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HP PCs - Installing Windows 10

Install Windows 10 on a computer that came with Windows 8.1 or Windows 7 using the instructions in this document.

Note:

After the introduction of Windows 10, Microsoft offered a free upgrade for Windows 8.1 or Windows 7. That offer is no longer available. For more details, go to Microsoft Upgrade to Windows 10: FAQ (in English).

Important information about installing Windows 10

Read the following important information before installing Windows 10.

Make sure to back up your important files.

CAUTION:
Always back up all important data (such as personal files, photos, videos, documents, applications, software) before beginning to avoid any possibility of losing your data. See HP PCs - Back up your files (Windows 11, 10).
HP provides installation instructions, compatible software, and updated drivers for most computers sold after August 2013.
If you purchased your computer before August 2013, HP has not tested or developed drivers for your computer model. Some features might not work, or the installation might not be successful.
HP provides Windows 10 compatible software and updated drivers to support only specific computer models.
Make sure that you have installed the latest version of the drivers for your Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 product using HP Support Assistant, or download them from HP Customer Support - Software and Driver Downloads.
Update your antivirus software and the antivirus definitions before installing Windows 10. Set the antivirus application to update automatically. Go to the antivirus software manufacturer website for more information.
If your computer hard drive is encrypted using HP ProtectTools or another security application, you must decrypt the hard drive before starting the installation.
If you seek support assistance from HP after the installation, HP technical support might request that you restore the original Windows operating system to ensure product functionality. If your computer is sent to service for repairs after installing Windows 10, your computer could be reimaged with the original Windows operating system, and Windows 10 could be removed. After repairs are made, you can reinstall Windows 10. Be sure to remember your Microsoft account login and password. To reset your password, see HP PCs - Change or reset the computer password in Windows 10.
With Windows 10 installed, you automatically receive updates and security fixes from Microsoft. You cannot opt out of this service.
If you want to restore the original operating system, it is best to obtain HP recovery media before you install Windows 10. To learn how to create recovery media, see HP Consumer PCs - Obtaining PC recovery USB drives or discs.
Not all Windows 10 features are available on all computers, and your particular experience with Windows 10 depends on the capabilities of your computer.
Apps are sold separately. Software designed for Windows 8.1 or earlier operating systems might not work after installing Windows 10.
If you installed third-party software after purchasing your HP computer, you can ensure that it is supported in Windows 10 by contacting the software vendor.
Some graphics hardware does not support the new WDDM 2.0 driver design. While the graphics can work on Windows 10, the computer does not benefit from the performance improvements available to graphics that support WDDM 2.0.
You might not be able to view DVD movies after installing Windows 10. If you currently use a DVD codec to play DVD movies, such as the encoder that comes with Windows 7 Professional, this encoder might not be available in Windows 10. To continue to play DVDs after installing Windows 10, install a new media player app from the Microsoft Store or another trusted source.
Windows Media Center does not work after installing Windows 10. It is removed during the Windows 10 installation and cannot be installed afterwards.
For computers with available storage of 128 GB or less, the installation might require you to provide a USB hard drive (32 GB or larger). HP does not recommend using an SD card.
SD card slots might not work after installing Windows 10. For this reason, HP recommends using only USB or microUSB external storage, not an SD card, as Windows 10 installation media.
Microsoft includes a free voice recorder app in Windows 10 to record your interviews, classes, business meetings, and voice notes. This application might not work as expected on all machines. If recording functionality is missing on your device, check Windows Update for the latest driver.
Face authentication requires specific hardware such as an infrared (IR) camera. If the computer does not have this hardware installed, the option to set up face authentication in the Settings app is not available.
Fingerprint authentication can be set up in the Settings app for computers that have swipe or scan fingerprint readers. If the option to set up the fingerprint reader in the Settings app is not available, you might need to upgrade the security software on your computer. In Windows 10, download and install the latest HP SimplePass or Digital Persona software. If you are using security software from another manufacturer, check with the manufacturer of that software.
The Cortana personal assistant feature uses specific hardware such as a microphone, speakers, GPS, and an Internet connection. The microphone in your computer might need to be configured to work with Cortana and results vary based on the specific microphone. Cortana might not be available in all countries/regions.
After installing Windows 10, Wireless Display (Miracast) might not connect to an external display, or might lose connection. Updated video and wireless drivers are required to enable the functionality. Check Windows Update for the latest drivers and install them when they are available.
Microsoft Refresh and Reset might not correctly restore drivers and customizations specific to your HP system. Only use Go Back to return to the previous operating system. After Go Back is expired, use your recovery media to return to the previous operating system, and then reinstall Windows 10.
Multi-finger Precision Touchpad, a new Windows 10 feature, provides high-precision pointer input and new gesture functionality. Your computer does not support the hardware requirement for Multi-finger Precision Touchpad. This feature requires specific hardware to function in Windows 10. In Windows 10, your touchpad still works correctly.
Computers configured with Intel Broadwell (Intel Core i3-5xxx, Core i5-5xxx, Core i7-5xxx; Pentium 38xx, Celeron 37xx/32xx) or Haswell (Intel Core i3-4xxx, i5-4xxx, i7-4xxx; Pentium 35xx, Celeron 29xx) processors and 32-bit versions of Windows 8.1 are not capable of upgrading to Windows 10 32-bit using the Windows Upgrade tool. To install Windows 10 64-bit, purchase Windows 10 64-bit from Microsoft and perform a clean install of Windows 10 64-bit from the Microsoft download site. In some cases, HP might not provide compatible software and updated drivers for your model.
Some computers with IDT audio controllers might not have full functionality after installing Windows 10. The Windows 10 driver provides audio for the computer, but some features might not work.
On 2-in-1, x360 and convertible notebooks, the continuum feature in Windows 10 might not automatically detect when the computer is in tablet or desktop mode. You can manually switch between modes in the Action Center.
Some computers do not support DirectX 12. You might not be able to use some new features in the XBOX app or use applications that require DirectX 12.
If your computer has an Intel 11th generation processor and a hard drive cannot be found for the Windows installation, see HP PCs - No drives can be found during Windows 11 or Windows 10 installation (Intel 11th Generation processors).

System requirements

Microsoft requires that your computer hardware meets the following system requirements before you can install Windows 10.

System requirements
Requirement	Minimum	Recommended
Processor	1 gigahertz (GHz) IA-32 or x64 architecture Support for PAE, NX, and SSE2	x64 architecture Second Level Address Translation (SLAT) support for Hyper-V
Memory (RAM)	IA-32: 1 GB x64 edition: 2 GB	4 GB
Graphics card	Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 driver	DirectX 10
Display screen	800 × 600 pixels	1024 × 768 pixels (to access Windows Store)
Input device	Keyboard and mouse	Multitouch display
Hard drive space	16 GB for IA-32 20 GB for x64	Same as minimum
Other	Internet connection

Before you install Windows 10

These are steps that you must take before you install Windows 10.

Update the PC with HP Support Assistant

Use HP Support Assistant to find and install updates, including BIOS updates, for your computer with Windows.

In Windows, search for and open HP Support Assistant, or click the app icon in the taskbar.

If the app is not installed on your computer, download the latest version from the HP Support Assistant website.
On the My Dashboard tab, find your computer, and then click Updates.
Wait while HP Support Assistant analyzes the system.
After the analysis completes, select the listed updates, download and install the updates, and then follow any on-screen instructions.
If prompted, restart the computer, and then close the tool.

Update the BIOS

Download and install the latest version of the BIOS for your computer.

For more information, see the following document for your computer:

Create recovery discs and back up your important files

Create recovery discs and use File History to back up your data.

If you have not already done so, create a set of Windows system recovery discs or save a recovery image to a USB storage device. If a problem occurs during the installation process, you can use HP System Recovery to return your computer to its original software configuration. To create your recovery solution, see HP Consumer PCs - Obtaining PC recovery USB drives or discs.
You can use File History to back up your files and transfer them to Windows 10. To create a backup of your files, see HP PCs - Back up your files (Windows 11, 10).

Decrypt the hard drive (if applicable)

The Windows 10 installation does not complete if the hard drive is encrypted. If you have encrypted the hard drive, you must decrypt the hard drive before beginning the installation.

Install Windows 10 from a USB drive using Media Creation Tool

You can install Windows 10 from a USB drive using the Media Creation Tool.

Create the installation media to download Windows 10

Download the Media Creation Tool and create the installation media.

Note:

You can run the Media Creation Tool and create the Windows installation media on any computer.

Go to the Microsoft Download Windows 10 webpage (in English).
Click Download Now to download the file MediaCreationTool.exe.
Accept the license terms.
Select Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC, and then click Next.
Select the language, edition, and architecture (64-bit or 32-bit) for the Windows 10 installation, and then click Next.
Insert a blank USB drive (16 GB or larger is recommended), select USB flash drive, and then click Next.
Select the USB flash drive, and then click Next.
After the Media Creation Tool finishes writing the Windows installation media on the USB drive, click Finish.

Install Windows 10 on your computer

Windows 10 Setup allows you to do a clean installation of Windows 10 (erases all data) or to keep your personal files and apps. HP still recommends backing up all data in the event of any data loss.

Note:

If you are prompted to supply the Windows 10 product key, type the product key, and then click Next.

Note:

If your computer has less than 128 GB of free hard drive space, you are prompted to connect a USB hard drive to continue with the installation. Use a blank USB hard drive 32 GB or larger. When the installation is complete, Windows 10 Upgrade copies the windows.old file to the USB hard drive. Keep this file on the USB hard drive. The file is required if you decide to go back to the previous operating system.

Insert the Windows installation USB drive into the computer.
Open the USB drive in File Explorer, and then double-click the setup file.

If a User Account Control window displays, click Yes.
When the Get important updates window opens, select Download and install updates (recommended), and then click Next.
Accept the license terms.
In the Choose what to keep window, select what you want to keep, and then click Next.
- Keep personal files and apps: Keeps all your personal files, settings, and apps.
- Keep personal files only: Keeps your personal files, but no settings or apps.
- Nothing: Keeps nothing and erases all data.
In the Ready to install window, click Install.
The installation begins.

During the installation process, your computer restarts several times. Do not turn off your computer or interrupt the installation process. If the sign-in window displays, sign in to your account.
- If you chose Keep personal files and apps, the desktop opens when the installation completes.
- If you chose Keep personal files only, the desktop opens when the installation completes.
- If you chose Keep nothing, see Complete setup and sign in to Windows 10 (clean installation only).

Complete setup and sign in to Windows 10 (clean installation only)

If you have completed a clean installation of Windows and kept nothing, navigate the setup experience with the help of Cortana. If you chose to keep your personal files and apps, you do not need to set up Windows 10 again.

When the Cortana introductory screen is displayed, you can choose to use Cortana voice recognition (if your computer has a working microphone) or your keyboard and mouse to complete the setup.

If you do not want to use Cortana, click the speaker icon in the lower right corner, and then mute the volume.
When the Let's start with region. Is this right? screen is displayed, select your region, and then click Yes.
When the Is this the right keyboard layout? screen is displayed, select your keyboard layout, and then click Yes.
When the Want to add a second keyboard layout? screen is displayed, click Add layout and follow the on-screen instructions to add another keyboard layout, or click Skip to continue without a second keyboard layout.
When the Let's connect you to a network screen is displayed, select the network to connect to, and then click Connect and type your network user name and password, or click Skip for now to continue without connecting to a network.
On the Sign in with Microsoft screen, type your email, phone, or Skype name in the text field, or create an account, and then click Next.
Type your password in the text field, and then click Next.
If you see a Call us overprotective screen requesting an additional method of account verification, select the way you want to verify the account, and then click Next.
Read the options displayed on each screen, select the options that you want, and then follow the on-screen instructions to continue.
When the Choose privacy settings for your device screen is displayed, select the options that you want, and then click Accept.

The installation completes, and the desktop opens.

Windows activation

To verify that you have a genuine copy of Windows 10 that has not been used on more devices than the license agreement calls for, your Windows 10 needs to be activated. Depending on where you acquired your copy of Windows 10, activation occurs using either a digital entitlement or a 25-character product key.

See Windows 10 Product Activation for more information about activating Windows 10.

Windows Hello

To unlock your computer with your fingerprint or with your face, without a password, you can use Windows Hello. It is a more personal and secure way to unlock your Windows 10 device. If your computer has the hardware required for Windows Hello, you are prompted to set up Windows Hello during the Windows 10 setup.

If Windows Hello does not activate automatically and you want to fingerprint reader or facial recognition feature, follow these instructions after Windows 10 is activated.

Click the Start button, click Settings, click Accounts, and then select Sign-in options.
Under Windows Hello, options for face, fingerprint, or iris are displayed if your computer has the fingerprint reader or camera to support the feature.

After setting up Windows Hello, you can sign into your computer with the swipe of a finger or a quick glance.

Steps to take after installing Windows 10

After installing Windows 10, update your drivers, software, and apps.

Make sure that the computer is connected to the internet.
Install the latest updates from Windows Update.
Sign in to the Microsoft Store and update any Windows apps.
Install HP Support Assistant. HP Support Assistant scans your computer and automatically detects and installs the latest software drivers available from HP. Go to HP Support Assistant to download and install HP Support Assistant for Windows 10.

Note:
Install an updated Sunix Parallel port card driver (if applicable) from HP Support Assistant or HP Customer Support - Software and Driver Download.
Install updated video drivers. For the best viewing experience, download and install the latest graphics drivers for your computer. Go to HP Customer Support, select Software and Drivers, and then enter your computer model number. Download and install the Windows 10 video drivers for your computer.
Install updated wireless network drivers and wireless button software. The wireless button on your computer should sync with Windows Airplane Mode when the required software is installed. Go to HP Customer Support and install the latest BIOS for your computer, if you have not already done so. Then, install the latest wireless and Bluetooth drivers. Finally, install the HP Wireless Button SoftPaq.
Install updated audio drivers. To get the most from your audio system, install the latest HP audio drivers.
Install updated touchpad drivers. Install the Windows 10 touchpad driver to use edge swipe features from the touchpad to switch between open applications and other useful functions.
Resolve any printer issues. After installing Windows 10, if your printer does not work as expected or encounters a problem, see HP Printers - Using HP Print and Scan Doctor (Windows).
Learn how to use Windows 10. Read the HP Support document HP PCs - Understanding and using Windows 10 to learn about the new Windows 10 features, the apps that come with Windows 10, and more.

Delete Windows 10 installation files to regain storage space

The Go Back feature, which allows you to reinstall a previous version of Windows, is available for 10 days after upgrading to Windows 10 (or updating Windows 10 to a new version). The Windows installation files occupy a large amount of hard drive storage space during that time. The files are deleted automatically after 10 days. However, you can delete them manually if you want to free up storage space before then.

Note:

After deleting the files, the Go Back feature is no longer available for restoring a previous version of Windows.

Using the search box on the taskbar, search for and open Disk Cleanup.
Select the hard drive where the Windows installation files are stored (usually C:), and then click OK.
When the Disk Cleanup window is displayed, click Clean up system files.
Select the hard drive where the Windows installation files are stored (usually C:), and then click OK.

Wait while Disk Cleanup scans the drive for system files that can be deleted.
Select Previous Windows installation(s) and Temporary Windows installation files, and then click OK to start the cleanup.
Click Delete Files.

When the disk cleanup is complete, more free space is available on the computer hard drive.

Go back to the previous version of Windows

Go Back is a feature that returns your computer to the operating system that was installed before you installed Windows 10.

Note:

The Go Back option is available for only 10 days after installing Windows 10. If you perform a disk cleanup, refresh, or reset in Windows 10, you do not have the option to go back. If you have deleted the windows.old file from your computer, you do not have the option to go back. If your installation required an external USB drive, you must use the same drive to go back.

Prepare to go back.
- HP recommends that you back up all important data (personal files, photos, videos, documents, applications, software, and so on) before going back, to avoid any possibility of losing your important data. See HP PCs - Back up your files (Windows 11, 10).
- If you used a different password with the previous Windows version on your computer, you might need your old password.
- Keep your PC turned on and plugged in to a power source for the duration of the go back process.
- After going back, you might need to reinstall some apps and programs, and any settings changes are lost.
Using the search box on the taskbar, search for go back, and then click Go back to an earlier build.

The Recovery window opens in Settings.
In the Go back to an earlier build section, click Get started.
On the Why are you going back? window, select an answer, type more details into the Tell us more field (optional), and then click Next.
Read the What you need to know window, and then click Next.
Windows reminds you that you need your old password, if applicable. Click Next.
Click Go back to an earlier build.
Wait while your system is restored to the previous version of Windows. Do not turn off or unplug the computer.
When Go Back is complete, sign in with the user account and password from your previous version of Windows.

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