows XP Professional x64, you are eligible for an upgrade copy to a corresponding or better edition of Windows Vista, but a clean installation is required.

Upgrade copies are not available for versions of Windows earlier than Windows 2000. These earlier versions of Windows require you to install a full copy of Windows Vista.

If the edition of Windows Vista that you choose to install will result in a loss of functionality over your current edition of Windows, you will need to do a clean installation, or install Windows Vista to a new partition on your PC.

Your PC and Windows Vista

While selecting the edition of Windows Vista that's right for you, it's important to clearly understand what hardware your PC will need to ensure the features you want will run reliably.

If you plan to add Windows Vista to your current Windows XP-based computer, we suggest that you run the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor to ensure that your PC is ready for the edition of Windows Vista that you choose to install.

We also recommend that you review the system requirements for the edition of Windows Vista that you want to run. This information will also help you to determine if your PC is ready for the edition of Windows Vista that you want to install.