How to upgrade to Windows 10 without losing data

How to upgrade to Windows 10 without losing data

Let’s face it: whether it be Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, or even Windows 8, they have all become obsolete as Microsoft has stopped providing them with security updates. So, if you’re still using any of these outdated operating systems, your best bet would be to make the jump to Windows 10. Learn how to upgrade to Windows 10 without losing data.

With that being said, you might have some important files lying on your hard disk, which might get you wondering how to upgrade to Windows 10 without losing data.

If that’s the case, then you’ve made it to the right article, since today we’re going to be discussing just that.

Table of Contents

  1. How to upgrade to Windows 10 without losing data
    1. Upgrading from Windows 7 or Windows 8
    2. How to upgrade Windows XP to Windows 10 without losing data
  2. Frequently Asked Questions – (FAQs)
    1. Will Windows 7 upgrade to Windows 10?
    2. Is Windows 7 upgrade to Windows 10 free?
    3. Will Windows 8.1 upgrade to Windows 10
    4. Is Windows XP upgrade to Windows 10 free, also?
    5. So, who can upgrade to Windows 10 for free?
    6. What are the requirements to upgrade to Windows 10?
    7. Should I upgrade to Windows 10?
    8. Must I upgrade to Windows 10?
    9. Are there any reasons not to upgrade to Windows 10?
    10. What is the best way to upgrade to Windows 10?
    11. Where to buy Windows 10 upgrade?
    12. Will I lose my pictures if I upgrade to Windows 10?
  3. Wrap Up

How to upgrade to Windows 10 without losing data

Upgrading from Windows 7 or Windows 8

Windows 7 has been one of the most successful versions of Windows ever. However, it’s about time you say goodbye to this operating system, cherish all the memories you made with it, and install Windows 10.

However, one question may pop up in your head and get you worried: Can you upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10 without losing files?

Well, it won’t be wrong if you’re wondering so, since no one wants to really lose their valuable data. And, luckily, there’s a tool that can help you with just that.

For this purpose, you don’t have to opt for third-party software, as Microsoft offers a Media Creation Tool that not only makes installing Windows 10 a whole lot easier but also lets users decide whether they want to keep their files and apps or not.

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Another great thing about it is that it works for not only Windows 7 but Windows 8 as well. Moreover, if you have a licensed copy of these versions of Windows, Windows 7, and Windows 8 to 10 free upgrade definitely becomes a possibility.

With that being said, let’s cut to the chase and see how you can use the Media Creation Tool to your benefit and save all your important files and data.

  • The first step would be to download Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool from here;
  • Afterward, you’ll have to run the MediaCreationTool.exe file as an administrator;
  • Then, accept the license terms and opt for “Upgrade this PC now” on the next page;
  • Once you’re done with that, the software will start downloading Windows 10 and you will be prompted to enter your Windows 10 product key;
  • Just before Windows 10 starts installing, the software will display the choices you’ve made. On that page, you’ll find “Keep personal files and apps” as checked, so you really don’t have to do anything now than just hitting the “Install” button.

With this, the installation process should begin and after some time (and, a lot of restarts), you will be greeted with Windows 10 that has all your previous files and apps intact.

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How to upgrade Windows XP to Windows 10 without losing data

Although the Media Creation Tool works with all versions of Windows, it doesn’t mean that it will come with the same functionalities for all of them. Accordingly, the “Keep personal files and apps” feature will be missing from Windows XP and Windows Vista.

So, if you want to upgrade Windows XP to Windows 10 without losing data, your best bet would be to use a backup tool.

Even though there is plenty of great backup software available, OneDrive and Dropbox are two of the finest options out there which allow you to retrieve your stored files on any system you want to.

And, since the files will be stored on a cloud, there’ll be no risk of corrupting your data either.

However, when making the upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 10, you need to make sure whether you satisfy the hardware requirements that accompany Windows 10.

And if you’re still running such an ancient Windows version as XP is, it most probably won’t be.

At the very least, you’ll need a  processor running at 1GHz clock speed, 1 GB or 2 GB of RAM (for 32-bit and 64-bit systems, respectively), 16 GB (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit) of hard disk space and a DirectX 9 compatible graphics card.

After making sure your system meets these requirements, you’re all set to jump ship to Windows 10.

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Frequently Asked Questions – (FAQs)

Will Windows 7 upgrade to Windows 10?

Yes. Despite Microsoft’s free upgrade ending some years ago, it is still possible to get Windows 10 for free with your original Windows 7 registration key.

You just need to download the Windows 10 upgrade tool and run it in your system.

Is Windows 7 upgrade to Windows 10 free?

Yes. As we mentioned above, you can still upgrade from Windows 7 to 10 without paying anything.

Will Windows 8.1 upgrade to Windows 10

Yes. Just like Windows 7, it is still possible to upgrade from Windows 8 and 8.1 without paying for a new license.

Is Windows XP upgrade to Windows 10 free, also?

Unfortunately no. Windows XP does not qualify for a free upgrade to Windows 10. You need to get and pay for a new license if you’re upgrading from XP.

So, who can upgrade to Windows 10 for free?

If your computer is running an active license of Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1, your system qualifies to upgrade to Windows 10 for free.

What are the requirements to upgrade to Windows 10?

To upgrade to Windows 10 you need a computer equipped with:

  • 1GHZ or faster CPU;
  • 1GB of RAM and 16GB of storage to run the 32-bit version;
  • 2GB of RAM and 20GB of disk space to run the 64-bit Windows 10;
  • DirectX 9 compatible graphics card with a minimum resolution of 800×600.

Should I upgrade to Windows 10?

There are several reasons to upgrade to Windows 10:

  • Security updates to keep your computer protected;
  • Full access to the Microsoft app store which offers a lot of great applications, tools, and games;
  • Microsoft Cortana Personal assistant to help you with your daily tasks;
  • Timeline and virtual desktops to increase your productivity;
  • OneDrive file syncing;
  • Contemporary and easy-to-use design.

Must I upgrade to Windows 10?

No. You can still be using an older Windows version, although at the expense of lacking in security.

Are there any reasons not to upgrade to Windows 10?

The main reason to keep your old Windows version is your hardware. If it’s the case your computer doesn’t meet the minimum requirements for Windows 10, you’ll get sluggish performance, and you won’t take advantage of your new operating system.

What is the best way to upgrade to Windows 10?

The best way to upgrade to Windows 10 is to create a USB installer for a clean install or choose to upgrade with the Windows 10 Media Creation tool.

Where to buy Windows 10 upgrade?

If your current operating system does not qualify to upgrade to Windows 10 for free, you can buy it directly from the Microsoft website. There are also several websites selling licit Windows 10 licenses for a lot less money.

Will I lose my pictures if I upgrade to Windows 10?

No, updating from a previous Windows version will maintain your personal files such as photos, videos, and documents.

Wrap Up

If your system meets the hardware requirements, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t make the jump to Windows 10, owing to its long-term support, new features, and overall better performance.

Moreover, if you have Windows 7 or 8 running on your system, you can upgrade to Windows 10 without losing any of your important data, courtesy of the media creation tool by Microsoft.

However, the Media Creation Tool doesn’t do the trick for Windows XP/Vista users. So if you’re willing to do a Windows XP upgrade to Windows 10, you will have to resort to backup tools that are easily available on the Internet.

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