Unlike Windows Vista, there is no direct path to upgrade Windows XP to Windows 7 or 10 without CD. For that you will need to first uninstall Windows XP and then clean install Windows 7 or Windows 10. That’s the only option you have. Due to this hurdle the process of upgrading to Windows 7 or 10 from Windows XP is a bit tricky.
Don’t worry, here you have an easy guide to upgrade XP to Windows 7 or Windows 10. Once you understand the Windows 7 upgrading steps, the same will be applicable if you upgrade Win XP to Windows 10.
If you are also searching, can windows XP be upgraded to windows 7 or 10? Here’s the complete guide on how to upgrade Win 7 from Win XP.
Before Upgrading Windows XP to Windows 7
Before you start upgrading Windows XP to Windows 7 or upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 10, there are 3 important tips to better complete this process on your desktop or laptop.
Run the Windows 7 upgrade adviser
Not all system running Windows XP are strong enough to support latest operating system i.e. Windows 7, 8 or 10. That’s why it’s advisable to run Windows 7 Upgrade Adviser. It will let you know if your computer can handle any version of Windows 7.
If you want Windows 10 upgrade then this upgrade adviser will not work. So, in that case press Windows key + R to open Run in Windows XP, type dxdiag and click OK. This command will launch Windows diagnostic tool which reveals all components you have installed in PC. Here find the important info on the System and Display tabs
Check Windows 7 compatibility center
This app is different than the upgrade adviser. It will tell you what drivers or apps will require an update, in case you successfully upgrade Windows XP to Windows 7.
Create A Back-up of Windows XP
Always make a copy of your hard drive on portable devices. In case ant thing goes wrong at least you will have a backup of all important files. Any software that can easily create a backup will be best for you to get Windows 7 upgrade from XP.
How to Upgrade Windows XP to Windows 7 or 10
Once you make sure that you have checked above mentioned things. Now its time to upgrade Windows XP to Windows 7 or 10. The process is very simple and easy for everyone.
Run Windows Easy Transfer Tool on Windows XP
Get hold of an external hard drive and transfer all data i.e. files, settings, software, audio, and video files. Now unplug it and rename it because it creates less confusion. During this process Windows easy transfer tool wizard will help you a lot.
If you are upgrading Windows 7 or 8 to Win 10 then you won’t need this file transfer tool. In these latest OS data is automatically restore in Windows old File. You can easy revert back to this system if any problem occurs.
Insert Windows 7 Or Windows 10 DVD/USB Drive
Once you create a backup of your data e.g media, applications, and programs, it’s time to install Windows 7 from a USB drive. These days Microsoft offers disk images i.e. ISO File. When you download Windows 7 Pro or Windows 10, Microsoft gives it in a modern ISO file format.
You cannot install Windows 7 ISO or Windows 10 ISO files directly into your systems, instead, you will need to create a bootable USB drive. Once you’re done creating a bootable USB drive transfer these ISO files on USB device. Now you are good to go.
Follow these instructions:
- Insert Windows 7 USB drive or pop in Win 7 CD.
- Restart your PC and enter in BIOS settings. Change your PC boot order (i.e DVD drive or USB drive mode).
- It will start Windows Installation process, click next and then click Install now button.
- Tick the box saying “I Accept the License Terms.”
- You will be asked What type of installation do you want? Click Custom (Advance).
- Now click Windows XP drive and click OK to completely format. Now proceed Next.
- The Windows 7 Installation process will start, wait for at least 30 minutes.
- The system will show the installing Windows screen.
- Enter Windows 7 product key or Windows 10 product key.
- Give a proper username and separate same to your PC.
- Set a password, choose recommended settings, Set time date.
- Once the installation process finishes, go to settings and find any pending update, install it.
That’s it. You finally upgraded XP to Windows 7 or 10. You can use all features of the new operating system. If you are satisfied with this guide kindly share this with others also give us your feedback in the comments section.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Installation or upgrading the Windows operating system will always remove the data from C: Drive. The data on other drives is safe. It’s always better to take a backup of your files and data on a flash drive before you are going to start a Windows upgrade or a new Windows Installation.
Microsoft has ended its support for Windows 7 and now the free upgrade also ended. You can only install a fresh Windows 10 or 8 operating system on your system and activate it with your original windows 7 product key. You don’t need a Windows CD to install the OS, you can download the ISO file and install the WIndows using the bootable USB.