Tips for users moving from Windows 7 to Windows 10
Tips for users moving from Windows 7 to Windows 10
Hello, I have some queries about upgrading to and from the Professional versions of Windows. This mainly applies to those who moved from Windows 7 Professional, 64-bit to Windows 10 Pro, 64-bit. I use several programs daily, and while some may seem minor, I'm curious if anyone has advice. My biggest concern is whether my applications remain intact during an upgrade without a clean install—using the Get Windows 10 App. Do games like Steam, saved files, pictures, etc., stay the same? I also have Dolby Home Theater v4, and I’d like to know if it will carry over. I assume antivirus protection will handle itself. Thanks for your help!
A few applications remained installed while others disappeared. I moved from Windows 7 Professional to Windows 10 Pro. Microsoft Office, Norton 360, CPU-Z/HW Monitor/GPU-Z needed reinstallation. Files, documents, pictures stayed intact, but some could be lost during the process and had to be reinstalled.
During the Windows 10 setup, it will clearly ask whether you wish to perform an upgrade while preserving your current files or proceed with a clean installation to reset everything. Based on my observations, most installed programs should function normally; device drivers are usually the exception. Ensure your hardware has compatible Windows 10 drivers before starting the upgrade—video card, audio, and network controller are particularly important. Once the upgrade is complete, remove any existing drivers thoroughly before installing the new ones. I haven’t personally tried that software, so I can’t confirm the exact outcome.
Yes, it generally doesn’t matter where your OS runs—whether on an SSD or HDD, as long as the data is stored correctly.
I don't have any of that. I own both an SSD and two physical hard drives.
Also check that your USB controller drivers match your system. Otherwise, you risk having a nonfunctional computer, just like I experienced. If issues arise, rolling back to the earlier OS should be straightforward and fast.
If it's a clean install its a clean install, if it's not a clean install it's not a clean install. There is no "untrue" clean install.