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Windows 7 to Windows 10/11 upgrade FAQ: Here are the answers
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Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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As we all know, all the good things come to an end. The countdown timer for the ageingWindows 7OShas been officially started by Microsoft. Theend of support deadlinehas encouraged most of the users to upgrade to Windows 10.
Windows 7was officially launched in 2009. Most of the users (both individual and enterprise) are still using the ageingWindows 7operating systemeven after a decade. Some are obsessed with the narrow Start Menu, colourful and glassy Aero theme, and the iconic startup sound. While others are just in love with the minimalisticWindows 7UI that they even don’t want to mess up with a new version of Windows.
What so ever is the case, you will no longer be receiving critical security fixes and official support after January 14, 2020. Therefore, you will have to upgrade to Windows 10 if you want to get security updates and new features from Microsoft.
For all those who have tons of questions in mind, here are the answers that can help you in a smoothWindows 7to Windows 10 Upgrade.
Windows 7 to Windows 10 FAQ
1. Can I still use Windows 7 after 2020?
Yes, you can still use and operate on theWindows 7operating systemafter January 14, 2020. But the bottom line is, Microsoft will no longer be releasing free security updates for those who continue to useWindows 7.
You will not be eligible for receiving anysoftware, security, or feature updates. You will have topay a huge amountfor the extended support forWindows 7on a per device basis. While the cost is going to increase on a yearly basis so it is definitely going to be an expensive option especially for the individuals.
Please have a look at the pricing details:
Therefore, it is highly recommended that you should upgrade to the latest version of Windows i.eWindows 10.
2. How can I upgrade my Windows 7 to Windows 10 for free?
After July 29, 2016, Windows 10 does not support the free upgrade offer via Get Windows 10 (GWX) app. While if you are still interested in the upgrading your PC for free your should go for Microsoft 365 Business.
This version of Windows offers a free upgrade to the users who have aWindows 7, 8, or 8.1 Pro license. Therefore, you will not have to pay any additional cost for the upgrade by purchasingMicrosoft 365 Business.
Additionally, you can also tryour guidein order to upgrade to Windows 10 for free.
3. What happens if I continue to use Windows 7 after January 2020?
Microsoft has officially announced that it will no longer supportWindows 7PC beyond January 14, 2020. This means that if you continue to useWindows 7after January 2020, you will not be eligible to receive free security updates from Microsoft.
While keeping in mind thelatest cyber-attacks, youroperating systemwill be vulnerable to theincreasing security threats. You will also have to pay a huge cost for extended support. Furthermore, you will not be able to getWindows 7technical support from Microsoft customer service.
Therefore, Microsoft recommends its users that they should consider upgrading toWindows 7. Windows 10 comes with free security updates, so you will be able to protect your data.
4. Can I still activate Windows 7 after support has ended?
Yes, you can still install and activateWindows 7after January 14, 2020. However, you will not receive any security updates from Microsoft beyond the deadline. Hence, the lack of security updates will increase your chances of being vulnerable to viruses andsecurity risks.
Microsoft recommends all of its users to upgrade to Windows 10 for continued security updates after support has officially ended.
5. What happens if Windows 7 is not supported?
Despite the fact that the unsupported versionWindows 7will continue to work, you will not be receiving any software updates from Microsoft through Windows Update. These software updates include both security and reliability updates for the users. Yourpersonal informationwill be vulnerable to spyware, viruses, and similar malicioussoftware.
Moreover, Microsoft customer support will no longer entertain any queries related to the unsupported version ofWindows 7. If you are still usingWindows 7, you should upgrade to Windows 10 before January 14, 2020.
6. Does Microsoft extend Windows 7 support?
Microsoft has officially announced to stopWindows 7support after January 14, 2020. WhileWindows 7Professional orWindows 7Enterprise will be allowed to receive security updates through the paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. The extended support will be available for 3 years after the end of support deadline. The users will have to pay a huge per-device cost that is expected to increase year by year.
Here are the pricing details for the extended support:
Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows 10 to receive free security updates and support from the company.
7. How do I transfer files from Windows 7 to Windows 10?
Various third-party tools are available in the market that can help you intransferring your data and filesfromWindows 7to Windows 10. You just need to follow a number of steps whether you arebuying a new Windows 10 PCor planning to upgrade your existingWindows 7powered machine to Windows 10. You can follow ourGuideto migrate your apps, settings, options etc on Windows 10.
8. Can I downgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 7?
Although millions of users have upgraded to Windows 10, after the official end of support deadline from Microsoft. Few of them are still interested in sticking to the ageingWindows 7.
They might have reservations while migrating to a new version regarding upgrade and compatibility issues, program support etc. If you are one of them, don’t worry you can always go back to your previous version.Your simply need to follow these steps todowngrade from Windows 10 to Windows 7.
9. Can Windows 7 key activate Windows 10?
Yes, Windows 10 can be activated with a genuineWindows 7key. In order to activate it, you just need to enter the key during the setup phase or activate it from theUpdate & Securitysection of the Settings app.
10. Can Windows 7 install over Windows 10?
Yes, you can installWindows 7over Windows 10, but that will completely remove Windows 10 from your PC. If you want to useWindows 7and Windows 10 side by side, you should consider using a dual boot or a virtual machine.
11. Can Windows 7 look like Windows 10?
Yes, it’s possible to makeWindows 7look like Windows 10, but in order to do so, you’ll need to use third-party applications. One way to make yourWindows 7look like Windows 10 is touse Windows 10 Transformation Pack.
Bear in mind that this type ofsoftwarewill modify your system files, so you’re using it at your own risk.
12. How to upgrade non-genuine Windows 7 to Windows 10?
You can’t upgrade the non-genuine version ofWindows 7to Windows 10, and if you try to do so, you’ll get a message that your product key isn’t genuine. If you do manage to upgrade from a non-genuine version ofWindows 7to Windows 10, bear in mind that your Windows 10 won’t be activated.
13. How long does it take for Windows 7 to upgrade to Windows 10?
The upgrade process lasts usually about an hour, but it can take more depending on how your PC is configured and the age of your device.
14. What are Windows 7 to Windows 10 upgrade requirements?
These are the minimum hardware requirements for Windows 10:
Conclusion
It’s not like that your PC will stop working after January 2020, but it’s better tostay protectedfrom potential threats and cyber attacks by migrating to Windows 10.
While, if you are a business owner or an individual, why not opt for an upgrade rather than paying a huge cost for the extended support?
If you have any more questions, please comment down below or you can always send your queries via email. The post will be updated with additional answers to your questions.
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More about the topics:windows 10,windows 7
Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He’s a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology.
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.
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Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s specialized in Windows errors & software issues.
