Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 10 on a new SSD

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  1. Posts : 7
    Windows 7
       #1

    Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 10 on a new SSD


    Hello,
    I've been running Windows 7 since 2014 on a computer and I didn't want to go to Windows 10 at the time of the free upgrade.

    I recently saw that the upgrade is still doable.

    I'm now considering upgrading my PC hardware with a new SSD drive which would have no Windows installation.

    If I understood correctly what I've read on the subject, I would have to install Windows 7 on the new SSD and then upgrade it to Windows 10.

    Of course, I would not use Windows 7 on my current SSD anymore, I would wipe it and use it for storage.

    Is that all correct ?

    Thank !
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 8,658
    windows 10
       #2

    You should be able to do a clean install and enter the win7 key when asked is it an OEM key or retail?
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 7
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #3

    If I remember correctly, I got this key though Microsoft MSDN when I was a student.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 8,658
    windows 10
       #4

    Put new drive in and remove the other do a clean install and see what happens it should realy activate with a 7 key if the worse happens you still have the old drive to boot from
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 7
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Yeah I'll do that, thanks, I have to order the computer parts now !

    - - - Updated - - -

    Samuria said:
    Put new drive in and remove the other do a clean install and see what happens it should realy activate with a 7 key if the worse happens you still have the old drive to boot from
    I think I read your message a bit too fast !

    So you’re saying I don’t need to install Win 7 on the SSD and that I should be able to put Win 10 right away with the Win 7 key ?
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 4,453
    Win 11 Pro 22000.708
       #6

    It may be safest to install Win10 as an upgarde over your current Win7. That will establish a digital license with Microsoft. Once you have done that, you can install the new SSD and do a clean install of Win10 on it. It will then activate using the digital license.

    That'll be a bit tedious, but I think it'll work.

    MSDN Win 7 key? I hope not. It may not be valid anymore.
      My Computers


  7. Posts : 7
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #7

    bobkn said:
    It may be safest to install Win10 as an upgarde over your current Win7. That will establish a digital license with Microsoft. Once you have done that, you can install the new SSD and do a clean install of Win10 on it. It will then activate using the digital license.

    That'll be a bit tedious, but I think it'll work.
    Tidious indeed ... Whatever works !

    bobkn said:
    MSDN Win 7 key? I hope not. It may not be valid anymore.
    Yeah I got that key in 2014. Windows 7 never complained and I'm still using it daily. I hope it will ok because I don't really want to buy a new license ...
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 4,453
    Win 11 Pro 22000.708
       #8

    Croustibat said:
    Tidious indeed ... Whatever works !


    Yeah I got that key in 2014. Windows 7 never complained and I'm still using it daily. I hope it will ok because I don't really want to buy a new license ...
    If there is a problem with the license, it may only show up when you try to use it to activate a new Windows install. I believe that MS does not reach out to deactivate Windows on activated PCs, even if MS has blacklisted the license.
      My Computers


  9. Posts : 8,045
    Windows 11 Pro 64 bit
       #9

    bobkn said:
    It may be safest to install Win10 as an upgarde over your current Win7. That will establish a digital license with Microsoft. Once you have done that, you can install the new SSD and do a clean install of Win10 on it. It will then activate using the digital license.

    That'll be a bit tedious, but I think it'll work.

    MSDN Win 7 key? I hope not. It may not be valid anymore.
    That's what I would do. Update the existing Win7 on the HDD. Then image or clone the updated Win 10 installation from the HDD to the new SSD - e.g. using Macrium Reflect Free. You can then consider doing a clean install of Win 10 on the SSD.
      My Computers


  10. Posts : 7
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #10

    Steve C said:
    That's what I would do. Update the existing Win7 on the HDD. Then image or clone the updated Win 10 installation from the HDD to the new SSD - e.g. using Macrium Reflect Free. You can then consider doing a clean install of Win 10 on the SSD.
    Thank you, that makes sense ! I will do a fresh install with new SSD because I'm changing the motherboard / CPU.
      My Computer


 

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