Do-it-yourself windows upgrade?

[RWPossum]

Are there pitfalls for a guy with no particular computer skills? Is it smarter to get a pro to do it?

[Richard]

What do you mean by upgrade - more RAM, Larger HDD, Different OS?

If you mean 8.0 to 8.1 - you should have no problem - you will need a constant Internet Connection and time (up to 8 hours).

[Geek Squad]

This depends entirely on what you are upgrading (Operating System, RAM, Hard Drive, etc.) and also your comfort level or experience. It sounds like you are talking about Windows, the Operating System on your computer, but I'll outline RAM and Hard Drive upgrades as well just in case.

Operating System - If you are wanting to go from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1, this is quite simple, and done straight through the Microsoft Store. Any other Operating System upgrades for Windows would require that you purchase them, and then backup your data first then you can install it. These upgrades are bit trickier, especially since your personal data is at risk for being overwritten, more so than the Windows 8 to 8.1 upgrade.

RAM - http://www.crucial.com has great information on how much RAM a computer can handle and what type. You would just fill in your model number into the drop-down menus on their "Crucial Memory Advisorâ„¢ Tool". RAM is probably the easiest part in a computer to upgrade, if your computer allows it. Most of the time it's just a small compartment on the bottom of the computer (for laptops) that you open, and un-clip the old RAM and insert the new RAM.

Hard Drive - If you wanted to upgrade the internal hard drive, typically this is best done by an expert, as each computer is different with it's wiring and many times you have to unplug several other parts in the computer in order to replace the hard drive. In addition, once the hard drive is installed, the Operating System would need to be re-installed as well and that part can also be quite tricky if you have not done it before.

Agent Carissa F.
Badge #52367
Covert Agent | Geek Squad Online Support
Geek Squad Social Media Team
03/30/14