How to upgrade to Windows 10 from Windows 7

UPDATED 6/21/2023: Using the in-place upgrade option, you can upgrade Windows 7 to Windows 10 without losing your files and erasing everything on the hard drive. You can quickly perform this task with the Microsoft Media Creation Tool, available for Windows 7 and 8.1.

However, before proceeding, you must confirm the hardware is compatible, purchase a Windows 10 (if applicable) license, and create a backup to roll back in case something goes wrong. In addition, you want to ensure that the “Windows 7 Service Pack 1” is installed on the computer.

It is also a good idea to uninstall any security software (such as antivirus, security tools, and old third-party programs) that may prevent the successful upgrade to Windows 10. It would also help if you disconnected any hardware connected to the computer, including printers, phones, cameras, external hard drives, and other USB peripherals, to help avoid problems.

This guide will teach you how to upgrade to Windows 10 from Windows 7, ensuring you do not run into issues during the installation. (If you prefer to upgrade by performing a clean installation, follow these step-by-step instructions.)

Check requirements before upgrade to Windows 10 from 7

If you want to upgrade to Windows 10 from Windows 7, the computer must meet the minimum system requirements:

• Processor: 1GHz or faster CPU or System on a Chip (SoC).
• RAM: 1GB requirement for 32-bit or 2GB for 64-bit.
• Hard drive: 32GB clean install or new PC (16 GB for 32-bit or 20 GB for 64-bit existing installation).
• Graphics: DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver.
• Display resolution: 800×600 minimum requirement.
• Networking: Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter.

You will also need to have the latest version of the operating system, in this case, “Windows 7 Service Pack 1.” If you do not have this update installed, download it here.

You can confirm the version of Windows by opening the Run command using the “Windows key + R” keyboard shortcut, typing “winver,” and clicking the “OK” button.

To upgrade your Windows 7 device, you need a valid Windows 10 product key. You may be able to use the existing Windows 7 product key, but it may or may not work. If you try and see the “This product key didn’t work. Please check it and try again, or try a different key” message, you will need to purchase a new license.

• Windows 10 from $139 | See at Microsoft

Create backup before upgrade to Windows 10 from 7

Although the upgrade process to Windows 10 is usually safe, there are always chances of problems, and to avoid any issues, you should make sure to have a full backup, which you can use to roll back if anything unexpected happens.

To create a full backup on Windows 7, connect an external hard drive, and use these steps:

1. Open Control Panel.

2. Click on System and Security.

3. Click on Backup and Restore.

   

4. Click the “Create a system image” option from the left pane.

   

5. Select the “On a hard disk” option.

   

6. Click the Next button.

7. Click the Start backup button.

   

8. Click the No button to confirm you do not want to create a system repair disc. (You can also use the Windows 10 or 7 bootable media.)

9. Click the Close button.

Once you complete the steps, the backup files will be saved on the external storage, which you can use if something goes wrong during the upgrade.

In addition to the system backup, you also want to create a backup of your files and web browser settings (favorites, passwords, and personal settings) to OneDrive or another cloud service or external drive if you need to restore them manually if the unexpected happens. If you need assistance, use this guide with the complete process to create a backup and restore Windows 7 and files.

Upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10

To upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Download Media Creation Tool.

   Quick tip: If you have an older version of Internet Explorer, you probably won’t be able to access the Microsoft download website. Use another web browser like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox if this is your case.

2. Click the Download tool now button and save the installer on the device.

3. Double-click the MediaCreationTooxxxx.exe file to launch the Windows 10 setup wizard.

4. Click the Accept button for the licensing agreement.

5. Select the “Upgrade this PC now” option to download the files and begin the upgrade to Windows 10.

   

6. Click the Next button.

7. Type a valid Windows 10 product key for the edition you are trying to upgrade (if applicable).

8. Click the Next button.

9. Click the Accept button to agree to the licensing agreement again.

10. Select the “Keep personal files and apps” option.

11. Click the Install button to upgrade to Windows 10 from 7.

    

After the installation, you must go through the out-of-box experience (OOBE) to finish setting up Windows 10. You can also watch this YouTube video tutorial to perform the upgrade:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5N_RsrdXEY

Once on the desktop, you want to use “Device Manager” to check that every piece of hardware is installed correctly on your system, and then reinstall your preferred antivirus (if applicable) and any other software you uninstall before the upgrade.

It’s important to note that the Windows 7 support officially ended on January 14, 2020. The January 10, 2023 date marks the end of the Extended Security Updates (ESU) available through specific volume licensing programs for Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, and Professional for Embedded Systems editions of this product. If you plan to upgrade to Windows 10, remember that this version will have support until October 14, 2025. You should consider upgrading to Windows 11 if the hardware supports it.