Kicking yourself for buying a new PC with Windows 7? Not sure if your current laptop will run Windows 8? Relax. There are solutions to these problems. Take a look at this guide to see how you can upgrade, what it will cost you, and whether or not your current PC will run Windows 8 seamlessly.

Eligible Upgrades

Microsoft doesn’t want to leave you hanging. That’s why the company is offering $15 upgrades for certain Windows 7 users. If you are eligible for a $15 upgrade, you won’t have to buy a new PC or pay the full price for Windows 8. Who’s eligible? If you bought your current Windows 7 PC after June 2, 2012, you are eligible for the $15 upgrade. Why isn’t this upgrade free? Well, you’ll have to take that one up with Microsoft (the company does have to make some money on it, right?).

What if you didn’t buy your current PC after June 2? What if you bought yours in May? You should know right now that Apple does not offer any kind of Windows 8 support. Most other major companies like Acer, Dell (Alienware), Lenovo, Asus, and other are offering Windows 8 support. Some manufacturers, like HP, are even doling out upgrade instructions. To find out if your current PC can be upgraded, check with your manufacturer (this information should be listed on manufacturer websites). Got an older system that you really aren’t sure about? Here’s what you’ll need to have in order to even think about running Windows 8.

Hardware Necessities

First, it’s important to point out that Windows 8 is built on touch. This OS was made to work with a touchscreen or with touchscreen accessories. If you don’t have some way of touching your screen, you can’t use Windows 8. Next, you’ll have to have drivers that are compatible with Windows 8. Some manufacturers are offering driver support, but some are not. Lastly, Windows 8 is all about display, so if you don’t have a display that’s 1366-by-768 resolution-wise, you won’t really be able to see what Windows 8 can do in all of its glory.

There you have it. There are some definite things that you will need to have if you want to upgrade to Windows 8. Hopefully, you are one of the lucky ones who purchased a PC with Windows 7 after that June cutoff date. If you are, head to the Microsoft website in order to upgrade to Windows 8, but keep in mind that you’ll still need a touchscreen to use the new OS in all its glory. If you don’t make that cutoff date, chances are you can still upgrade if everything you need is in tact.

Is Windows 8 all its hyped up to be? More importantly, is it worth upgrading or buying a new PC if you can’t upgrade? So far, Windows 8 has impressed and lived up to its already popular name. I recommend heading to the nearest computer store and testing out the new Windows 8 before you buy a new PC or upgrade. While the tile system that Microsoft has come up with is seemingly great, it might not be the system for you.