Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor

Before you begin

Before you run the Upgrade Advisor, be sure to plug in any USB devices or other devices that are used regularly with the PC you're evaluating. For example, remember to plug in printers, external hard drives, or scanners.

Download Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor.

The Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor works with 32-bit versions of Windows XP and Windows Vista. Review upgrade options that are available for versions earlier than Windows XP.

Make sure your computer is ready for the edition of Windows Vista you want.

The Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor will help you to determine if your Windows XP-based PC can run Windows Vista. You also can use the Upgrade Advisor to determine if your Windows Vista-based PC is ready for an upgrade to a more powerful edition of Windows Vista.

This small software tool will scan your computer and create an easy-to-understand report of all known system, device, and program compatibility issues. It also will recommend ways to resolve them. Upgrade Advisor can help you to choose the edition of Windows Vista that best fits the way you want to use your computer.

Just download, install, and run the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor.

Please Note:

The Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor works with 32-bit versions of Windows XP and Windows Vista. It will not work with Windows 98, Windows 2000, or Windows XP Professional x64 Edition.
The Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor does not collect or send any personal, identifiable data to Microsoft Corporation or third parties. See the Upgrade Advisor privacy statement for details.

Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor FAQ

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What is the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor?

Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor is a downloadable web application that helps Windows XP users identify which edition of Windows Vista meets their needs, whether their PCs are ready for an upgrade to Windows Vista, and which features of Windows Vista will be able to run on their PCs. Upgrade Advisor produces a report that explains which edition of Windows Vista to buy. It also suggests hardware updates that may be necessary for the installation and use of Windows Vista. If you are considering whether to install Windows Vista on a PC you already own, Upgrade Advisor is a good place to start.

The Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor also can help Windows Vista users to determine if their PCs are ready for an upgrade to a more powerful edition of Windows Vista.

Why is the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor available only for Windows XP and Windows Vista users?

The Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor depends on technology that only runs on computers with editions of Windows XP or Windows Vista installed. If you own a PC running Windows 2000, Windows 98, Windows ME, or Windows 95, you will need to carefully compare its system capabilities to the system requirements published on this site for the edition of Windows Vista that you want to run. In general, PCs purchased within the last two years are more likely to be able to run Windows Vista as is, or with affordable improvements to the system hardware.

What should I consider when purchasing a new PC today?

If you are buying a new PC, please review the information about Windows Vista logos to ensure that you find the PC that best meets your needs for the edition of Windows Vista that you want.