Is it possible to upgrade the operating system. How do I update Windows and installed programs? Possible problems after installing updates

Windows 7 is actually the most popular and demanded operating system today, and even the overwhelming majority of users of the legendary XP are seriously thinking about how to upgrade Windows XP to Windows 7. Unfortunately, they will have to be upset right away, since they are directly updated and switched from XP to "Seven" will fail. It is recommended to make a clean installation of Windows 7, since this is the most expedient of all the few methods, since updating, for example, phased through Windows Vista is a long and laborious process. You should also remember about the system architecture, since you need to take into account that you cannot migrate from a 32 bit OS to a 64 bit OS.

Step by step instructions

Stage 1: Find out the required bitness of the operating system

The main advantage of 32 bit OS is its ability to work on all computers. The main advantage of 64 bit is the ability to work with a significant amount of memory, but not all PCs can function in it.

In order to determine the bitness of the working version of Windows XP in the computer, you need to do the following simple steps:

Stage 2: Analysis of compliance of all PC components for the "Seven"

The algorithm of actions for performing the required analysis is as follows:

Note: the saved report, if available, will indicate the predicted difficulties in the computer hardware and installed applications that complicate the installation, updating and subsequent functioning of Windows 7. Also, the user in this report will have access to specific proposals for taking appropriate measures.

Stage 3: creating a backup copy of all data from the system disk with Windows XP

In order not to lose and completely ensure the preservation of all data stored by Windows XP on the system disk, you must use a freely distributed program that will save all Windows settings data by transferring them, for example, to an external media with an appropriate amount of memory, and after switching to Windows 7 will allow you to transfer them back to the new system after the update.

To complete the task, you need to take several consecutive steps:

Stage 3: Installation of Windows 7

You need to do the following:

Done! The update with the transition from XP to "Seven" is completed.

Note: This manual allows you to upgrade (upgrade) to a new operating systemwithout losing the old settings and files, but all previously installed applications will need to be installed in Windows 7 again.

Operating system updates allow you to keep up to date security tools, software, fix errors made by developers in previous versions of files. As you know, Microsoft has stopped official support, therefore, the release of Windows XP updates from 8.04.2014. Since then, all users of this OS are on their own. Lack of support means that your computer, by not receiving security packages, becomes vulnerable to malware.

Not many people know that some government agencies, banks, etc. still use a special version of Windows XP - Windows Embedded. The developers have announced support for this OS until 2019 and updates are available for it. You probably already guessed that you can use packages designed for this system in Windows XP. To do this, you need to make a small registry tweak.

Warning: By performing the actions described in the "Modifying the Registry" section, you are violating the Microsoft License Agreement. If Windows is modified in this way on a computer officially owned by the organization, then problems may arise during the next check. There is no such threat for home machines.

Modifying the registry

1. Before setting up the registry, the first step is to create a system restore point so that you can roll back in case of an error. Read how to use restore points in the article on our website.
2. Next, we create a new file, for which we click on the desktop PKM, go to item "Create" and choose "Text Document".

   

3. Open the document and add the following code to it:

   Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

   
   "Installed" \u003d dword: 00000001

   

4. Go to the menu "File" and choose "Save as".

   

   We choose a place to save, in our case it is the desktop, change the parameter at the bottom of the window to "All files" and give a name to the document. The name can be anything, but the extension must be ".Reg", eg, "Mod.reg", and click "Save".

   

   A new file will appear on the desktop with the appropriate name and registry icon.

   

5. Run this file by double clicking and confirm that we really want to change the parameters.

   

6. Reboot your computer.

The result of our actions will be that our operating system will be identified by the Update Center as Windows Embedded, and the corresponding updates will be sent to our computer. Technically, this does not pose any threat - the systems are identical, with minor differences that are not key.

Manual check

1. To manually update Windows XP, you need to open "Control Panel" and choose a category "Security Center".

   

2. Then follow the link "Check for the latest updates from Windows Update" in the block "Resources".

   

3. Internet Explorer launches and displays the Windows Update page. Here you can choose a quick check, that is, get only the most necessary updates, or download the full package by clicking on the button "Custom"... Let's choose the fast option.

   

4. We are waiting for the completion of the package search process.

   

5. The search is over, and we see a list of important updates in front of us. As expected, they target the Windows Embedded Standard 2009 (WES09) operating system. As mentioned above, these packages are also suitable for XP. Install them by clicking on the button Install Updates.

   

6. Next, the download and installation of packages will begin. We wait…

   

7. Upon completion of the process, we will see a window with a message that not all packages have been installed. This is normal - some updates can only be installed at boot time. Push the button Restart Now.

   

The manual update has been completed and the computer is now as protected as possible.

Automatic update

In order not to go to the Windows Update website every time, you need to enable automatic updating of the operating system.

Conclusion

Keeping our operating system up to date helps us avoid many security issues. Check the Windows Update site often, or rather let the OS install the updates itself.

By default, Windows Update runs all the time, so unless it was manually disabled, you will always receive system updates or notifications that you need to download and install them. Updating the system with standard settings is automatic, but there are times when you need to start this process yourself. This can be done in different ways, both with and without an Internet connection.

Is it worth updating the system

System updates are needed so that Windows 10 does not lose its relevance and does not conflict with programs installed by the user. Each system update fixes any previously found bugs or optimizes the OS so it can support more and more third-party applications.

It's worth installing new additions to the initial version of Windows 10, but keep in mind that there are times when a new version eliminates previously made mistakes, but at the same time causes others. Each update provided to users is tested by Microsoft, but even such a large company is not always able to foresee all possible consequences. Of course, when Microsoft developers notice that they have released an incorrect update, they roll it back or replace it with another more refined one.

In order not to get on the raw version of the update, it is recommended to install it not on the release day, but about two weeks later. So the likelihood that it will cause any new problems will decrease dramatically.

Updates not worth installing

The unique update code identifies its purpose and release date. If you switched to custom installation of updates, you can independently decide which of them will be downloaded. From the experience of the installed users, it follows that the following versions should be skipped, as they cause some problems:

• windows update KB971033 - kills the activation of unlicensed Windows by changing the activation mechanism;
• KB2982791, KB2970228, KB2975719 and KB2975331 - crash, blue screen, Stop 0x50 in Win32k.sys;
• security update KB2993651 - BSOD, disabling or incorrect operation of Windows Update, windows of some applications may become invisible or incorrectly displayed behind other windows;
• security updates KB2965768, KB2970228, KB2973201 and KB2975719 - windows of some applications may become invisible or incorrectly displayed behind other windows;
• windows update KB2859537, KB2872339, KB2882822 - programs from exe do not start, error 0xc0000005, only on unlicensed Windows, because core files are replaced;
• security update KB2862330 - BSOD, even on MSDN images;
• security update KB2864058 - problems starting applications that use Visual C ++ libraries.

Some more updates sorted by month:

• april, 2015 - KB3045999;
• may 2015 - KB3022345;
• june 2015 - KB3068708 - Blue Screen, Constant Restart;
• august, 2015 - KB3060716 and KB3071756 - BSOD with error 0x0000007b;
• september 2015 - KB3080149 - BSOD;
• october, 2015 - KB3088195 - BSOD with code 0x80070490;
• november, 2015 - KB3101746;
• december, 2015 - KB3108381 - some applications crash;
• january, 2016 - KB3121212 - there may be problems, who has the system activated through the KMS server;
• february, 2016 - KB3126587 and KB3126593 - Windows won't start;
• march, 2016 - KB3140410 - BSOD;
• may, 2016 - KB3153171 - Error 145 BSOD.

How long do they install and how much do updates weigh

The time it will take to install the update will depend on its size, workload and computer performance. Some updates are installed in the background and do not require any additional steps; others require a computer restart to fully install.

If the update is large and the computer is not very powerful, the installation process can take several hours. But usually the procedure takes no more than fifteen minutes. The main thing is not to interrupt the process manually until it becomes clear that it is frozen. If you suspect that the procedure has stopped, then give the computer some time to restore it, it may not signal progress on the screen, but do everything in the background. If you interrupt the installation, the computer will try to rollback, pretending that it did not try to install any update, but not the fact that it will be able to do it. In the worst case, you will have to manually restore the system or reinstall it.

The size of the update also cannot be specified precisely, as it varies from 10 MB to 3-4 GB. Updates of several gigabytes are anniversary and bring serious changes, although not always noticeable to the average user. They appear rarely, more often packages of 5-100 MB are installed. An example of a major update is version 1607; you can read about the changes it brought to Windows 10 on the official Microsoft website.

User data is not lost or damaged during the installation of updates. You can update the system and at the same time delete data from the hard disk using an application from Microsoft, which provides an additional function that allows you to clean up the hard disk.

How to update Windows 10

There are several ways to manually start the update process. Each of them, except for the one described at the very end, will need a stable Internet connection, since all updates will be downloaded from Microsoft servers and other computers. If, when using one of the proposed methods, an error occurs that says that the installation is not possible, try to reproduce the process using any of the other options presented below.

Via computer parameters

To update your system through Windows Update, do the following:

1. Open your computer settings. Open computer settings
2. Expand the Update & Security tab.
   Go to the Update & Security section
3. Run the scan process for available updates.
   Click on the "Check for Updates" button
4. Confirm the start of the download if you agree to install the list of found updates. Confirm the start of the installation of the list of updates found by "Update Center"
5. Wait while the required files are downloaded and installed.
   Wait for the updates to download and install
6. Restart your computer. You can do it right away or set a restart time. Start restarting your computer
7. If the reboot is running, then when you turn off and turn on the computer, you will see a blue screen, which will display an indicator of the completion of the process in percent.
   Wait for the updates to install during turning on and off the computer

Video: how to check for updates on Windows 10

Through the "Command Line"

To forcibly update the system, you need to execute two consecutive commands in the "Command line" launched as administrator:

After completing both steps, restart your computer to finalize the update process.

Via the Media Creation Tool

The program that is used to install Windows 10 or upgrade to it from previous versions of the operating system is also suitable for updating to the latest version of an already installed Windows 10:

1. Download Media Creation Tool from the official website of the company.
   Download the Media Creation Tool
2. Run it and accept the license agreement.
   Accept the Media Creation Tool license agreement
3. At the step with choosing an action, indicate that you want to update this computer.
   Indicate that we want to update this computer
4. After scanning the system, examine the list of updates that are not present in it. By default, all files stored on the hard drive will be saved. But you can change this by clicking on the "Change the components selected for saving" button and setting your parameters.
   Start the installation or choose what data you want to keep
5. Wait for the download and installation to finish. The computer will restart at the end of the process.
   Wait while Media Creation Tool downloads and installs updates

Through the Windows10Upgrade program

On the same page where you can download the program for installing and updating to Windows 10, there is an "Update now" button, which appears only if you are logged into the browser with the OS already installed.

Custom installation

If you need to make sure that some versions of updates are never installed, use the official program wushowhide.diagcab.

Video: How to selectively install updates

Installation without Internet access

If the computer to be updated does not have Internet access, then you can download updates from another computer, transfer them to the desired one and install manually. You can download updates using the Portable Update program:

Installing CAB and MSU format updates

If you download the update you need in the CAB or MSU format, you can install it by running one of the commands in the "Command line" launched with administrator rights:

In both cases, the path to the file must be delimited by quotes.

Switching to Gaming Mode in Windows 10

Game mode has been added to the system with the Creators Update. You can upgrade to it using any of the above methods. Game mode will allow you to achieve maximum performance by optimizing the processes running on your computer. After you update to the Creators Update, activate it as follows:

Video: How to enable Gaming Mode in Windows 10

How to update the system revision

There are several packages of the system, each of which is intended for a certain circle of users. Windows can be "Home", "Professional" or "Enterprise". If you first installed the "Home" version, and then decided that it was time to switch to the "Professional" version, then reinstalling the system is not necessary, just follow these steps:

Video: how to update Windows 10 edition

Stop system update

By default, the system is updated automatically. You can stop the update by following these steps:

There are other ways to disable automatic installation of updates, but they are more time consuming. If you want to install some updates and prohibit others, then use the "Custom Installation" instruction given above in the same article.

Possible problems after installing updates

After installing updates and new versions of the assembly, you may experience problems with system activation or with the wrong operation of applications, processes, games or devices.

Rollback build

If, after updating the assembly, the activation has flown, then it must be repeated. If you have problems of another kind, you need to roll back the system:

Removing updates

If the problems arose not because of the installation of a new assembly, but because of a specific update, then this particular update must be removed:

Video: how to uninstall Windows 10 updates

System updates can both help the system and harm it, so it is worth controlling the incoming packages manually. You should not completely abandon new versions, but at the same time it is not recommended to install them all and immediately, as soon as they are released.

Why update Windows operating systems? A very large number of users believe that completing the installation operating system updates is an optional task that you can perform later. But this is not at all the case, since each OS update contains files that increase the level of stability and reliability of Windows.

Problems that are resolved with operating system updates

• Improving the stability and performance of the PC. Virtually every Windows service pack contains new driver versions that reduce power consumption and improve performance. And new system modules and libraries make the work of the Windows operating system more rational and stable.
• System protection. All versions of Windows, even the most recent ones, have a large number of vulnerabilities, which cybercriminals use for their own purposes to obtain user data from your PC. Or in order to use your computer to send spam, extract virtual currency, carry out DDoS attacks, etc. With each service pack, Microsoft closes loopholes, thereby protecting its users from criminal attacks.
• Comprehensive hardware and software support. Manufacturers computer programs and equipment are constantly improving technology by adding additional functions to their products. And if you do not install the appropriate system update, then Windows will not be able to use the new functions.

In the event that you do not have a stable Internet connection or there are traffic restrictions that do not allow you to download all updates, you should install at least those that have the "important" or "critical" status. Windows operating system update data fix the most critical bugs and eliminate the most dangerous vulnerabilities.

How do I update the Windows XP operating system?
Installing updates in Windows XP is performed using the Windows Update Center from Microsoft, which can be accessed through the "Control Panel".

After entering Windows Update, you will be prompted to choose one of three modes of downloading and installing updates or disable updates altogether. The best option windows XP operating system updates is an automatic scheduled update.

The main advantages of automatic updating Windows XP
Manual installation of updates requires certain user knowledge and time. Downloading and installing updates puts a load on the computer's resources, and this can lead to its freezing. If you configure the system's auto-update for a period of time when you are not using your PC, then such inconveniences will not arise.

• Windows XP Service Packs contain new system features and bug fixes. So, if you entrust the installation of updates directly to the operating system, you will not have to wonder which updates are needed for your PC and which are not. Windows XP itself will select the necessary updates and install.
• Your personal computer will always have high protection against all possible threats. Also, you will not need to periodically monitor the release of important and critical updates in order to install them on your PC. When vulnerabilities are identified, Microsoft releases patches that fix them. So, the sooner the OS receives such patches, the more secure your data will be.

To enable auto-update of the Windows XP operating system You should do the following:

• set the switch opposite the item "Automatic (recommended)";
• choose the time to download and install updates. It is recommended to choose a time when no one is working on your PC, for example, at night. For a home personal computer, it will be enough to perform updates once a week, but if there is very important information on it, then it is better to update the OS every day.

• click on the "OK" button.

The changes will take effect immediately and you will not have to worry about the security of your personal computer.

How to update the Windows 7 operating system
Search and installation of updates in the Windows 7 operating system is performed through the update center, which can be accessed through the "Control Panel" or using the wuapp.exe CMD command.

In order to check for updates and install them on Windows 7 OS, do the following:

• click on “Search for updates” in the left menu, then wait until the OS finds all available updates;

• after the message about the need to install important updates appears, click on it. This will allow you to select the updates you want to install.

In the event that there are no important updates on your PC, or they have already been installed, then a window will appear in which you will be prompted to install optional updates.

If you install important updates in a timely manner, then the security of not only Windows 7, but also the entire computer will significantly increase. Optional updates are basically driver or software updates that have little impact on the overall operating system.

How do I update the Windows 8 operating system?
Installing updates on the Windows 8 operating system is performed as on Windows 7 using the update center. You can enter it through the wuapp.exe CMD command or through the "Control Panel".

In order to find updates, and then install them, you should follow these steps:

• in the Windows update center, click on the item "Search for updates";

• after the OS finishes searching for updates, click on the "Install updates" button;

• now you need to wait a while while the Windows 8 operating system downloads and installs all updates. This window will inform you about it.

Remember that you should install updates, as they significantly increase the performance of your personal computer, as well as its protection.

Despite the emergence of more and more versions of antivirus programs, security threats when working on the Internet are not decreasing. One way to improve security is to periodically update the Windows operating system.

Instructions