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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.
I was asked to 'upgrade' a relative's machine from Windows XP to Windows 7, so I figured this was a good time to write-up the experience in case it helps others. This is a screenshot heavy post, so bear with me, this is a tale best told with pictures. Dec 20, 2016 It’s hard to believe that Windows XP was released over 15 years ago. If you’re still running it then you might want to consider upgrading to Windows 7 or Windows 10 in order to take advantage of new features, be better protected, and have greater software support. Windows XP Mode: Windows 7's XP Mode could be the solution to your application compatibility problems. This mode runs XP in a virtual machine inside 7, although the user interface is more. Overview of the process for upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7 32-bit or 64-bit: Which version of Windows 7 to install? Both 32-bit and 64-bit installation discs are included in the Windows 7 package. 64-bit operating systems can handle large amounts of memory—typically 4 gigabytes (GB) of.
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.
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)
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. Pc game rip download. 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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It’s hard to believe that Windows XP was released over 15 years ago. If you’re still running it then you might want to consider upgrading to Windows 7 or Windows 10 in order to take advantage of new features, be better protected, and have greater software support. We’ll show you how to make that jump.
We think there’s many compelling reasons to upgrade to Windows 1010 Compelling Reasons to Upgrade to Windows 1010 Compelling Reasons to Upgrade to Windows 10Windows 10 is coming on July 29. Is it worth upgrading for free? If you are looking forward to Cortana, state of the art gaming, or better support for hybrid devices - yes, definitely! And..Read More, but whether you want to move to Windows 10 or Windows 7, the process is mostly the same. You’ll need to ensure your hardware supports the newer operating system (OS), back up your files, then proceed with the upgrade.
If you recently stopped using Windows XP, then please share your experience in the comments below.
1. Check Your Hardware for Compatibility
The first thing you need to do is check that your hardware is compatibleIs Your Computer Compatible with Windows 10 & Can You Upgrade?Is Your Computer Compatible with Windows 10 & Can You Upgrade?Windows 10 is coming, possibly as soon as July. Are you eager to upgrade and will your system be eligible? In short, if your computer runs Windows 8, it should also run Windows 10. But..Read More. There’s no universal answer for this because it depends on the components in your system.
To check these, press Windows key + R to open Run, input dxdiag and click OK. This will launch a diagnostic tool which details the components you have installed. You’ll find the pertinent information on the System and Display tabs.
With this noted, compare your current components to the requirements for Windows 7 or requirements for Windows 10. An alternative method, if you’re upgrading to Windows 7, is to download and run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor. This will scan your hardware, devices, and software for any known compatibility issues and advise accordingly. Sadly, there’s no such software for Windows 10 (when coming from XP).
If you’ve had your Windows XP system for a very long time and never upgraded any of the parts, chances are that you won’t be able to run a newer OS. Search your component manufacturer’s website to ensure they supply drivers to support Windows 7 or 10. If this applies to you, it’s worth considering buying a new computer or laptop that has Windows 10 pre-installed.
2. Prepare a Backup of Your Data
Hopefully, you already know how important it is to back up your data5 Basic Backup Facts Every Windows User Should Know5 Basic Backup Facts Every Windows User Should KnowWe never tire to remind you to make backups and keep your data safe. If you're wondering what, how often, and where you should back up your files, we have straight forward answers.Read More.
If you were moving from Windows 8 to 10, for example, the upgrade process allows you to keep your personal data and programs intact. However, this isn’t possible when coming from Windows XP. You’ll have to do a clean install, which means that none of your personal data will remain. As such, before proceeding, you need to back up your data.
If you’re moving from XP to 7, you can use the Windows Easy Transfer tool to copy your files, photos, music, e-mail, settings, and more. When you launch this tool, you’ll be guided through a wizard and asked what method you want to use as a transfer. I would recommend using an external hard disk or flash drive, if you have a spare one. You can then select specifically what you want to transfer.
Windows 10 doesn’t support the Easy Transfer tool, but it’s still relatively easy to back up your files. Decide where you’re going to save the backup, this could be physical storage or the cloud, and move everything across. You will permanently lose everything you don’t back up, so think carefully about what you want to keep. For the majority of people, this will just be their user folder, containing their pictures, videos, and so on, but you might also have particular program files you need to keep. Think about your browser bookmarks, emails and game saves.
To get the full low-down on backup, check our ultimate guide to PC backup and restore.
3. Install the New Operating System
Once you know your system can handle the upgrade and you’ve backed up everything you want to keep, it’s time to install the new OS. If you have a license key for Windows 7 or 10 without physical media, you’ll first need to download the Windows 7 ISO or the Windows 10 ISO. These disc images will guide you through the process of creating your own installation media, so you’ll need a disc/USB handy to burn it to. Our guide on creating bootable Windows installation mediaHow to Make a Bootable CD/DVD/USB to Install WindowsHow to Make a Bootable CD/DVD/USB to Install WindowsNeed installation media to reinstall Windows? Our tips show you how to create a bootable CD, USB, or DVD with an ISO from scratch.Read More goes into further detail on this.
With your installation media ready, or if you already have a retail copy, pop it into your system. You now need to tell your computer to boot from this media. You need to restart your computer and enter the BIOS.
The key you press to enter the BIOS varies per system; you should see it displayed during system start-up and it’s usually a Delete or a Function key. Tap it until you enter the BIOS and then change your boot device priority so that your installation media is first. For more information on this, see our guide on how to change the boot orderHow to Change the Boot Order on Your PC (So You Can Boot From USB)How to Change the Boot Order on Your PC (So You Can Boot From USB)Learn how to change the boot order of your computer. It's important for troubleshooting issues and tweaking settings, and it's a lot easier than you think.Read More.
Once complete, you will then be taken to the Windows 7 or Windows 10 installation process. If prompted, be sure to select the fact that you want to install a new copy of Windows, rather than an upgrade which will not work.
You’ll be asked to set your language, name, settings, and more during the installation process. Be prepared to spend time waiting for the installation to complete as it might take a while. Once done, your system should restart automatically and take you into your new OS.
4. Reinstate Your Data and Programs
Now that you’re on your shiny new OS, you can bring back all your personal data and programs. If you used the Easy Transfer tool then launch it on Windows 7 and follow the instructions through. If you backed up elsewhere, go about copying those files onto the new system. You’ll be able to drag and drop things over easily. Remember to also install your programs, which you can do in bulk using a service like NiniteThe Safest Free Software Download Sites for WindowsThe Safest Free Software Download Sites for WindowsMany software download sites are loaded with malware. We compiled websites you can trust when you need a free software download.Read More.
Spend some time getting to know how Windows 7 or Windows 10 works – they’re both great improvements on Windows XP and offer lots of new functionality for you to enjoy. If using Windows 10, we’ve covered how to control all Windows 10 settingsThe Windows 10 Settings Guide: How to Do Anything and EverythingThe Windows 10 Settings Guide: How to Do Anything and EverythingDo you know your way around the Settings app in Windows 10? Here's everything you need to know.Read More in one handy guide.
Done and Dusted
And that’s it! You’ve successfully upgraded your system from Windows XP to Windows 7 or 10, away from the chunky blue aesthetics onto a sleeker and better protected OS.
If you’re missing Windows XP a little bit and fancy a smile, we’ve captured traces of Windows XP in Windows 105 Traces of Windows XP Inside Windows 10 Revealed5 Traces of Windows XP Inside Windows 10 RevealedWindows 10 wasn't created from scratch. If you look closely, You will find traces of past Windows versions. We'll show you remnants of Windows XP, which survived 14 years of Windows evolution.Read More, showing that Microsoft hasn’t totally ditched every element of their Windows past.
How did you find the upgrade process? Why did you stay with Windows XP for so long?
Windows Xp Upgrade Windows 7 Windows 7 32 Bit
Originally written by Varun Kashyap on October 22, 2009.
Explore more about: Data Backup, Windows 10, Windows 7, Windows Upgrade, Windows XP.
Windows Xp Embedded Upgrade Windows 7
- Hi, I am getting ready to upgrade from XP to Win 7. I understand that minimum requirement is a DirectX 9 capable graphics card with WDDM 1.0 driver or higher. How can I know if I have that or not? My specs say I have a 256 MB ATI mobility radeon x1400. I believe that is a DirectX 9 capable card, but is it a WDDM 1.0 driver or higher?
- Yes, looks like you are honest, true, safe, trustable.The only doubt is that in the browser, there is a little Lock icon (before https)with a yellow triangle alert.. Thanks
- Windows XP was one of THE BEST operating systems that Microsoft ever came out with, HANDS DOWN. It was actually able to fix itself when problems arose and you never, if ever had any problems or issues with it. It's a shame that Microsoft cut off support to one of the best software operating systems they ever developed. I certainly do miss it, and still can find on the internet some updates that are still around for it.
- Microsoft will not let me download an iso of Windows 7 with the product keys I have for 2 laptops that came preloaded with Windows XP. They are both Dell laptops.This is an answer to FAQ about this on MS website:
My Windows 7 product key won't verify. What's the problem?The most common issue is the use of a product key for a product not currently supported by the site such as an Upgrade key, an MSDN key, product keys for pre-installed media or an Enterprise edition key. For access to MSDN products or Enterprise edition visit the MSDN Portal or the Volume Licensing Service Center. Upgrades and pre-installed media are not currently supported by the tools on the site.If you believe you have a valid product key and are still receiving an error, please contact Support. - Microsoft apparently does not support the download of a Windows 7 ISO if you use the product key of a pre-installed version of Windows XP. I received an error message when inputting the product keys from two laptops which came with XP already loaded.
- I have just tried to custom install windows 7 on an XP machine and I get a message telling me it is formatted in fat32 and it can't install as it needs to be NTFS
How do I get around this problem? - Those backup packages reviewed above tend to be oversized and slow. I really like Argentum Backup which is a really good backup program for Windows. I've been using it for over 10 years already and first read about it in PC Magazine. Very fast and easy to use. It can both compress files into Zip or back up natively.
- I Use XP In A Dual Core Machine - There Is Very Little I Can Not Do With It.Why Would I Downgrade ?The Latest And Greatest Is For Gamers.I Am 59, And - Surprise - Not A Gamer.Anyone Who Uses A PC Mainly For Gaming Does Not Know What After Foreplay Is All About.On The Flip Side, Thankfully, Gamers Have A Very Positive Influence In The Hardware World - Without Them Diversity Would Be Almost Inexistent.XPOCALYPSE FOREVER !
- While the fact that Easy Transfer is not supported in Windows 8 or 10 which is requied to be running on both the old and new OS, it may be required for the consumer to buy both the Transfer cable and Laplink's PC Mover software which is recommended by Microsoft who has entered into a partnership with them. In short, while Microsoft no longer supports Easy Transfer, the consumer who needs to transfer their files may have no other choice but to shell out about 100 bucks for the Laplink software cable and software.
- Honestly don't know why anyone would use the cable for data transfer to a new PC. If you were going to spend 100 bucks on a cable you might as well just buy an external 2tb hard drive for that same price and move all your stuff off to it then drop it on the new PC in the same locations.I never really understood the appeal of transfer software, everyone can easily do the exact same thing manually with little effort. I heard of some that actually transfer your software installations as well? That just sounds like a mess and there is no way that works 100%.
- There is another way to get from XP to Win7 without having to clean install and reload everything.. upgrade to Vista first.The Vista upgrade allows for keeping files, applications and settings the same way that the Win7 upgrade from Vista would.
- I *DO* want to keep all my files and data, so I should use 'update'.Why do you say to use Custom/advanced that will totally DESTROY all my files????
- i got a xp pc but windows 7 iso comes do not install
- Thank you for this article it was very helfu to me
- Hey, Easy Transfer is really not the way to go - M$ just threw it out so that they can say 'everything's fine'!If you use Zinstall, you skip most of this tutorial - it just automatically moves all your apps, settings and files to 7 - and you don't even have to run it before installing 7.Good luck!
- I think you jumped a step.Step one should have been 'Pay Microsoft $200. Do not pass Go'
- Pretty good article. A couple of suggestions.In the 'Drivers' step, copy them to a USB drive. Download XP, Vista and Win7 drivers if possible. I've read some really interesting stories about driver problems. In one case, video performance was degraded until a good audio driver was installed.When doing an upgrade, before the Install step some bloggers have suggested creating a new Win7 partition to do a clean dual-boot install to. That way you still have working XP/Vista to fall back on, and you get a clean install. Here is a link to first part of 3 part story about doing that: • http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/window-on-windows/?p=1728&tag=leftCol;post-1751
At the same time I would suggest creating a separate 'Data' partition. That way in future if you have to do a re-install or refresh from backup you no longer have to worry about losing your personal data files. Here is a link to instructions on how to redirect windows 'home' directory locations: http://searchenterprisedesktop.techtarget.com/tip/0,289483,sid192_gci1352927_mem1,00.htmlAt the end of the 'Install' step, run Windows Update. There already are some Win7 patches that need to be applied, the sooner the better.In the 'Installed, now what' step I would suggest a couple more things.First, do a full defrag. Win installs use lots of temp files, leading to lots of fragmentation.Second, after finishing install, before adding apps, do a full bootable image copy backup of the OS. That way if/when things get messed up you can restore your full installation which will be faster/easier than doing a new install. Then after installing all of your 'base' applications, do another backup. So now when windows trips over its own feet you have 3 options, 2 of which will provide benefits of OS re-install but still save considerable time over doing a fresh install of the OS. - Varun,Here's what I don't get. To upgrade to W7 from XP, you need to do a clean install. However, you need the XP installation for the upgrade to work.What gives?
- Jack, I came accross this article at Paul Thurrott's Super Site for Windows. I think it addresses this issue.
http://community.winsupersite.com/blogs/paul/archive/2009/10/23/clean-install-windows-7-with-upgrade-media-the-answer.aspx.
- I always buy a new hard drive when I upgrade the OS. The new drive becomes the boot drive and its a fresh install. Yes I have to reinstall all my applications, but I don't install all the crap I don't really need. It's sort of like a deep spring cleaning for your PC.
- I got in on the Win7 Pro Upgrade back in June during the MS Promo and received it today. I am planning to upgrade to Win7 Pro from XP Pro this weekend. Which version is this article about (Upgrade or Full)? I hope I haven't just wasted my money by buying the wrong version.Thanks in advance!
- Either one. The only difference is that the upgrade disc will search for an existing XP installation and prompt you for the XP installation disc if it doesn't find an installed copy.
- I am going to upgrade my XP laptop to 7 shortly, and this article will come really handy at that time. Thanks for all the details.
- Great article! I upgraded from Vista to 7 TWICE. It was a pain, both times. I'm one of those people who is very 'portable' when it comes to computers, so all of my data can fit onto a 5 GB thumb drive and my iPod. It made it a ton easier to upgrade.I feel for those people who have hundreds of gigs of useless junk they have to sift through whenever upgrading an OS. Pity.