Microsoft has provided it for download. In our final post, we saw how you could use it to create installation media. In this article, we will see how to use it to upgrade a Windows 8.1 or Windows 7 computer to Windows 10.
If you upgrade to Windows 10, the new operating system will get your product key and activation details from your previous operating system. They are stored on Microsoft servers along with your computer details.
If you cleaned Windows the first time installed, you might face activation problems. If you upgrade for the first time, activate Windows 10, and install Windows 10 on the same computer. There will be no activation issues as the operating system will pull activation details from Microsoft’s servers.
So, if your Windows 10 is not activated, we advise you not to do a clean install for the first time. The first upgrade, activate, and then clean install.
You may want to back up your important data to an external drive before proceeding with the upgrade. Also, make sure you have a Windows login password. And although you don’t need it during the upgrade process, you should find and download your Windows product key somewhere.
Upgrade to Windows 10 using an ISO
If you choose
Browse to the folder where you saved the Windows 10 ISO file and right-click on it. Select Open with Windows Explorer.
You will be able to see the content of the ISO file. Click setup.
The installation will begin, and you will be asked if you want to download the update now or later.
Click Next, which will start downloading the updates
Next, Setup got a couple of things ready.
Once you are done, you will be asked to Accept the license terms.
Click Accept to continue. You’ll see a Making sure message. The installation will make sure that your computer is ready for installation. If anything requires your attention, it will be highlighted.
It could be a notification about Language Packs, media Center, or any other content. Here you can also click the Change what to keep a link.
Click Confirm / Next. Setup will check if your computer has enough space and followed by a Ready to Install message.
Click Install to continue. Your computer will start installing and restarting multiple times.
Finally, you will see the screen after booting.
When the upgrade is completed, you will see the following welcome screen.
After logging in for the first time, you can see the following screen. You can click Use Express settings, or you can Customize.
If you choose Customize, you’ll be able to personalize speech, input, location settings, and more.
Browser settings, connectivity, and error reporting.
You will be notified about new apps in Windows 10. You can choose your default apps here or continue.
Finally, after a few “Taking care of a few things” message, you will be taken to the Windows 10 desktop.
Once on your desktop, there are a few things you need to do after you upgrade to Windows 10. We’ll cover that in a separate post.
Clean install Windows 10
If you want to clean up the Windows 10 installation on your computer, burn the Windows 10 ISO with the Windows 10 Media Creation Creation Tool to create an installation media. Make sure the BIOS settings allow you to boot from USB. Plugin the USB and restart the computer.
Upon restarting, your computer will boot from the USB drive, and the installation will begin. This process is more or less the same. However, you will be asked to choose a system drive and or if you want to format the drive.
