Will 8 GB make WIN10 run ok on a Core 2 Duo?

LL northcoast said:

Thanks, everyone for your feedback.

For what it's worth, to celebrate the WIN7 end of service, I did prepare a replacement machine with a clean install of WIN10 - a Latitude e4310 (an i5). I love it, but unfortunately the beat-up old e4300 has more useful screen dimensions. After maxing out the RAM to 8GB, and switching to an SSD and using a hiberfile, I'm getting very decent performance, so for now I think it's safer to stay put with WIN7.

But should I ever feel forced to stop using WIN7, your responses have giving me the confidence to try converting the e4300 to WIN10.

Save your data. Create a system image backup. I do not agree with "I think it's safer to stay put with WIN7.
--- It might continue to run with "very decent performance" for a time but it will not be safer to stay with an unsupported OS.

Go for upgrading to Windows 10.
--- If it doesn't complete, it will automatically revert back to Windows 7.
Optimistically thinking it will upgrade to Windows 10
--- If I remember correctly, you will have at least 10 days, maybe actually 30 days to revert back to Windows 7 as long as you do not delete windows.old.
Go for it but post back first on the best procedure in your case unless you are already aware of that.

I agree that MeAndMyComputer's idea is considered the "best practice". Although some also recommend the "if it ain't broke..." principle.

However, check out this news story from 2018, which I think does offer a caution for users of older machines:
Microsoft Confirms Windows Performance Hits with ...

For around three years my old ASUS standby Windows 7 computer, the only one i kept windows 7 when i upgraded my other computers from Win 7 to Windows 10 when Microsoft offered the upgrade free.

But every time i would try to find OS upgrades for Win 7 i received server not running, today i looked around on my system for trouble shooting with Win 7 OS upgrades, i ran the trouble shooter and after many windows of items to accept i was able to get all the past updates to the Windows 7.

I understand it's not an issue for many Win 7 users, but just wanted to pass this along if anyone also have run into this issue.

I understand there is a way to get a free Windows 10 from Microsoft it take some doing as Microsoft would really like you to buy it, but with your Win 7 product Key i am told you can get it free.

Will have to do some more reading as to how to obtain it.

Berton said:

I just did one yesterday, replaced the Win7 HDD, installed Win10 Pro clean and used the Win7 Pro Product Key to activate. I installed using the USB drive obtained using the MCT. I put the Win7 HDD back in and stored the Win10 drive for some future need.

Now that's a really smart idea how did it preform with the programs you were using on Win 7?

@digitalcurisity POST #23
"I understand there is a way to get a free Windows 10 from Microsoft it take some doing as Microsoft would really like you to buy it, but with your Win 7 product Key i am told you can get it free."

Upgrade to Windows 10 from Windows 7 for Free
Upgrade to Windows 10 from Windows 7 for Free