How to Upgrade From Windows 7 to Windows 10

It's easy, but it's not free. With a valid license, you can install Windows 10 with Microsoft's update utility or a setup disc

By
Daniel N. Martin
Daniel Martin
Daniel N. Martin
Writer
  • University at Buffalo
Daniel Martin is a writer and researcher with 10+ years' experience. He is a professional librarian and an experienced tech and information literacy teacher.
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Updated on April 19, 2024

What to Know

  • The free upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10 is no longer available.
  • You can still download Windows 10 from Microsoft, but you need a valid license for it to work.
  • Alternatively, you can buy a computer that comes with Windows 10 or Windows 11 and then move your files to it.

This article explains how to upgrade to Windows 10 from Windows 7.

Windows 11 is the latest version of Windows and is what Microsoft recommends for Windows 7 users.

How to Update to Windows 10 Using Microsoft's Tool

If you have a valid Windows 10 product key, it's easy to upgrade your Windows 7 computer to Windows 10 with Microsoft's Windows Media Creation Tool. Follow these steps:

If your computer is relatively new, you can likely upgrade to this version of Windows with few difficulties. However, if your PC was made around the time Windows 7 first rolled out, it may not meet the system requirements to run Windows 10.

  1. Download the Windows Media Creation Tool from Microsoft and open it. You need to be signed in as an administrator to do so.

  2. Select Accept on the first screen.

    The Accept button highlighted during Windows 10 Setup

  3. Select Upgrade this PC now, then select Next.

    The 'Upgrade this PC now' option chosen during Windows 10 Setup

  4. Walk through the setup prompts to configure the Windows 10 installation.

  5. Save and close any open apps and files you may be running. When you’re ready, select Install.

    Do not shut off your computer manually or disconnect from power if you're on a laptop. Your computer will restart on its own when it needs to during the installation.

  6. Enter the product key when prompted to activate Windows 10.

How to Upgrade Windows 7 to Windows 10 With a Clean Install

If the in-place upgrade described above doesn't work for you, maybe because you don't yet have a valid Windows 10 product key, then your next best option is to do a clean install. This is a good choice if you purchased Windows 10 on a disc or flash drive and you plan to install it over your Windows 7 installation.

Buy a New Computer to Upgrade to Windows 10

Most people who are still running Windows 7 have it because they bought their computer new when Windows 7 was released... in 2009. A brand-new computer will not only give you a fresh operating system (most likely Windows 11), but it'll also run more smoothly than a PC from several years ago.

Why Should I Upgrade Windows?

Windows 7 has served as many PC users’ operating system but, as of 2020, Microsoft has stopped supporting this version of the operating system. We recommend upgrading to Windows 10 or Windows 11 to continue receiving security updates and technical support.

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