A tiled Start screen or a sticker does not reliably identify whether Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 is currently installed. Before replacing the PC, establish what is actually running. These read-only steps need no internet connection and change no settings. They are not an in-place upgrade guide.
1. Read the running version directly
- Press Windows + R, enter
winverand press Enter. - Copy the displayed Windows name, version and build number exactly, then close the dialog.
- In Control Panel open System and Security – System. Record Windows edition and system type. Distinguish operating-system bitness from processor capability.
- Record computer name and check date. Do not include product IDs or personal information from the window in publicly shared screenshots.
Microsoft assigns version 6.2 to Windows 8 and 6.3 to Windows 8.1. The number alone does not uniquely identify every Windows product family; use the displayed product name as well. Do not rely solely on an old inventory application: software without the appropriate version declaration can receive 6.2 even on newer Windows.
2. Separate edition from hardware
Pro or Enterprise is an edition, not the difference between 8 and 8.1. A 64-bit processor does not prove that installed Windows is 64-bit. If the display says Windows RT or Windows RT 8.1, record that explicitly; do not treat it as a regular x86/x64 desktop-program PC. Choose manufacturer documentation matching the identified device.
Identifying the version proves neither hardware suitability nor licensing or program compatibility for the target. Check those separately. Windows 8 and 8.1 are out of support; Windows 8.1 reached end of support on January 10, 2023. Merely moving to 8.1 is therefore not a long-term solution today. Historical support articles and upgrade recommendations are not current compatibility evidence.
3. Inventory data and programs separately
List documents, pictures, desktop files and downloads for each authorized user, plus additional data folders. Record actual paths and distinguish local files, network shares and cloud contents. A visible cloud filename does not prove a complete local copy. Check availability on a supported device or through the approved backup procedure.
For business applications separately record version, installation source, licensing owner and application-specific exports. Copying Program Files is not installation. Mail archives, browser data and application data may be outside visible document folders. Resolve encrypted files and drives before transfer; a normal login password does not replace missing keys.
4. Actually open a copy on the destination
Copy the required data to a suitable, approved and adequately protected external destination. Do not move originals. Check errors, coverage and representative files. Open copies on the new computer with the intended applications; for specialist files check important contents and functions, not just whether they open.
Record source, backup destination, date, destination check and unresolved issues for each data group. Keep the old PC and independent backup unchanged until migration is accepted. Formatting, reinstalling and disposal are not part of version identification. Preparation is complete when the old system is unambiguously documented and the data is covered by a traceable, checked copy.