Windows XP to Windows 10 for Free

Superfly · 28 Apr 2016

bobkn said:

Really? That's surprising. Not the sort of thing I've ever experimented with. My most recent OEM COA was for Vista.

Yup, even embedded OEM keys that have not been activated on the purchased PC can be used on another - eg, if you downgraded a Windows 8 or 10 PC to windows 7 without activating it initially - either way it's not something we propose just mentioning a quirk that exists.

jimbo45 · 28 Apr 2016

Hi there

If it's a RETAIL key (W7) it should work WITHOUT having been previously installed on the old computer -- however if you are in any doubt simply install W7 on it --forget about any drivers / apps so it should only take around 10 - 15 mins at most - activate, wipe HDD and now install W10.

Can't really understand why people are making a fuss about this -- you don't need to install W7 with all your apps , updates etc etc -- just a bog standard install with all defaults straight from the install disk --you aren't going to RUN W7 as your normal OS - and the OP wants a CLEAN install of W10.

You probably won't even need to install W7 --just try W10 with the key -- but if you are paranoid do the quick install (minimal) then activate, wipe HDD and clean install W10.

Cheers
jimbo

Kari · 28 Apr 2016

kongming said:

Impossible upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 10. Even Windows Vista also can not.

That's not true. It is totally possible to in-place upgrade Windows XP or Windows Vista to Windows 10 keeping all compatible apps, personal files and settings, you just need to be a bit creative

Read more: Solved In-place upgrade - XP to 10 without losing the apps - Windows 10 Forums

Anyway, as the OP has Windows 7 product keys, he has already got the best advice: Clean install Windows 10, activate it with Windows 7 product key.