The Windows 10 release is fast approaching, and it's time to start thinking about the upgrade. Have a Windows 7 machine and thinking about upgrading to Windows 10? Even though this could be a relatively easy task for many users, it may not be as easy for everyone else. There are few things you want to keep in mind. As such today, we're going to go through the basics to try to minimize any friction that may appear upgrading to Windows 10 from Windows 7.
Now that Microsoft has ended the support for Windows XP, Windows 7 has jumped in the list as the most popular operating system in use today. However, the software maker hopes that Windows 10 will make a huge difference, not only because the next version packs a bunch of new features, such as a new Start menu, Cortana, universal apps, the new Microsoft Edge web browser, and much more, but because it'll be a free upgrade. The company is expecting a faster adoption of Windows 10.
So, yes, as you probably already know, Windows 10 will be free for the first year after it's released on July 29. It will be free for those users running a genuine copy of Windows 7 and Windows 8. However, before you jump into the upgrade, there are some things you need to know.
For example, you'll be getting the operating system free of charge, but only if you're running Windows 7 with Service Pack 1.
Back up your files before you install or reinstall Windows on your PC. Learn how for Windows 10 or for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1. To create the installation media, here's what you'll need. There are several ways to install Windows 10 on your PC, whether you’re upgrading from Windows 7 or 8, installing a new operating system from scratch, or reinstalling a fresh version of Windows 10. There are still ways to get a free Windows 10 upgrade license, too.
You can check if you have Service Pack 1 by opening the Run command with the Windows + R keyboard shortcut, typing winver, and below the operating system name, it should read 'Version 6.1 (Build 7601: Service Pack 1)'.
If you don't have it, you will have to install the update via Windows Update, or by visiting this Microsoft support page. You can manually download the update. Make sure to download 'windows6.1-KB976932-X64.exe' if you're running a 64-bit version or 'windows6.1-KB976932-X86.exe' if you're running a 32-bit version of Windows 7.
Once you have the latest updates installed and made sure Windows Update is enabled, the 'Get Windows 10' app should soon appear in the notification area with a Windows icon. At this point, if you don't see the app, your computer is probably not compatible with Windows 10. It's also possible that Windows Update isn't configured correctly.
In case you don't want to deal with Windows Update, you can download the update KB3035583, which will install the 'Get Windows 10' app in your system. (You also want to make sure you have installed KB2952664)
- There are articles about comparing clean vs upgraded installation from older version (like Seven or Eight), but I couldn't find any comparison when you want install a new updated Windows 10 over previous one (happened in case you don't have internet connection, however want to be updated).
- I recently purchased the ASUS GL702VM-BHI7N09 laptop from Best Buy, and found that the ASUS GL752VW which has the same i7-6700HQ processor as this laptop was able to have Windows 7 (64-bit) successfully installed over the default Windows 10 installation as explained in the link below.
After you install the app, click the Windows icon in the lower-right corner of the screen, and then click the Reserve your free upgrade button. Enter an email address to get a confirmation when the operating system is ready to install, click the Send confirmation, and you're good to go.
On July 29, Microsoft will begin rolling out its new operating system starting with machines that are part of the Windows Insider Program. The company will continue rolling out Windows 10 gradually to everyone else who reserved the copy using the 'Get Windows 10' app and those who bought a new PC. Later on, everyone else will get the upgrade as well.
So, this means that as we have previously reported, Windows 10 won't be available for everyone at once on July 29. Making a reservation before it releases will ensure your PC will get the new operating system as soon as possible.
If you were able to make a reservation, it means that your computer or tablet is compatible with Windows 10, but it doesn't mean you won't encounter any issues at the time of the upgrade. You also have to make sure your apps, all your hardware, peripherals, and drivers are compatible as well.
Luckily, the Get Windows 10 app also includes a PC checkup tool that will list any problems with your computer, and various other information you need to know before the upgrade. To check your PC compatibility, open the Get Windows 10 app, click the hamburger button, and from the menu click Check your PC.
Once Windows 10 is available for your computer, you will get notified. Even though the installation should be straightforward, you should make a backup of all your personal files to an external storage and make a full backup of your system using the built-in System Image Backup tool. (You can use my previous guide to perform this task, but note that even though the guide was written for on Windows 10 and 8.1, the same instructions will work on Windows 7.)
Next, you want to disable or uninstall your antivirus and other security software, and you want to disconnect any peripherals other than your keyboard, mouse, and monitor. You may also want to uninstall any applications that you don't use or apps that have been listed by the 'Get Windows 10' as problematic. Sometimes antivirus, peripherals, and certain software could be the cause of an unsuccessful installation.
You also want to make sure you have at least 10GB or more of free storage space available to perform the upgrade. Windows 10 requires at least 16GB of space to install the 32-bit or 20GB to install the 64-bit version.
Once Windows 10 is available to you (time that will vary from PC to PC), a notification on your desktop will appear. Just accept the Important Legal Stuff, and then the Windows setup wizard Your upgrade is ready to install will pop up. You can schedule a time to upgrade, or you can click Start the upgrade now to begin the process.
Now, sit, relax, and wait for the setup will take care of the rest. The upgrade process to go from Windows 7 to Windows 10 could take some time, so make sure to plan ahead and free up at least an hour of time for the upgrade process. (You may also want to do this on a weekend.)
After the installation process completes, you'll be presented with the out-of-the-box experience. Choose the settings you feel more comfortable using, and let the setup finish the process.
That's all! Now, you should be all upgraded to Windows 10. Enjoy!
Here are some additional information
- Yes, your files and programs will be kept after the upgrade
- You won't be prompted to enter a product key during the upgrade of Windows 7 or Windows 8 to Windows 10
- Make sure to re-enable or re-install your antivirus software and other software you need
- Make sure to go to the Settings app, Update & security, and check for new Windows and driver updates
- Open the Windows Device Manager and make sure all the drivers are working correctly. If you don't see a yellow exclamation mark or anything on red, you should be fine.
- If you're upgrading Windows 7 Starter, Windows 7 Home, or Windows 7 Home Premium, you'll be upgraded to Windows 10 Home. If you're upgrading Windows 7 Professional or Windows 7 Ultimate, you'll be upgraded to Windows 10 Pro
- Windows 10 Home won't be able to opt out from automatic updates
- Windows 10 Pro will be able to choose how to receive new Windows Updates
- You'll need to switch to a Microsoft Account if you want to take advantage of installing Windows Store apps, Cortana, and various other features -- here is how
Wrapping things up
The upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10 should be a very simple process. With the new operating system, Microsoft is working to deliver the upgrade with the best experience possible by rolling out the new bits in stages. It starts with savvy users and works its way down to make sure every upgrade is successful.
While this guide focuses on Windows 7 users, the upgrade from Windows 8 to Windows 10 is almost identical, with the difference that you'll need to be updated to Windows 8.1 Update first before upgrading.
Windows 10 will launch on July 29, but it will take some time to reach everyone.
Are you upgrading to Windows 10 on July 29 or will you be waiting for a later date? Tell us what you'll be doing in the comments below.
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Install Windows 7 With Windows 10 License
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Now that Microsoft has started rolling out Windows 10 via Windows Update to PC users who have previously reserved their free upgrade, many users are still wondering why they can’t see the update on their Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 PCs yet.
Because Microsoft is rolling out Windows 10 in “waves”, not all users are getting Windows 10 update right now. Although most users should see the update in the next couple of hours, some users might need to wait for another two or three days to see the Windows 10 update.
That said, if you are running Windows 7 Service Pack 1 or Windows 8.1 Update and can’t wait for the updates to reach your computer, you will be happy to know that you can legally upgrade your Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 computer to Windows 10 right away.
This method is perfect for users who have already registered for the free upgrade, and also for those users who haven’t registered for the free upgrade but want immediately upgrade their Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 installation to Windows 10.
Upgrade Window 7/8.1 to Windows 10 right away
To upgrade your Windows 7/8.1 installation to Windows 10 right away, please complete the given below instructions.
WARNING: Although this method is safe and you can preserve your installed programs and data during the upgrade, we recommend you create backup of all important files using programs like EaseUS System GoBack (free).
We are not responsible for your data and any damage that might occur during the upgrade, which is very unlikely though.
Step 1: First step is to manually launch Windows Update on your Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 and install all available updates.
As you likely know, users must be running Windows 7 SP 1 or Windows 8.1 Update to be eligible for the free Windows 10 upgrade.
Step 2: Next, download Windows 10 Media Creation Tool from the following links:
If you’re running Windows 7/8.1 32-bit version, please download the 32-bit version of Media Creation Tool. Likewise, if the current Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 installation is 64-bit, please download the same. Note that it’s not possible to directly upgrade from 32-bit Windows 7/8.1 installation to 64-bit Windows 10.
Step 3: After downloading the Media Creation Tool, right-click on it and then click Run as administrator option.
Click Yes button when you see the UAC prompt.
Step 4: On the home screen of Media Creation Tool, select the first option labelled Upgrade this PC now, and then click Next button to begin downloading Windows 10.
Step 5: Once Windows 10 install/upgrade files are downloaded onto your PC, you’ll see the following screen.
Step 6: And when you see the following screen, click Accept button to accept the license agreement.
Step 7: The setup might start looking for updates again. If there are any updates, it will download available updates, and this might take few minutes to hours depending on your internet connection speed.
Step 8: Finally, when everything is ready, you will see Ready to install screen. DON’T CLICK INSTALL button yet.
Check if the setup will keep all personal files and apps. If it’s showing only Keep personal files or Keep nothing, click Change what to keep link and then select Keep personal files and apps option.
Step 9: Finally, click Install button to begin upgrading your Windows 7/8.1 to Windows 10 for free.
Hope this helps!