Microsoft have revelled details of the improved upgrade process for Windows 8 including the online upgrade system. Microsoft plan to make the online experience better by including the product key in the online setup, reducing the footprint of the download and reducing size needed for the install. Most Windows users first experience of Windows 8 will be the upgrade process so its important for Microsoft to get it right. Microsoft said in a blog post on the Windows Blog that the Windows 8 upgrade has 82% fewer clicks that Windows 7, personally I haven’t found the upgrade process that bad in Windows 7 but its nice to see the Microsoft moving away from DVD installation and looking at USB and online scenarios.
Shifting towards web delivery methods
Before going into the detail on the user experience changes, there’s one big change that is important to call out. In the past, if you wanted to buy an upgrade for Windows, it involved purchasing a boxed product from a retail outlet, taking it home, (sometimes being infuriated while trying to open the box,) and inserting a DVD. However, buying boxed software is quickly becoming the exception rather than the rule, with more and more software being purchased online as broadband penetration increases and large-size media downloads become more common. While we will continue to offer boxed DVDs, we are also making it easier than ever to purchase and install online. This includes starting the setup experience online as well, and having one continuous integrated experience from beginning to end. There is also one big advantage that is a favorite of mine. With our web setup experience, we actually “pre-key” the setup image that is downloaded to a unique user, which means that you don’t have to type in the 25-digit product key when you install!
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