Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant

Last Updated: November 8, 2012

Definition - What does Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant mean?

Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant is a software utility provided by Microsoft Corporation that scans and evaluates a computer for compatibility with the Windows 8 operating system.

Windows 8 upgrade assistant enables a user to check a computer's hardware capability and software support for the Windows 8 operating system and suggest the necessary course of action to obtain it.

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Techopedia explains Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant

Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant is designed to be installed and used on Windows 7, Vista, XP and the pre-release version of Windows 8. It operates in several phases:

After being installed it will first check the system for hardware resources, connected peripheral devices and software applications that can be used with Windows 8.
If an abnormality or incompatibility is detected, Upgrade Assistant will suggest how it can be resolved by generating a compatibility report.
The Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant will also check the computer to support features and services that are native to and are only available in Windows 8, such as touch-enabled browsing, snap and secure boot.
Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant also provides the option to migrate applications, settings and files; however, that varies depending on the previous OS.
Finally, Upgrade Assistant will suggest the best Windows 8 version based on the previous evaluations and the options to buy, download and install Windows 8.