How to Upgrade From Windows 7 to Windows 10

Upgrade Windows 7 to Windows 10 for little to no cost

What to Know

  • Download Windows Media Creation Tool > sign in as admin > Run > Upgrade this PC now > Next.
  • If you don’t have a product key, purchase Windows 10 directly from Microsoft.
  • If your whole PC needs an upgrade, you can buy a new PC with Windows 10 included.

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

How to Upgrade From Windows 7 to Windows 10

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

Meeting the requirements only means Windows 10 will run on your system, not necessarily perform well.

How to Update Windows 7 to Windows 10 Using a Product Key

If you still have a product key from Windows 7, 8, or 8.1, you can upgrade to Windows 10 for free. All you need to do is download the Windows Media Creation Tool to get started.

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

    Windows Media Creation
  2. From the License Terms page, select Accept.

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

    Upgrade This PC
  4. The tool will walk you through setting up Windows 10.

  5. All versions of Windows 10 are available to download except for the Enterprise edition. Select either the 32-Bit or 64-Bit version depending on your system.

  6. Before installing, review your software choices and any files or programs you want to keep. Choose between transferring personal data and apps, personal files only, or nothing during the upgrade.

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

  8. Don’t turn off your PC while Windows 10 installs; your PC restarts several times.

  9. Once Windows 10 finishes installing, enter your Windows 7, 8 or 8.1 Product Key when prompted.

Purchase Windows 10 Directly

If you don’t happen to have a product key from Windows 7, 8, or 8.1, you can always purchase Windows 10 directly from Microsoft. The basic version of Windows 10 costs $139, Windows 10 Pro starts at $199.99, and Windows 10 Pro for Workstations costs $309. Most PC users will only need Windows 10 Basic or Pro for their devices.

Other Methods of Upgrading Windows 7 To Windows 10

If your whole PC needs an upgrade, know that all new Microsoft PCs come with Windows 10 as the standard operating system. For between $150 and $500, you can get a brand-new computer with Windows 10 included at no additional cost.

Why Should I Upgrade Windows?

Windows 7 has served as many PC users’ operating system, but as Microsoft is no longer supporting this version of the operating system. While Microsoft is offering businesses the opportunity to purchase extended support through 2023, it's cheaper and easier to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10.

As of January 2020, Microsoft is no longer supporting Windows 7. We recommend upgrading to Windows 10, per the instructions below, to continue receiving security updates and technical support.

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