skip to main content

Update Win7 to Win10

7 years ago

I have an old desktop computer running Win7 pro. My understanding is that Win7 won't be supported in 2020. This machine is an I5 3.2 GHz 64 bit machine with 8 GB memory that would seem capable of easily running Win10 so I would like to upgrade it. I also have a newer laptop that was initially a Win8.1 machine that was essentially automatically upgraded to Win10 with Microsoft's free and easy online upgrade. I had initially assumed that I would need to buy some upgrade from Microsoft but I couldn't even tell if that would allow a seamless update not requiring reloading of programs etc like the win8 to win 10 of my laptop.

However, then I saw online that some people have been able to still upgrade win7 machines to win 10 through some loophole in Microsoft's upgrade system. It seemed a little confusing;. has anyone done this and was it difficult? Otherwise, how easy or expensive is the regular upgrade?

Featured Answer

Elmer J Fudd

7 years ago

chas, keep in mind that a PC is more like a light bulb than like an old car. For an old car, it starts running not so well and accumulates minor problems that become major ones. An old light bulb works until it doesn't work at all. Old PCs are more like old light bulbs.

Everyone has their own views but I never put money into old PCs. They're old PCs and when one problem gets fixed, another won't be far behind.

If you aren't ready to proactively replace what you have, then just keep using it with Win 7. Be sure to have a top-rated security product active and current and be sure to back up any important files you don't want to lose. If you want to be careful, do any person business stuff using the other PC. But I wouldn't worry about it.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

Elmer J Fudd
7 years ago
chas, I think the key to your comment is when you mentioned "old desktop". I wouldn't spend any money on that.

If you want stay a Windows desktop PC, look around for refurbished ones. Look at the Dell outlet as an example, plenty of choices of refurbished units, with Win 10, for $350 or less.
bengz6westmd
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
chas045, I have no idea about upgrading free to Win10 as you mention, but wouldn't be surprised if it can be done. Perhaps use your search engine to look, but I'd be careful about trying it. Honestly, I see no problem continuing to run Win7, at least for a few more yrs.

Elmer, about a yr ago I got a refurbished HP Elite small-form w/8 gigs mem, I5 3.2 MHz processor, 1 TB HD w/Win10 Pro for $180 on Amazon. Added a 32 gig USB 3.1 thumb drive for Readyboost, and it's plenty fast enough for my purposes. I multi-boot Xenial Puppy Linux & that runs well too.

I looked at each seller's ratings & chose one with high ratings/high numbers of rates.
Related Discussions
Question about refusing Win 7 updates
Q
Comments (9)
I'm using Revo uninstaller on my laptop and have a question...it's done the uninstall and has scanned for any leftover files. The window up now says: Note: Please carefully verify the bolded items! Only checked bolded items and their subitems will be deleted! The file that's bolded is at the furthest branch of this tree...My Computer>HKEY_Classes_ROOT>CLSID and then this.... "3B6C15BE-F9FD-7E15-F865-ABA8E2A09915>. That's the only bolded item. I have no idea if this is what I'm supposed to delete. Does Revo know best and should I just choose "delete"? I'll leave it on the screen until I hear something. :) Pam
...See More
updates Win7
Q
Comments (5)
since you are on dialup the disc may be easier for you to us because it is a download that can take a lot of time on dial up. you do have to pay for shipping but the cd is free Order a Windows 7 SP1 DVD other links that may be helpful to some Steps to follow before you install Windows 7 Service Pack 1 from the Microsoft Download Center Learn how to install Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1) be sure you know if you are 64 bit or 32bit!!!
...See More
Win 7 Update problem
Q
Comments (1)
I had a similar problem with that update, it caused one of my PCs to freeze up and then not reboot correctly. It happens from time to time that an update can cause a hiccup. I don't know enough about it to know why. In my case, it just needed a "kick" - a safe mode reboot. I made no update setting changes, the PC proceeded with the update install and all is well. You might try doing that, and more than once if necessary, the problem should pass.
...See More
Updated Win 7; now, no graphics in Firefox & IE
Q
Comments (6)
chuggerguy: Yes, I reboot every day. acraftylady: I had previously looked at that setting. It was already checked. But at your suggestion, I unchecked it, then rechecked -- now I have graphics in IE. Firefox used to have the same setting -- but now I can't locate it or something similar.
...See More
chas045
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks bengz...re continued win7 use: but wouldn't win7 be vulnerable without continued updates?

and Elmer: my machine seems to be running as well as my far newer win10 laptop. I just needed the upgrde for the security. I don't mind paying something, I would prefer to pay far less than $350 'though. I would also prefer easier than harder.
Mo
7 years ago
There's a link to Microsoft's Windows 10 upgrade checker on this page. I'd run that first to make sure whether or not you can upgrade.

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_other-windows_install/windows-7-81-10-compatibility-testing-for-windows/310e06a4-b181-45ec-ae6d-ee93a1632932
Mike C
7 years ago
I HAVE upgraded a Win7 Pro & a Win7 Home to Win 10 in August without any problems. You do need to have the original keys. My Win7 Home supposedly had an invalid key (the one that came with the machine brand new). I installed as a dual boot on the Win7 Pro machine after creating a second partition for Win10.
bengz6westmd
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Mike C, I assume you didn't have to pay? Did you just download a Win10 iso file to install it?

chas045, IIRC Win7 still has Defender updates (check your installed updates to see)? Plus, if you have a decent Antivirus/Malware, your security should be OK. Do you need/use Microsoft Networking/File and Printer Sharing and Remote Access (listed in the Network adapter properties) as many of the security updates involve those. I have those disabled as I don't need them (you don't need them for simply connecting to the Internet, you just need them for connecting to & sharing files w/other computers), and that reduces considerably any threats.
chas045 thanked bengz6westmd
Mike C
7 years ago
Bengz - I went to the MS website, had to download a tool that allows you to create installation media. You need 8GB of media. I used a USB stick and told the computer to boot from the USB drive. If burning a DVD, it tells you to use a dual layer DVD. I didn't pay anything more for the upgrade from Windows 7 64 bit. The website https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10 will get what you need.

Related Stories

TRENDING NOW 7 Winning Color Palettes From Spring 2020’s Top Kitchens

By Mitchell Parker

Looking for the right mix of paint and materials? Consider these combos from popular recent kitchen photos on Houzz

BEDROOMS Trending Now: 10 Bedrooms That Win With White Bedding

By Annie Thornton

Refreshing white works with a range of color palettes and room designs

CONTAINER GARDENS Trending Now: 10 Top New Outdoor Spaces That Win With Containers

By Annie Thornton

A water garden bowl, succulent-filled wall boxes and meadow grass planters are just a few of the ideas to try

KITCHEN MAKEOVERS White Cabinets and Black Countertops Make a Winning Combination

By Kelly LaPlante LLC

The new pairing replaces dark cabinets and beige countertops for a bright and airy modern update

GARDENING GUIDES 10 Outdoor Updates for Summer That Won’t Break the Bank

By Lauren Dunec Hoang

These easy, low-cost ideas can boost your garden style and make your outdoor space even more enjoyable

MOVING Tips for Winning a Bidding War in a Hot Home Market

By Christine Tusher

Cash isn’t always king in a bidding war. Get the home you want without blowing your budget, using these Realtor-tested strategies

ART See Winning Modern Quilts on Display at QuiltCon 2015

Top quilts have been chosen from among hundreds at the international show in Austin through February 22. View them and others here

HOUZZ TOURS Hello, Bordello — an Ohio Loft Goes From Sinning to Winning

By Jessica Dupuy

This onetime house of ill repute is now making good as a welcoming home, office and cocktail bar

DECORATING GUIDES 10 Ways to Update a Victorian Living Room

By Lara Sargent

Bring your period living room sensitively into the 21st century with these simple yet effective design tricks

FEEL-GOOD HOME 10-Minute Updates to Freshen Up Your Home

When life is hectic and time is limited, these speedy styling tricks can make a big difference

Sponsored