There are a lot of people going around telling people that you have to be on Windows 7 SP1 or Windows 8.1 to be eligible for the free upgrade. THIS IS NOT TRUE.
Any consumer x86/64 version of Windows 7 or Windows 8.x (ie, not corporate versions) is eligible for the free upgrade.
However, only Windows 7 SP1 and Windows 8.1 S14 (the S14 is the update level) can be upgraded automatically via Windows Update. All other versions require using ISO media to receive the upgrade.
You can use the Microsoft Media Creation Tool to perform the upgrade from Windows 7 RTM, or Windows 8 (or 7 SP1 or 8.1 for that matter). See the following chart published by Microsoft that indicates which versions can use Windows update for the direct upgrade path, and which require ISO Media.
So, Please, stop repeating this misinformation that you have to be on 7 SP1 or 8.1 to upgrade.
Just quoting from Microsoft. It's not easy for folks when you have conflicting information from the source.
Windows 10 Specifications - Microsoft
Latest OS:
Make sure you are running the latest version of either Windows 7 SP1 or Windows 8.1 Update.
3Must be running the latest version of Windows 7 (Service Pack 1) to receive the free upgrade to Windows 10 via Windows Update.
4Must be running the latest version of Windows 8 (Windows 8.1 Update) to receive the free upgrade to Windows 10 via Windows Update.
Then you have this:
Windows 10 FAQ Tips - Microsoft
What are the qualifications for the free upgrade?
The only requirements for the free Windows 10 Upgrade are that your device is compatible, and you’re running genuine Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1.
Windows 10 is designed to run on Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 PCs.
And yet again:
Can I keep my settings when I upgrade to Windows 10? - Microsoft Windows
•If you’re running Windows 7 Service Pack 1 or Windows 8.1 Update, in most cases, you’ll be able to keep your Windows settings, personal files, and most apps when you upgrade to Windows 10. During the upgrade, we’ll let you know if there’s anything that’ll be removed—but it’s always a good idea to back up your files before you start upgrading.
True, but one has to take information from Microsoft in the context they intend it, which most people don't.Just quoting from Microsoft. It's not easy for folks when you have conflicting information from the source.
Microsoft expects the vast majority of people to upgrade via Windows Update, which is why they say it the way they do. They also got in trouble with the whole "life of the device" bit because they were speaking about the majority of people that would never transfer their license to another computer.
One must always assume that Microsoft is talking about the 99% of users the situation applies to most of the time, unless they are explicitly saying otherwise. They would rather confuse the small percentage of people who are exceptions than the 99% that are not.
I agree, but this doesn't help at the bottom of the link below.
Windows 10 Specifications - Microsoft
3Must be running the latest version of Windows 7 (Service Pack 1) to receive the free upgrade to Windows 10 via Windows Update.
4Must be running the latest version of Windows 8 (Windows 8.1 Update) to receive the free upgrade to Windows 10 via Windows Update.
Guilty as charged, just going by what I read at the time (I posted). Now I know.
That specifically says "via Windows Update"I agree, but this doesn't help at the bottom of the link below.
Windows 10 Specifications - Microsoft
3Must be running the latest version of Windows 7 (Service Pack 1) to receive the free upgrade to Windows 10 via Windows Update.
4Must be running the latest version of Windows 8 (Windows 8.1 Update) to receive the free upgrade to Windows 10 via Windows Update.
Yep, but that's where the GWX app gets it from to receive the free upgrade.
The main thing is that you upgrade to the free offer via GWX, ISO, USB, or Media Creation Tool from either Windows 7 or 8.1.
Windows 10 - Upgrade Installation
Basically, if one's system is not fully updated, there's just more of a risk of having upgrade issues. Personally, I would prefer to do a clean install after doing the upgrade to lock in activation,
