Your PC will restart itself a few times, but eventually you’ll see the welcome screen for Windows 10. This could take a few hours depending on the speed of your PC and internet connection. But keeping everything is arguably simpler and avoids you running into possible issues if you’ve lost the licence keys for some of the software you’re running on Windows 7. The latter option is better for starting with a clean operating system, and if you backed up your files, you’ll be able to move the files and programs you need back on to your computer as and when you need them. You will be given the choice as to whether you want to keep your files and programs, or start afresh with none of your programs and files. If you don’t have enough space on your hard disk, you might need to free up space and run the installation from a USB stick.

Select Upgrade this PC now when given the choice.

Once the file’s downloaded, open it and agree to the various terms and conditions that are required. Head to the Windows 10 download page and select Download tool now. You now need to get the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool. Check your PC exceeds the minimum requirements on Microsoft's website. You’ll need to be on Windows 7 Service Pack 1 – if your PC is up to date, this should already be the case. At the bottom, it will say if the licence is activated. Check this using Control Panel from the Start Menu, clicking on System and Security, and then System. What to do firstįor the best chance of getting a free upgrade, your current version of Windows 7 must be legal and activated with Microsoft. Not everyone is going to be able to upgrade for free, but here's how to check and proceed. In a recent survey of 1,013 Which? members, we found that 13% were still using Windows 7 on their main computer, while some 30% of people around the world were still using Windows 7. So long as you keep your computer up-to-date, your Windows 10 will always be supported. Microsoft is aiming to move all Windows users on to Windows 10, which is the 'final version': there won't be a Windows 11 instead Microsoft will put out feature updates twice a year as well as regular security updates.

If you're still using Windows 7, it's time to upgrade: after a decade of support, Microsoft is ending support for Windows 7. Follow our step-by-step guide to installing Windows 10 on your Windows 7 PC However, it might be possible for you to upgrade your computer for free. A new licence for Windows 10 costs £119.99 bought direct from the Microsoft website.

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