Windows: Self-upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10

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This article is intended only for faculty and staff interested in self-upgrading their University-owned office computers to Windows 10 from Windows 7. It is not meant for upgrading the operating system on lab or research computers.  

  • You should back up your data that is stored locally on your machine.  
  • Please do not use your computer while the upgrade is installing. The installation may take 1-2 hours to complete. 
    NOTE: As part of the procedure, your computer will restart itself. 

Step 1: Back up your local files

While the upgrade shouldn't affect the files on your computer, it's always a good idea to backup your data before you perform an upgrade.This includes any files you have stored on the computer's C: drive. After you've identified the files that you would like to back up, you should choose a network drive, such as your H: Drive, to copy them to. If you have any questions about backing up your content, please contact the LTS Help Desk at 715-836-5711.

Step 2: Run the Upgrade 

  1. Click the Start menu button.
  2. Type Software Center in the Search field.
  3. Click Software Center found in the results list.
    software center dialog box
     
  4. Click the OFFICE - Win 10 x64 Upgrade checkbox.
    office Win 10 upgrade link
     
  5. Click INSTALL.
    install
     
  6. Wait for a username/password prompt.
  7. Type in your university username and password.
  8. Press [Enter] on the keyboard.
  9. Please do not use your computer while the installation is running. The installation can take 1-2 hours to complete. 
    NOTE: If this process fails, please try it again the next day.  If it fails a second time, please contact the LTS Help Desk at 715-836-5711.