Windows 10 101: How to Upgrade Windows 7/8.1 Using a Flash Drive

In my past articles I showed you how to get you Windows 10 FREE upgrade via the Get Windows 10 app on your Windows 7 or Windows 8.1. Upgrading to this option will be via the Windows Update and it will take a lot of time downloading Windows 10. Now I know most of you has several devices and upgrading via this method will be tedious since you’re going to do the same process on all of your devices. The easiest way is to download the Windows 10 image / ISO and transfer the installation files on flash drive and use it to upgrade your devices.

Now before everything, you need a 4-8 GB flash drive and a good connection to get the ISO from Microsoft’s download site.

The following steps will help you to get Windows 10 and upgrade all those devices of yours, your friends, and everyone else J

1. Follow the instructions on downloading the ISO HERE

Note: You may want to download the combined 32-bit and 64-bit installer which is worth less than 6 GB. Make sure as well that you are downloading the right ISO for your current version of OS, upgrade paths can be found HERE.

2. Transfer the installation files on a USB via Windows 7 USB/DVD download tool. Instructions HERE

3. Now that you have all what you need, insert the Windows 10 flash drive to your target PC and run the Setup.exe. This will start the upgrade and will guide you to the process.

Note: Make sure you are connected to the internet and your current OS (Windows 7 / 8.1) is activated before proceeding.  Windows 10 will verify and assess your OS to make sure that you are running genuine Windows.

Below are some screenshots during the upgrade process

Note: To expedite the upgrade you may chose “Not right now” option and click Next.

Read and accept the License terms to proceed with the upgrade.

At this stage You may chose to keep files and apps, keep files only, or keep nothing, then click install to begin the upgrade.

This is the actual upgrade process where Windows 10 will replace your current OS and migrate all user files, apps, and settings.  Your PC will restart several times on this stage.

The upgrade process will be around 1 – 1.5 hours so be patient.  Once upgraded, Windows 10 will be yours for the lifetime of your device.  Be sure to get the FREE upgrade on or before July 28, 2016.