This is not a step-by-step guide for the upgrade process.
Windows 10 is the latest Operating System from Microsoft. Due to the problem associated with Windows 8.0/8.1 Microsoft is offering a free upgrade to Windows 10 for anyone running a valid Windows 7, 8.0 or 8.1 version of their operating system. This free offer is valid through June 30th, 2016.
Microsoft is offering this OS upgrade in the form of an online “update” meaning, you will receive a prompt to download and install the upgrade just as you would a Microsoft update. The upgrade is seemingly easy, quick and seamless! Naturally this is what Microsoft wants you to believe. Not to knock Microsoft, but it just isn’t as smooth as they want everyone to believe. Many of the upgrades will go off without a hitch. However, many problems are being reported and many hardware vendors are still working on drivers. If you want/need to upgrade to Windows 10, that is fine. From everything reported, Windows 10 is a stable OS. But you should be aware that you could possibly have issues with the upgrade process.
If you have a newer computer with popular devices (video, network cards etc…) then you are probably good to go.
However, if you have an older computer (especially a laptop) with not so standard devices, you may have problems. In fact, older computers with popular devices (that are still supported by the vendor) you might be OK.
Remember:
Microsoft released Windows 10 to address
issues with Windows 8.
It was not released to address issues with Windows 7.
- Will you really benefit from an OS upgrade?
- Is your computer compatible?
- Are your applications compatible?
- Are you tech savvy enough in the event that you have upgrade issues?
- Will the usable life of the computer benefit from an upgrade?
- Do you REALLY want to deal with a different operating system? Do you have time to learn a new OS?
Things to do:
- Make a full backup of ALL of your data!!!!!!!! (This includes bookmarks, user account information including passwords etc….)
- Read the information on the Microsoft site concerning the Windows 10 upgrade.
- Uninstall any unused/unneeded applications.
- Make sure your system is fully updated.
- Do a thorough virus scan AND malware scan.
- Run “Disk Cleanup”.
- Connect your computer to a wired ethernet connection (do not use wireless).
- Do not attempt the update during stormy weather (threat of losing power).
- Allow enough time to complete the upgrade.
- Do not get in a hurry!
- Set aside time to learn the new operating system. Although Windows 10 is much better than Windows 8, it is different! You will need time to learn the new OS.
FYI:
If you are having issues with your OS in general, don’t expect it to run any better with the Windows 10 upgrade. Remember, you are “upgrading” an existing OS. You ARE NOT performing a clean install!
In order to do an installation with Windows 7, you are provided with an activation key. With the Windows 10 upgrade you are not provided with an activation key. Your computer is registered with Microsoft.
You could have upgrade errors if the Microsoft servers are experiencing a high number of “requests for updates”. This will cause the upgrade to fail.
Windows OS Support Lifecycles:
Windows 7: January 14, 2020
Windows 10: October 14, 2025
Microsoft Windows 10 website
Microsoft Windows 10 Help
Update:
After four failed attempts at the Windows 10 upgrade, I finally successfully installed it on a fresh Windows 7 machine that I have configured and optimized. So far, everything is working just fine. It was on an older Dell computer, but it was a fresh install of Windows 7 that I did the upgrade on. Honestly, I could start working and be productive on this computer immediately.
I will add, I can't stress enough that you make sure your computer is optimized and as clean as possible before attempting the upgrade. I would dare say that many of the problems people have is because they upgrade over an inferior OS install.
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