Windows XP is no longer a supported OS and Windows 7’s Mainstream Support period has already expired. This leaves Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 as the only option to any users looking to upgrade their computer. Of course, the standard question all such users ask when they get around to it is ‘is my computer compatible with Windows 8′. This, however, depends upon the configuration of the system that you are using.

The question is not even relevant, if you are making the upgrade from Windows XP. You have to buy a new computer preinstalled with Windows 8 or 8.1 OS. There is no other option. Keep in mind that Windows XP is more than 13 years old and the hardware in your old computer would be completely outdated.

However, if you were running XP on a recently purchased high-end PC, then Windows 8 might run on it. But, you might have to upgrade some of the hardware components for that. Microsoft has released an app for helping the users check their system’s compatibility with Windows 8. The app called Upgrade Assistant is available for free download, which helps you find out which all hardware components need to be updated.

The simple answer to the question ‘is my computer compatible with Windows 8′ is the list of system requirements for Windows 8. These, according to Microsoft, are as follows:

Processor: 1 GHz or faster
RAM: 1 GB (32-bit) or 2 GB (64-bit)
Hard disk space: 16 GB (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)
Graphics card: Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM driver

Your old Windows XP system is not likely to meet any of these requirements. However, if you are making the upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 8, it is possible that your system configuration might match what is listed here. If so, you can save on the hardware costs and spend money only on purchasing Windows 8 or Windows 8.1.

At any rate, run the Upgrade Assistant app to check the Windows 8 compatibility before you install the new OS. You can also purchase Windows 8 OS through this app, which will show you the online link if your system is indeed ready for the new operating system.

Of course, you need not worry about any of this if you are buying a brand new computer preinstalled with Windows 8 or 8.1.