Win7 Professional Upgrade RETAIL --> Windows 10?

@PatrickGSR94,

If a clean install of Windows 10 will not activate with the Windows 7 product key, then try installing Windows 7. The install does not need to be perfect, and it does not to be updated. It only needs to be installed enough to get it activated with it's product key. Then you can upgrade it to Windows 10. You don't even need device drivers for all the hardware working in Windows 7. Once you get the upgrade done and Windows 10 activated, then you can wipe everything clean and start over with a clean install of Windows 10 and skip entering the product key.

I was referring to the OS not being officially supported by the mobo and proc, having to sort of “force” drivers into it to get things to work, etc.

Hi there
So long as W7 boots with the most basic of drivers e.g VGA video, no sound etc then you are "in business". You don't have to do any updates etc. just get the W7 system however basic to activate. Now you can then install your W10 system and it will be fine.

Cheers
jimbo

Hello!

Just download latest Windows 10 Pro 64-bit using Windows 10 Media Creation Tool. Create a DVD or USB Flash drive and use it to clean install Windows 10. When asked for a key put your Windows 7 Professional key. Setup should proceed without any issue. If you cannot activate automatically through the internet, open a Command Prompt and type the following command to trigger manual phone activation:

slui.exe 4

(this includes a space and the 4 as a parameter)

Microsoft should tell you if your key is eligible for activation and activate it.

He can try nevertheless and if he has to buy a license he will be notified by Microsoft. It doesn't change anything, unless he installs Pro and wants to buy Home or vice versa.