How to Prepare Yourself for The End of Windows 7 and Upgrade to Windows 10 for Free

As the old saying goes, "All good things must come to an end". It seems that is the way with all technology devices. Over the years, some of my favorite tech items have become obsolete and now that's the case with one of my favorite operation systems Windows 7. Yes, I switched all of my computers to Windows 10 once it was released, but I loved Windows 7 with it's reliable, easy to use interface. I know many of you are probably going to stick with your computer running Windows XP, Windows 7, or Windows 8, but unfortunately, if you want to keep safe from the latest virus and security threats out there, its time to move forward.

Microsoft has stated that Windows 7 (along with Windows 8 and 8.1) end of support date is January 14, 2020. This means your Windows computer will no longer get security updates, no application support, and no compatibility from new third party devices, such as printers, scanners, copiers, and monitors. Now, your computer will work fine, but if you use it to get on the internet, it will become susceptible to emerging cybersecurity threats. As the end of times is approaching, many of you who are still using Windows 7 may start to get notifications on your computer that support is ending. Cue the dramatic music...

What Can You Do?

Well, my Macintosh friends who are reading the blog post are all probably shouting "Get a Mac!". Well, if you're looking to make a switch and you want to train yourself to use a new operating system, it is an option ... but you don't have to go that route. There's a pretty good chance your Windows 7 computer can easily run Windows 10. Check out your current computer specifications to see if it will run Windows 10. Here's how:

In Windows 7

Step 1. Find the “Computer” icon on your desktop.

Step 2. Right-click the icon to open the context menu and select the “Properties” option.

In Windows 8

Step 1. Click the “Start” menu and search for “System” in the search field.

Step 2. Select the “System” option from the results.

Your computer needs to have the minimum requirements to run Windows 10.

An Intel i3, i5, or i7 Processor. Yes you can run Windows 10 on AMD processors, but I just happen to like Intel.

A minimum of 8GB of RAM

500 GB of hard disk space

If your current computer meets these requirements, you can upgrade to Windows 10 and get it for free by following these steps:

1. Backup your computer data. Windows 10 is a fairly easy process, but strangers things have happened. Keep your data safe.

2. Go to the Download Windows 10 website.

3. Go to the section called 'Create Windows 10 installation media' and click on the 'Download tool now'. Once the file has downloaded, run the installation tool

4. If you're on the Windows 7 computer you want to upgrade, click on 'Upgrade this PC now'. If you're downloading the file to upgrade another computer to Windows 10, choose 'Create installation media for another PC', and save the installation files to a USB Drive. Make sure the USB drive is larger than 3 Gigabytes.

5. Follow the Windows 10 installation prompts.

6. When your computer has finished upgrading to Windows 10, go to Settings Update & Security > Activation, and you should see a license for Windows 10.

If your current computer doesn't meet the specifications, you can upgrade the RAM and Hard Drive in your computer by checking out www.crucial.com. Crucial has a web-based diagnostic tool that will allow you to see if your Windows computer can accept more RAM and allow you to purchase an SSD (Solid State Hard Drive) which will make your computer compatible with Windows 10 and run faster. Now keep in mind once you purchase additional RAM or another Hard Drive, you will have to use your tech skills to upgrade your computer or call in your favorite tech expert to handle it for you. When making the decision to upgrade your existing computer or to just buy a new one, keep in mind a good Windows 10 desktop or laptop computer will cost you about $600 dollars. Beware, there are a lot of new computers out there that fall under this price range, but those computers are using Intel processors that are 2-5 years old ... which means if you purchase these 'new' computers, they will run the same speed or a little slower than your current computer.

I have experienced very few issues with all of the computers I have updated from Windows 7 to Windows 10. If you're not comfortable with this process, I encourage you to reach out to my team or I ... or contact your favorite tech hero to help you with this process.

If you actively use your computer for home or business, and you're connected to the Internet, you will want to make the switch and upgrade your computer to Windows 10 to minimize your threats from viruses and hackers. Whichever way you go, if you run into problems, my tech experts can help you back up your information and help you transfer your files over to your new operating system.

Want to ask me a tech question? Send it to burton@callintegralnow.com. If you prefer to connect with me on social media, you can find me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter and watch great tech tip videos on our YouTube channel. I love technology. I've read all of the manuals and I want to make technology fun and exciting for you. 

If you need on-site or remote tech support for your Windows\Macintosh, computers, laptops, Android/Apple smartphone, tablets, printers, routers, smart home devices, and anything that connects to the Internet, please feel free to contact my team at Integral. My team of friendly tech experts are always standing by to answer your questions and help make your technology useful and fun. Reach out to us a www.callintegralnow.com or phone at 888.256.0829. 

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