Upgrade from Windows 7

Question

I have checked the specification of my machine (Thinkpad) against Microsoft requirements, and I seem to be good to go for an upgrade from Windows 7. Thus, there is no requirement on this basis to purchase a new machine. But how in practical terms do I go about installing a fresh OS on this machine? Simple clear advice would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks.

Answer 1

If you just want to basically wipe the OS and start again with a fresh out of box experience (OOBE) of windows 10 then I would do the following

BIOS Changes (not essential but I would do this personally at my organisation)

• Make sure it is running in UEFI mode if it supports it (it should be under Boot)

Before you do this

• Backup any files from the laptop as these will be wiped
• Ensure you have a valid Windows 10 licence key

1. Go to https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/software-download/windows10 and download the tool to create a windows 10 boot key or upgrade the OS (I would start again with a fresh OS)
2. Once the software is downloaded put your USB Stick into your device (Make sure its at least 8GB) and go through the necessary steps (Choosing language, x32 or x64) I personally would choose x64 if your device has more than 4GB of RAM.
3. When prompted choose the option Create installation media for another PC
4. Choose USB Flash Drive and then this will create a bootable USB stick to install this
5. Plug the USB into the device you want to install Windows 10 onto and turn the device off
6. When powering this on, if it is a Lenovo think pad press the enter key as it boots up, keep pressing until you hear a beep or it produces an option menu on the screen.
7. Choose Boot Menu
8. Select the USB
9. Wait for this to boot to the USB
10. Once it boots up choose Install and agree to the EULA
11. if prompted for an option of which OS to install, choose the OS that matches your licence (Professional/Home etc)
12. If prompted for the licence, enter this.
13. When given the option where to install windows choose the disk. If this says Drive 0 unallocated space, then click next. If it doesn't You will need to delete the partitions however.... This will remove everything from the previous windows 7 installation so ensure you back everything up first!!
14. Then click apply and wait for the installation

I hope this helps :)

Answer 2

If you want to you may be able to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10 using gatherosstate.exe.

This method is a clean install requiring the reinstallation of drivers and applications.

If interested, please comment into this thread and a link can be provided.