Now that Microsoft has started rolling out Windows 10 via Windows Update to PC users who have previously reserved their free upgrade, many users are still wondering why they can’t see the update on their Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 PCs yet.
Because Microsoft is rolling out Windows 10 in “waves”, not all users are getting Windows 10 update right now. Although most users should see the update in the next couple of hours, some users might need to wait for another two or three days to see the Windows 10 update.
That said, if you are running Windows 7 Service Pack 1 or Windows 8.1 Update and can’t wait for the updates to reach your computer, you will be happy to know that you can legally upgrade your Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 computer to Windows 10 right away.
This method is perfect for users who have already registered for the free upgrade, and also for those users who haven’t registered for the free upgrade but want immediately upgrade their Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 installation to Windows 10.
Upgrade Window 7/8.1 to Windows 10 right away
To upgrade your Windows 7/8.1 installation to Windows 10 right away, please complete the given below instructions.
WARNING: Although this method is safe and you can preserve your installed programs and data during the upgrade, we recommend you create backup of all important files using programs like EaseUS System GoBack (free).
We are not responsible for your data and any damage that might occur during the upgrade, which is very unlikely though.
Step 1: First step is to manually launch Windows Update on your Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 and install all available updates.
As you likely know, users must be running Windows 7 SP 1 or Windows 8.1 Update to be eligible for the free Windows 10 upgrade.
Step 2: Next, download Windows 10 Media Creation Tool from the following links:
If you’re running Windows 7/8.1 32-bit version, please download the 32-bit version of Media Creation Tool. Likewise, if the current Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 installation is 64-bit, please download the same. Note that it’s not possible to directly upgrade from 32-bit Windows 7/8.1 installation to 64-bit Windows 10.
Step 3: After downloading the Media Creation Tool, right-click on it and then click Run as administrator option.
Click Yes button when you see the UAC prompt.
Step 4: On the home screen of Media Creation Tool, select the first option labelled Upgrade this PC now, and then click Next button to begin downloading Windows 10.
Step 5: Once Windows 10 install/upgrade files are downloaded onto your PC, you’ll see the following screen.
Step 6: And when you see the following screen, click Accept button to accept the license agreement.
Step 7: The setup might start looking for updates again. If there are any updates, it will download available updates, and this might take few minutes to hours depending on your internet connection speed.
Step 8: Finally, when everything is ready, you will see Ready to install screen. DON’T CLICK INSTALL button yet.
Check if the setup will keep all personal files and apps. If it’s showing only Keep personal files or Keep nothing, click Change what to keep link and then select Keep personal files and apps option.
Step 9: Finally, click Install button to begin upgrading your Windows 7/8.1 to Windows 10 for free.
Hope this helps!
PWB says
Additional testing revealed that this was a glitch with my OS (Windows 7). I restored an image of Windows 8.1 to the same laptop and had no problems downloading the USB and .iso upgrades. Used the .iso to upgrade the Window 8.1 and the USB to upgrade another Windows 7 pc. What the issue is will have to remain a mystery. I have no intention of attempting to ferret it out.
PWB says
My suspicions have been confirmed (htttp://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2015/07/how-to-do-a-clean-install-of-windows-10-from-windows-7-and-8/).
Why doesn’t Microsoft simply state something similar to “do not attempt to download the .iso or USB format until you have upgraded in place” on the download page?
PWB says
There are some bugs in the system. Apparently (I am guessing, because I have not upgraded yet), you cannot download the .iso or USB format until after upgrading. I’ve tried to download both several times. The download works fine, but during the verification/creation of .iso or USB stage, the application crashes and you have received nothing.