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Windows 7 to Windows 10/11: In-place upgrade vs. clean install

4 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Windows7 is now very near to its January 14, 2020end of support date. From then on, Microsoft will stop rolling out security patch updates for that platform. This leaves users wondering if they should upgrade fromWindows7 to 10.

Those users who choose to upgrade toWindows10 can do so in two alternative ways.

You can upgrade toWindows10 with an in-place upgrade. That is a more direct approach which preserves all files, software, and settings from the previousOSinstallation. Therefore, it’s more like installingWindows10 over a previousOSas it migrates everything from the old platform to the replacement one.

Or you can opt for a cleaninstallofWindows10. That’s a less direct method which effectively wipes the hard drive clean and then installsWindows10. Therefore, it removes all user files andinstalledsoftware during the upgrade process.

For all the important info that you need aboutWindows7 to 10 migration, check out thisFAQ pagethat will answer all your questions.

What are the advantages of an in-place upgrade?

It’s quicker and easier

A lot of users prefer to migrate toWindows10 with the in-place upgrade method. An in-place upgrade is the more straightforward way to migrate fromWindows7 to 10.

You don’t need to flap around with setting up bootableinstallationmedia for a cleaninstall. In addition, you might also need to configure the boot order with BIOS or UEFI settings to ensure the desktop orlaptopboots from USB drive for a cleaninstall.

It preserves settings, programs, and files

As an in-place upgrade will preserve your software and files, it’s not so essential to back up anything before upgrading. That will also save you more time. Furthermore, you won’t need to get anyexternal storage deviceto back up the hard drive’s content to.

Want to transfer your installed programs from Windows 7 to Windows 10? Check out this handy guide for more info.

What are the advantages of a clean install?

It provides a fresh start

However, some users might still prefer to upgrade toWindows10 with the cleaninstallmethod. A cleaninstallcan provide a completely fresh start.

You’ll get a completely new and freshWindows10 with a clean registry when you upgrade with a cleaninstall. Upgrading with in-place upgrade will leave old registry entries and other junk from the previous platform intact.

It will remove incompatible software

As a cleaninstallwill remove all apps, it will also get rid of all incompatible software. Older software (especially games)installedbefore Microsoft launchedWindows10 might not be compatible with that platform.

Thus, you won’t need to uninstall all the incompatible software yourself. You can selectively back up and restore all your most essential software and files, which will leave out potentially incompatible programs.

It provides more control over the upgrade process

The cleaninstallmethod gives you more control over the upgrade process. You can make adjustments to drives and partitions when upgrading withinstallationmedia.

Users can also manually back up and restore the folders and files that they need to migrate toWindows10 instead of migrating everything. So, upgrading with a cleaninstallis more flexible.

Looking for Windows 7 to Windows 10 migration resources? Take a look at this article to find everything you need.

Check out the Media Creation Tool

However you choose to upgrade,Windows10’sMedia Creation Toolwill come in handy. With that utility, you can carry out an in-place upgrade by selecting itsUpgrade this PCnowoption.

Alternatively, you can select itsCreateinstallationmediaoption to set up abootable USB flash drivefor a cleanWindows10install.

If you need any additional information about the Media Creation Tool, don’t hesitate to check out thisdetailed guideand learn everything about it.

By default, theUpgrade this PCoption will retain all files. However, you can then click aChange what to keep linkto select aNothingoption. Selecting that setting will delete everything. So, that option is similar to a cleaninstall, but it’s not entirely the same.

So, now it’s time to upgrade toWindows10. If you don’t have sufficientexternal storage devicesfor a cleaninstall, then you’ll have to opt for the in-grade upgrade method.

However, some users who do have enough external storage for both theinstallationmedia and system backup might prefer the cleaninstallmethod that will remove a lot of clutter.

Windows 7 to Windows 10/11: In-place upgrade vs. clean install#

What are the advantages of an in-place upgrade?#

It’s quicker and easier#

It preserves settings, programs, and files#

What are the advantages of a clean install?#

It provides a fresh start#

It will remove incompatible software#

It provides more control over the upgrade process#

Check out the Media Creation Tool#