Microsoft has already ended supporting Windows 7 officially from 14th January which means there will be no more software updates, security patches or technical support. Though Microsoft’s free upgrade offer was ended a few years ago for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users, you can still upgrade to Windows 10 for free. The company continues to activate Windows 10 license for people wanting to upgrade from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1.
Technically, you don’t need to upgrade immediately. According to Microsoft you are still able to use Windows 7 for unlimited time. This is not good idea if you care for security because you won’t get software update, security patches or fixes. Your PC is more vulnerable to exploits and attackers. For your easyness to upgrade Windows, ZDNet’s Ed Bott testing different methods for years and free upgrade still works.
While upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 10 you need to be careful about your important documents, apps, and data as it may get wiped. The process for both Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 is same.
So to upgrade you need to do the following:
- First step includes backing up your data, important documents and apps or settings you mostly use
- Go to Microsoft’s Windows 10 download site
- Under the Create Windows 10 installation media section click on “Download tool now” button
- Install the tool and when prompted, choose “Upgrade this PC now”
- On next step you’ll be asked to keep your files or start fresh installation. Note: For both the method you will still loose all your apps and settings for Windows 10 upgrade.
- After the upgrade is complete, you’ll get digital license for Windows 10 which was on your Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 before installation.
Digital license of Windows is now associated with the specific device which means you can reformat disk and perform a clean installation of the same edition of Windows 10 anytime and you don’t even need a product key. Product key activation is automatic due to digital license of product key of Windows.
For security reasons everyone should upgrade their OS. Windows 7 was most popular OS compatible and stable to use. Windows 7 is even good than Vista or Windows 8. It took around 4 years for Microsoft Windows 10 to be better. It is loss to see good and popular OS be dead but as the proverb says “We have to lose something in order to gain something”. Microsoft targets to make Windows 10 an all-in-one operating system for its products.
