Microsoft ended support for Windows 7 on January 14, 2020, which means there are no more security updates, bug fixes, or technical assistance for the aging operating system. Consequently, it’s crucial to upgrade from earlier versions of Windows, such as Windows 7, to Windows 10 to ensure your system remains secure and up-to-date with the latest features.
Upgrading to Windows 10 from your current version is your best option. Not only is it the latest version of Windows, but it also comes packed with new features, improved performance, and better security.
Additionally, the upgrade process has become much smoother and more user-friendly over the years.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the entire process of upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 10. Plus, we’ll also cover everything from checking if your computer meets the system requirements to performing a clean installation or an in-place upgrade.
How to upgrade Windows 7 to Windows 10 ?
While upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 10 was possible for free in the past, Microsoft ended that offer in late 2023. Consequently, upgrading now would require purchasing a Windows 10 license key.
Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 10 is a process that involves several steps. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through the complete upgrade:
Upgrading using Product key
Backup Your Data: First and foremost, before starting the upgrade, it’s important to back up all your files and data to avoid any loss during the process.
Check for Compatibility
Visit the official Microsoft website: To begin with, go to the Windows 10 specifications page.
Review system requirements: Next, check the minimum requirements to clean install Windows 10, such as:
- Processor: 1 GHz or faster
- RAM: 1 GB for 32-bit or 2 GB for 64-bit
- Hard drive size: 32 GB or more
- Graphics card: DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver
- Screen: 800×600
Use Compatibility Checker: Additionally, you can use Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool to scan your PC and evaluate if it can run Windows 10.
Find Your Windows 7 Key: Furthermore, locate your Windows 7 product key as you might need it during fresh installation. It’s usually found on a sticker on your PC or with the installation media.
Download Windows 10 Installation Media
- Firstly, visit the official Microsoft website to download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool.
- Secondly, run the downloaded tool and select Upgrade this PC now.
Start the Upgrade
- The tool will guide you through the process. You’ll have the option to keep your personal files and apps or start fresh.
- Furthermore, follow the prompts to choose your preferences and agree to the license terms.
Install Windows 10
- Next, the installation will begin, and your PC will restart several times during the process.
- Finally, once the installation is complete, you’ll be guided through the setup of Windows 10.
Activate Windows 10
- After the upgrade, Windows 10 should automatically activate online. However, if needed, enter your Windows 7 key to activate.
Check for Updates
- Last but not least, once installed, check for updates in Windows 10 to ensure you have the latest features and security updates.
Remember, Microsoft recommends using Windows 10 on a new PC to take full advantage of the latest features and security threats improvements.
Upgrade using an ISO file
Download the ISO: First, download the Windows 10 ISO file from the Media Creation Tool, choosing “Create installation media for another PC” to obtain the necessary installation files.
Create a bootable USB drive: Download tool like Rufus (https://rufus.ie/en/)to create a bootable USB drive from the downloaded ISO file.
Boot from USB: Then, restart your PC and boot from the created external drive/ USB drive. This might involve pressing a specific key during startup (often F10, F12, or DEL) to access the boot menu.
Upgrade process: Finally, follow the on-screen instructions similar to the Media Creation Tool method.
Als Check: KB5022289 Windows 10 Security Update
How can I upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10 using a USB installation disk ?
To upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10 using a USB installation disk, follow these steps:
Backup your data
First, before proceeding, back up your important files and data. This ensures that you won’t lose anything during the update process.
Create a Windows 10 installation USB
- Firstly, visit the official Microsoft website.
- Secondly, right click on the MediaCreationTool22H2.exe file and select “Open.”
- Next, choose “Upgrade this PC now.”
- Finally, select “Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO) for another PC.”
Prepare your laptop
- After creating the Windows 10 installation USB, plug the Windows 10 USB flash drive into a USB port on your laptop.
- Next, turn on your laptop.
- Then, on the manufacturer logo screen, look for instructions such as “Press F2 to enter settings.”
- Immediately after that, repeatedly press the appropriate key (usually F2) to enter the BIOS.
- Once in the BIOS, navigate to the Boot tab and change the boot order so that the USB drive is at the top of the list.
- Finally, save the changes and exit the BIOS updates (usually with F10).
Boot from USB
- Subsequently, your laptop will automatically boot again and boot from the Windows 10 installation media.
Follow the installation process
- First, press any key to continue.
- Next, click Next”.
- Then, click “Install now.”
Also Check: KB5021235 Windows 10 cumulative update
Why I Cannot upgrade my Windows 7 to Windows 10 ?
Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 10 can sometimes cause problems. Below are some detailed reasons why the update from Windows 7 to Windows 10 might not succeed:
- System Requirements: Firstly, your computer must meet the minimum system requirements for Windows 10. If it does not, the update will not continue.
- Outdated drivers: Secondly, if your system drivers are not up to date, they can prevent the installation of Windows 10. It is essential to ensure that all drivers are up to date.
- Third-party antivirus: Furthermore, sometimes antivirus software can interfere with the update process. Disabling or uninstalling your antivirus could solve this problem.
- Storage space: Additionally, there must be enough storage space available on your system’s hard drive: at least 16 GB for the 32-bit version or 20 GB for the 64-bit version.
- Critical Services: Moreover, if critical services such as Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) are not running, updating through Windows Update could fail, particularly for the basic version of the operating system.
- External hardware: Besides, connected external hardware can cause problems with Windows 10 updates. Disconnecting any non-critical hardware could help.
- Administrator rights: Finally, running Windows 10 installation media requires administrator access. Without it, the update process may not start.
Troubleshooting Steps
- To begin with, run the Windows Update troubleshooter.
- Additionally, restart your BITS service.
- Furthermore, make the necessary adjustments to the Registry.
- Moreover, free up disk space by deleting unnecessary files.
- Besides, update Windows and make sure all software updates for Windows 7 are installed.
- Finally, uninstall non-essential software that may conflict with the update.
- For a more complete guide, you can refer to the detailed articles provided by Windows Report and Microsoft Support.
Also Check: What updates are included in KB3138612 ?
Conclusion
Firstly, the upgrade from Windows 7 to compatible Windows 10 is a crucial step to keep your computer secure and up-to-date. Although the free upgrade offer has ended, it is worth investing in a Windows 10 license key for the improved performance, security features, and modern user experience
Secondly, whether you choose to update using the media creation tool or a bootable USB drive, the process is simple and easy to use. However, just remember to back up your data, check the system requirements, and carefully follow the on-screen instructions.
Finally, with Windows 10, you’ll enjoy a faster, more efficient, and more secure computing experience, ensuring your system remains compatible with the latest software and hardware. Therefore, don’t wait any longer – upgrade to Windows 10 today and say goodbye to the outdated Windows 7 era.
Frequently Asked Question’s (FAQ’s)
No, you can’t get a free upgrade to Windows 10 anymore. Microsoft ended the free upgrade program in late 2023. Upgrading to Windows 10 now would require purchasing a license.
Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 10 involves purchasing a new license for Windows 10, as the free upgrade offer has ended. The cost of a Windows 10 license can vary, but it’s generally around $139 for the Home edition.
No, when upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 10, your personal files, applications, and settings are typically preserved. However, it’s always a good idea to back up your data before proceeding with any system upgrade.
