Having trouble updating Windows 10? Hello 2020, goodbye, Windows 7. Surprised? You shouldn’t be. When Microsoft released this operating system, it warned us that the lifecycle would stop at 10 years old. Wow, how fast this decade has been! And now the time has almost run out. As of January 14, Microsoft will no longer support Windows 7.
While Microsoft archives this beloved operating system to focus on the latest technology, many Windows 7 users are sad, but the technology is advancing faster. To use the new technologies you need an updated operating system and Windows 7 will no longer be. That’s why you should install Windows 10.
Do you stay or go?
Before choosing to stay with Windows 7, you need to understand that there are potentially serious consequences that result from this choice.
One such problem is that you will no longer receive security updates. Without regular updates, your computer will be vulnerable to any number of external threats, including viruses, malware, spyware and ransomware. Furthermore, your data is at risk.
To help corporate customers move to Windows 10, Microsoft will offer individual businesses and subscribers extended security updates (ESUs) for the next three years at a cost that varies and will increase each year.
For anyone who continues to use Windows 7 after the support end date, Microsoft intends to introduce warnings on the screen. These notifications will inform users of the consequences of not updating to Windows 10.
If you receive this warning, you will have three options- Remind me later, Learn more or Don’t remind me again. Sincerely, if you don’t select one of these options, you will continue to receive notifications.
Microsoft has decided to ceaselessly remind you to upgrade for free, but if you haven’t taken advantage of it, here’s how to upgrade.
How to upgrade to Windows 10
For those who prefer not to have to perform a clean installation, which requires removing all files from the PC, you can use the media creation tool and update while keeping applications, files, and folders in their current locations.
Before you start upgrading to Windows 10, you need to make sure your computer has the following minimum requirements.
- You will also need to make sure that Windows 7 Service Pack 1 is running on your system, which is the latest version of your current operating system.
- A valid Windows 10 product key is required, which you can purchase here.
- Create a full backup of Windows 7 with System Image Backup Tool. For detailed instructions, visit Windows support.
- It is recommended that you uninstall the software, including security and antivirus programs, along with all third party applications before updating.
- Disconnect any hardware such as a printer, external hard drive, and USB devices.
Now that we have completed the preparation work, it is time to install Windows 10:
- Download Media Creation Tool
- Click Download tool now and save the installer on your computer.
- Double-click the MediaCreationTool.exe file to start the Windows 10 installation wizard.
- Click Accept for the license agreement.
- Select Update this PC now.
- Click on Next.
- Enter the product key, click Next.
- Click Accept.
- Select Keep personal files and apps.
- Click on Install.
Once installed, you’ll need to follow the detailed on-screen guide to complete Windows 10 setup.
What if you want to install Windows 10 but can’t?
You have decided to switch to Windows 10; however, your Windows 7 is making stories and is not updating. Here are some tips that can help you.
Run Troubleshoot upgrade problems. Open the Control Panel and select Troubleshooting and Troubleshooting upgrade issues to see if a solution is available. If not, try these methods:
- If you chose not to uninstall the antivirus software before the update, disable the firewall and antivirus software as this may solve installation problems. Try to reinstall Windows 10.
- Make sure to install Windows 10 with the administrator account.
- Remove any non-essential software and external hardware if you haven’t done so before installing Windows 10 and try reinstalling Windows 10.
Make sure your system meets the new system requirements. Otherwise, the options may be limited to replacing individual components or updating the device.
