Window 10 upgrade -- do I get a copy?

I'm a windows 7 user. I have windows 7 on a CD. More than once I have had to use my windows 7 CD to fix problems.

What confuses me about the windows 10 upgrade prompt is what happens after I upgrade and I have issues. From what I read, I won't have windows 10 on a CD or even a full copy of windows 10 on my computer after the upgrade. I'm told that the upgrade simply upgrades my windows 7 to windows 10 without providing me a full copy of windows 10. Is this true?

The fact that I won't have a full copy of windows 10 on my computer or on CD if I have an issue and need the full version of windows 10 to fix the problem, has stopped me from upgrading.

I want to take the plunge to upgrade but for the above reason I'm hesitant. Can someone fill me in on how to fix problems after the windows 10 upgrade, if you do not have a full copy of copy of windows 10 on a CD or on your computer?

Thanks

Welcome to the forum,

The upgrade will be a full version of W10 once installed. You can also download a W10 ISO anytime you want to put on a DVD or USB.

Windows 10 ISO Download - Windows 10 Forums

Sorry again for my ignorance. So you are saying if I use the upgrade prompt for windows 10, it will automatically download a full version of windows 10 for future use?

What about license key? If I need to reinstall windows 10 after the upgrade, do I get a separate license key with my windows 10 upgrade or do I use the license key that came with my the windows 7?

The uncertainty of upgrading to windows 10 simply scares me so I'm trying to understand as much as possible before deciding to take the plunge or not.

steveeyes said:

Sorry again for my ignorance. So you are saying if I use the upgrade prompt for windows 10, it will automatically download a full version of windows 10 for future use?

Judging by the term you use "upgrade prompt" I assume you are talking about the prompt in the taskbar?

If that is what you are talking about, then the answer is no it will just download and install, there will be no files left for you to use later as a repair option. But as I posted above, you can download an ISO anytime you want.

If you want an alternative method, steps 4, 7 and 8 of this tutorial will let you upgrade after downloading the installation file you need,

Windows 10 - Upgrade Installation - Windows 10 Forums

Then you will also have a copy to use for later repairs or reinstalls.

steveeyes said:

What about license key? If I need to reinstall windows 10 after the upgrade, do I get a separate license key with my windows 10 upgrade or do I use the license key that came with my the windows 7?

When you upgrade a qualifying OS it just gives you a digital entitlement and once activated on that device it is recorded by Microsoft and no product key is ever needed after that, it will just activate itself as long as you haven't changed a motherboard.

If you want to clean install instead of upgrade you can use the W7 product key to activate it, it will still show as a digital entitlement in the activation.

steveeyes said:

The uncertainty of upgrading to windows 10 simply scares me so I'm trying to understand as much as possible before deciding to take the plunge or not.

That's alright, it's better to ask first. :) I would also suggest you start by making a complete image of your system right now just to be safe.

Feel free to ask anything else, we have a lot of experts that can answer all your questions.

Upgrade will install full version.
If you want to have ISO file of it - just download it from Microsoft site: Windows 10
If you need to reinstall Windows 10 you don`t need license key - after upgrade your PC data is already saved on Microsoft servers and activation is automatic based on that data. If while installing you are asked for key just skip this step and continue.

Thanks everyone for your great support and help

steveeyes said:

Thanks everyone for your great support and help

W;ould advise to do the upgrade while it's free. You can always roll back in the first 30 days to your current 7 or use your 7 DVD but doing it before the expiration will give you permanent digital entitlement on your particular device. The downloadable ISO is updated within days of every major cumulative update so it's always current. Also, the ESD on your computer is constantly updated so theoretically you can repair from Recovery tools w/o external USB or DVD image. As always, backup your files or, better yet, image your system in case something goes wrong with the Upgrade but do it soon while it's free. Good Luck

derekimo said:

When you upgrade a qualifying OS it just gives you a digital entitlement and once activated on that device it is recorded by Microsoft and no product key is ever needed after that, it will just activate itself as long as you haven't changed a motherboard.

Just curious because I happened to read your thread. What happens if my motherboard goes south and I have to replace it? Will the license fail?

[QUOTE=What happens if my motherboard goes south and I have to replace it? Will the license fail?[/QUOTE]
You may have to jump through hoops via phone activation but you should be good. Read this article on various scenarios including yours.

When Can You Move a Windows License to a New PC?