Upgrade Win7 to Win10 Before or After Migration to New System Build


  1. Posts : 6
    Windows 10 Home
       #1

    Upgrade Win7 to Win10 Before or After Migration to New System Build


    I have a system with an i7-3930k and Win7 retail license. I will be building a new i7-6700k system and will be reusing the SSD, HDD, graphics card and my Windows license. I ultimately want the new system to be Win10.

    Should I do the OS upgrade first, or build the new system first and migrate my settings under Windows 7, then do the OS upgrade?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 18,424
    Windows 11 Pro
       #2

    Activate Windows 7 on the new system first and then upgrade that to Windows 10. If you upgrade to Windows 10 on the old system, when you replace the motherboard, Windows 10 will deactivate itself when it detects the new motherboard and you would likely have to put a Windows 7 install on it temporarily to regain activation.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 6
    Windows 10 Home
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Thanks for the response. Follow up question...If I can activate the Windows 7 retail license on the new mother board, couldn't I do the same with the Windows 10 license if upgraded on the old hardware? Is the Windows 10 license more restrictive?
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 18,424
    Windows 11 Pro
       #4

    Brett4u6 said:
    Thanks for the response. Follow up question...If I can activate the Windows 7 retail license on the new mother board, couldn't I do the same with the Windows 10 license if upgraded on the old hardware?
    No.

    Brett4u6 said:
    Is the Windows 10 license more restrictive?
    The free upgrade is more restrictive. Microsoft did not offer to upgrade you Windows 7 license to a Windows 10 license for free. They offered to upgrade DEVICES already running Windows 7/8/8.1 to 10 for free.

    In the fine print at the bottom of the webpage:
    How to Upgrade to Windows 10 - Microsoft

    1 Windows Offer Details

    Yes, free! This upgrade offer is for a full version of Windows 10, not a trial. 3GB download required; internet access fees may apply. Estimated retail price of Windows 10 Home shown, actual retail prices may vary. To take advantage of this free offer, you must upgrade to Windows 10 within one year of availability. Once you upgrade, you have Windows 10 for free on that device.

    Windows 10 Upgrade Offer is valid for qualified and genuine Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 devices, including devices you already own.
      My Computer


 

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