Windows 7 is over: How to migrate to Windows 10 for free
That's it, there we are: Microsoft has ended Windows 7! The end of the operating system was scheduled for January 14, 2020, and Microsoft has kept its schedule, no reprieve has been granted to the OS. If the system continues to run smoothly, it will no longer be patched in the event of a security breach or minor bug. It is therefore time to opt for a new version of the system, Windows 10 in this case. The good news is, the surgery won't cost you a dime. Here's how you go about migrating from Windows 7 to Windows 10 for free.
Why does the end of Extended Support mean the death of Windows 7?
Microsoft has set the shutdown of Windows 7 for January 14, 2020, obviously for the benefit of Windows 10, which already has more than 900 million users around the world. Rest assured, the operating system continues to function, but this deadline corresponds to the end of all "extended support" of Windows 7 Service Pack 1. Which means that, after this date, there will be no more. no security updates, no more fixes. Only the Pro and Enterprise editions of Windows 7, which are currently bombarded with notifications to switch to Windows 10, can opt for another three years for paid support.
Now, if a flaw in the operating system were to be detected, it would no longer be fixed. Same thing if a problem preventing the correct functioning of the system is identified. It will not be resolved. It should be noted, however, that nothing prevents Microsoft from making some very occasional updates: this has happened with Windows XP in the past. In 2017, the Redmond-based company was rushing to update all of its operating systems, even older ones, because of WannaCry. In May 2019, Microsoft relapsed and fixed a Windows XP flaw during Patch Tuesday ... While all extended support for Windows XP has been stopped since April 2014.
Note also that "standard support" for Windows 7 has been stopped since January 13, 2015. Standard support corresponds to the improvements that Microsoft can make to its operating system. So it's been a while since Microsoft added new features to its OS.
In addition, we can also count on software vendors, including browsers and antiviruses, to keep updating their applications. Typically, support for this software extends for 2-3 years after Windows is discontinued. The good news is that Microsoft has also promised to extend the life of its own solution, Microsoft Essential Security.
So Windows 7 is not going to stop working overnight. On the other hand, you may find it increasingly difficult to install drivers for new hardware, take advantage of a new application, and protect your machine from intrusion attempts. In short, prevention is better than cure. If you decide to abandon the operating system, there are several alternatives available to you. You can of course turn to the competition: there are different alternatives to Windows 7, including a host of Linux distributions, each more relevant than the last. You also have the option of turning to macOS, although that option requires the purchase of a new machine.
The last and most common alternative is to migrate from Windows 7 to Windows 10. If you've been using Windows 7 for several years, you shouldn't be lost. The two versions differ on some points, but their environments remain similar and most of the configuration options are the same. The other advantage is that the switch from Windows 7 to Windows 10 is completely free, as long as you already have a valid license of Windows 7.
1) Check that your configuration supports Windows 10
For reasons of obsolescence (who said programmed?), Your configuration may not be able to accommodate Windows 10. Microsoft specifies that its operating system is compatible with the following minimum requirements:
- Processor: 1 GHz
- Memory for 32-bit system: 1 GB
- Memory for 64-bit system: 2 GB
- Storage space for 32-bit system: 16 GB
- Storage space for 64-bit system: 32 GB
- Screen resolution: 800 x 600
There are also some hardware requirements, such as a fairly recent graphics card (an old model purchased under XP or Vista may not work, it all depends on the manufacturer's goodwill to update the drivers). In short, while the list of hardware needed to run Windows 10 is quite detailed, you are not immune to a nasty surprise during installation.
Note that the Windows 10 update tool delivered by Microsoft is also a good way to check the compatibility of your configuration.
2) First of all, make a backup of all your personal data
While in the vast majority of cases the migration goes smoothly, there is still a very small percentage of users who have problems getting Windows 10 up and running. In order to avoid loss of personal data, we strongly recommend that you keep it safe, whether in the Cloud, on an external medium or another