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Switching from Windows 7 to Windows 10/11 [ULTIMATE GUIDE]
8 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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This year marks a very important event inWindows 7‘s history: 2020 is the year Microsoft officially ends mainstream support for thisOSversion. Starting January 14, 2020,Windows 7computers no longer receive security and quality updates. TheWindows 7 end support countdown clockis on and nobody can stop it.
In this guide, we’ll tell you what this means for the average user. We’ll alsoanswer some of the most common questionsrelated to theWindows 7toWindows 10transition. Keep on reading to learn everything you need to know about this matter.
Why should I upgrade to Windows 10?
The main reason why you should give up usingWindows 7issecurity-related. Starting January 14, 2020, yourWindows 7computer will no longer receive security updates. This means that your device is more vulnerable to threats than ever. Hackers will definitely try to take advantage of each and every security vulnerability they can find in order to get their hands on your data.
As a quick reminder, it wasWindows 7thatfacilitated the spread of the Wannacry ransomware. Malware and ransomware attacks will only get worse after January 14, 2020. Why expose your computer to cyber attacks when you can upgrade to anOSthat’s safer and gets new security updates every month onPatch Tuesday?
Apart from cybersecurity reasons, upgrading toWindows 10lets you enjoythe latest OS featuresdeveloped by Microsoft on a much faster platform. Why settle with just enough (Windows 7) when you can take your Windows experience to a whole new level?
For more information about the differences betweenWindows 7andWindows 10, check out the guides below:
At the same time, there is a series of Windows 7 features removed in Windows 10. When you turn on your newly upgraded computer for the first time, you’ll notice Desktop Gadgets are gone, libraries are disabled by default, games likeMinesweeper and Solitaire are no longer available by default, and so on. For more information, seeTop Windows 7 Features Removed in Windows 10.
Before you hit the upgrade button, there is a checklist you should go through in order to make sure the whole update process goes as smoothly as possible.
Windows 7 to Windows 10 upgrade checklist
1. Check the system requirements
There is aminimum set of hardware requirementsyour computer needs to meet in order to runWindows 10without any problems. Failure to meet any of these requirements may lead to severe technical issues. We already compileda useful checklistfor you to go through before you hit the update button.
Stay on the safe side and make sure your computer meets these minimum Windows 10 hardware requirements:
As a matter of fact, Microsoft recommendsWindows 7users to upgrade their hardware configuration as well. In plain English, this meansbuying a new Windows 10 computer.
As Microsoft clearly explains on theofficial upgrade page:
We recommend that you don’t installWindows 10on an older device, as someWindows 7devices are not compatible withWindows 10or could experience reduced feature availability.
If you want to learn what happens if you runWindows 7orWindows 10on and old computer, seeWindows 7 vs Windows 10 on old PCs: What to expect.
2. Backup your data
Now that you made sure your hardware is compatible withWindows 10, you need to backup yourWindows 7data. In this manner, you should be able to retrieve your files and folders in case anything goes wrong during the upgrade process. Not only that, butwhen it comes to migrating to a newOS, you may want to transfer all your files to the new platform. In both cases, the solution is to simply backup your data.
For more information, check out a detailed guide onhow to backup Windows 7 before upgrading to Windows 10.
We recommend installing a dedicatedWindows 7backup software as this will help you to get the job done faster thanWindows 7‘s built-in Back and Restore feature. This is the safest method toupgrade from Windows 7 to Windows without losing data.
If you don’t want to backup all your data but only transfer some files or folder, seeHow to transfer files from Windows 7 to Windows using an Ethernet cable.
On the other hand, if you’re a gamer and you only want to transfer yourWindows 7games to a different computer, seeHow to transfer Windows 7 games to Windows 10
How to successfully upgrade to Windows 10
So, up until now, we’ve got the system requirements checked, and data backup checked. It’s time to launch the update process — the simplest way is to hit the update button.
Indeed, Microsoft does allow you to upgrade from oneOSversion to a new one using theWindows 10Update Assistant. However, this may oftenresult in data loss. In order to avoid such unpleasant events, we recommend installingLaplink PCMover. This a program that you can use to move all yourWindows 7files, settings, and user profiles to your new PC.
Migrating from an OS to another is a big risk unless you have the right tool to do it. PCmover Express will move from without any data loss:
Simplydownload PCMoverto both your computer and follow the on-screen instructions displayed by the wizard.
However, this step is different for every user type. Of course, the process is much more complex for Enterprise and Business users than for averageWindows 7Home users but Laplink PCMover can help both users categories.
If you don’t want to use any third-party tools for the upgrade, we compiled the following additional upgrade guides involving different upgrade methods:
How to transfer programs and files from Windows 7 to Windows 10
For a general guide on how totransfer your programsfrom Windows 7 to Windows 10, seeHow to transfer installed programs from Windows 7 to Windows 10.
If you want to move youriTunescontent from Windows 7 to Windows 10, seeHow to transfer iTunes from Windows 7 to Windows 10.
If you want to exportOutlookcontacts to your new OS, seeHow to export Outlook contacts from Windows 7 to Windows 10.
Speaking of emails, you may also be interested in this guide onHow to transfer Live Mail files from Windows 7 to Windows 10.
If you want to keep yourbookmarkafter the upgrade, seeHow to transfer bookmarks from Windows 7 to Windows 10.
On the other hand, if you just want to move particular Windows 7 files to another drives, here are two useful guides that you can use to get the job done:
Windows 7 to Windows 10 migration tips for network administrators
TheWindows 10upgrade process is more complex for business users as any mistake might trigger money loss. Here are some useful migration guides for network admins:
Despite Microsoft’s best intentions, it seems that30% of companies won’t upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10. Not in the first year, at least.
Bring Windows 7 features back to Windows 10
If nostalgia strikes and you miss certain Windows 7 features after upgrading to Microsoft’s latest OS, here’s what you can do to bring them back:
Troubleshoot Windows 7 to Windows 10 upgrade issues
Sometimes, despite going through the checklist above, technical problems may occur during or shortly after the update process. We hope you never need to use the troubleshooting guides listed below. However, bookmarking this page is a good idea in case the upgrade process doesn’t go as expected.
Windows 7 update errors
Remote desktop
Black screen
Sharing folders
There you go, with the help of this guide, you should be able to safely transition from Windows 7 to Windows 10 without losing any files or folders. If you’ve got other tips and tricks you’d like to share with our readers, hit the comment section below.
More about the topics:windows 10 upgrade,windows 7
Madalina Dinita
Networking & Security Specialist
Madalina has been a Windows fan ever since she got her hands on her first Windows XP computer.
She is interested in all things technology, especially emerging technologies – AI and DNA computing in particular.
Prior to joining the WindowsReport team, she worked in the corporate world for a number of years.
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Madalina Dinita
Networking & Security Specialist
Madalina is a Windows fan since forever, especially interested in AI, emerging technologies, privacy, and security.
