Upgrading to windows 8

[Ahhlong]

Will upgrading from windows 7 to windows 8 rather than a clean install have a big difference in speed?

[DoubleY]

I wouldn't say a big difference. But you'll see it

[Ringtail Jax]

For the most part there is a noticeable difference (personally I like windows 7 more) until you start loading in all your programs and such (unless you have an ssd or something like it).

[TheRoss0411]

I love windows 8, but would not say it's worth the money wait for the next version if it's any good

[flibberdipper]

You'll notice it if you just do an upgrade. It will usually see bogged down more than a fresh install would.

[chicksoup]

absolutely, I think you should get it, because it is really nice and it boots a lot faster than windows 7. 

[ZerueLX11]

Do a fresh install of windows 8.1. I went from 7 to 8 and my audio drivers were fucked for months till I just got fed up and did a fresh install.

[willielikesmonkeys]

If you haven't already paid for a license, consider what you'd really be getting from spending $100. It's not like 7 is losing support anytime soon and in most ways they're almost exactly the same. So IMO just wait for windows 9 or even 9.1/10 (whatever the heck MS is calling it) and by that time you'll probably be itching to do a new build anyways.

[GoodBytes]

If you are using a BIOS with Windows 7, and want to switch to UEFI for Windows 8 to enjoy 4 to 6 sec boot time (average), with an SSD, then you'll need to clean install.

If you have nothing to change in terms of settings, then you can process an upgrade.

Please note that:

-> Uninstall your anti-virus and all security software before doing the upgrade. They usually block some system files from being upgraded and end up with a non-working mess

-> Backup your stuff, you never know. If something bad happens, you don't want to lose your data, or make the situation more complicated for you, in trying to pull the data out.

-> Ensure that you have the latest Windows 7 drivers installed before upgrading to Windows 8. Some drivers can cause problem with the upgrade process. Latest version of drivers will be sure that you don't have such problem, despite being very rare case.

-> If you used a registry cleaner at some point, then it may fail the upgrade process. Do at your own risk. This is usually where problem show up when you cleaned the registry. (Windows upgrade and Service Pack installs)

That said, the process should be smooth sailing. Windows setup will tell you about software that will be uninstalled, or software or hardware that it knows that it could potentially have problems and asks you to verify with the manufacture to ensure support. (usually it's fine).

If you did not purchase Windows 8, then I don't think it's worth investing money in Win8, since Win9 should be out end of 2015, following Microsoft 3 year life cycle upgrade model. I am saying this, just to get full value out of the price of Windows.