Windows 10 Upgrade from Windows 7 or Windows 8

NOTE: Windows 10 can be upgraded from Windows 7 or Windows, Windows 11 can only be upgraded to from Windows 10.

Upgrade Paths supported:

Windows 7> Windows 10

Windows 8> Windows 10

Windows 10> Windows 11

*Upgrades from Windows 7/8 to Windows 11 would require a clean installation of Windows*

Step 1: Go to Microsoft’s Windows 10 download page (or Windows 11 download page depending on your needs) and click on Download now to get the latest media creation tool or (upgrade installer)

Step 2: When you’re ready to upgrade run the installer tool, labeled MediaCreationTool, to get started.

Step 3: You’ll first be prompted to upgrade the PC or create installation media for another PC. Select “Upgrade this PC now” to begin the upgrade process and click “Next”. 

*This begins the download process which is a long or short affair dependent entirely upon your Internet connection speed. We zoomed to 100 percent in a matter of minutes on a speedy cable connection, but if you’re on a slow connection you might be watching the meter for some time.*

Step 4: When it finishes downloading and unpacking the installation media you’ll be prompted to accept the terms of the license agreement. Click “Accept” and the installer will do a final update check before kicking you over to the final confirmation page.

Step 5: By default the installer will select the largest “what to keep” selection it can. If you want to make changes to what it is keeping click the small “Change what to keep” link as seen in the screenshot above. You’ll be prompted to select to select which kind of installation you want.

Step 6: Here in this section you’ll select to keep personal files and apps, personal files only, or nothing at all and your apps, files, and settings will be deleted.

Step 7: Windows will restart several times, and boot into the freshly upgraded Windows 10.