104 PCWorld FEBRUARY 2020HERE’S HOW UPGRADE FROM WINDOWS 7 TO^10
(go.pcworld.com/
hwgk), ZDNet (go.
pcworld.com/znet),
and Bleeping
Computer (go.
pcworld.com/
blcm).
It’s unclear how
long this will
continue to be
available, as the
upgrade offer was
officially yanked in
2016, so consider
doing it sooner than later if you’re interested.
That said, since it still works, we’re inclined
to believe Microsoft doesn’t mind this
unofficial upgrade method and simply wants
as many people off Windows 7 as possible.
Now that Windows 7 is dead it’s even more
critical.HOW TO UPGRADE FROM
WINDOWS 7 TO WINDOWS
10 FOR FREE
First, you’ll want to have your Windows 7
product key in hand in case things go awry. If
you’re using a prebuilt PC bought at a store—
the usual tower computers by Dell, HP,
etc.—then it should have a sticker somewhere
that includes the product key. If not, free tools
like Belarc Advisor (go.pcworld.com/blrc) or
NirSoft’s ProduKey (go.pcworld.com/nsft) can
scan your system and find it for you. Jot itdown and keep it handy.
With that done, back up your data.
Upgrading to a new operating system is a
major task, and you don’t want to lose your
precious photos and files if things go wrong.
We’ve got guides to the best Windows
backup software (go.pcworld.com/wbak)
and online backup options (go.pcworld.
com/onlb), but even stashing your most
valued files on a USB key or external drive
works. Whatever method you use, just make
sure your data’s backed up somewhere safe.
Next, head to Microsoft’s Windows
Media Creation Tool page (go.pcworld.
com/mdcr) and click the Upgrade Now
button. The Media Creation Tool will
download to your computer. Run it, select
the Upgrade This PC Now option when
prompted—not Create Installation Media—
and choose to keep your apps and files.Microsoft’s Windows Media Creation Tool page.