The media creation tool can be used to upgrade your computer to Windows 10 or to create a USB or DVD and install Windows 10 on a different computer. The computer can have a fresh installation of Windows 10 installed, without following the update process. Once a computer has been upgraded to Windows 10 and registered.

Most people should stick with using the much simpler Upgrade this PC now option, though.NOTE: If you choose to buy a Windows 10 upgrade from Microsoft, you are still required to complete a Windows 10 upgrade from either Windows 7 SP1 or Windows 8.1 on a computer before attempting a fresh installation of Windows 10. How To Geek’s article walks you through the process step-by-step. If you want to take a more complicated route, you can also use the “Create installation media” option to clean install Windows 10, inputting the Windows 7 product key you dredged up earlier when you’re asked for your Windows 10 license. After several reboots (and potentially a long wait), you’ll be on Windows 10, which is still being supported for years to come. Click Install and wait for the tool to work its magic. Run it, select the Upgrade this PC now option when prompted- not “Create installation media”-and choose to keep your apps and files. The Media Creation Tool will download to your computer.

Next, head to Microsoft’s Windows Media Creation Tool page and click the Upgrade Now button. Whatever method you use, just make sure your data’s backed up somewhere safe. We’ve got guides to the best Windows backup software and online backup options, but even stashing your most valued files on a USB key or external drive works. Upgrading to a new operating system is a major task, and you don’t want to lose your precious photos and files if things go wrong.

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