How to upgrade windows - what are options?
Discussion
Hi
I still have windows 7,it used to be because it was all I needed (I know, one of them) and I didn't like or want change.
Now I'd like to change and upgrade, but haven't a clue where to start. My PC was from an independant shop about 10+ years ago, so everything was bought.
Can somone advise roughly what options do I have and what it takes i.e. whether it can be done as a download, are there any free upgrades / do I have to pay, can I do this over the internet or are there any physical changes needed etc?
Any help much appreciated.
Many thanks
OSF
I still have windows 7,it used to be because it was all I needed (I know, one of them) and I didn't like or want change.
Now I'd like to change and upgrade, but haven't a clue where to start. My PC was from an independant shop about 10+ years ago, so everything was bought.
Can somone advise roughly what options do I have and what it takes i.e. whether it can be done as a download, are there any free upgrades / do I have to pay, can I do this over the internet or are there any physical changes needed etc?
Any help much appreciated.
Many thanks
OSF
Yes - buy a new one or a refurb'd Win10/11 device from one of the larger eBay refurbishers. Any device from the last 3-4 years or so will run likely run Win11 just fine (althougth I prefer Win10 and will be sticking with it until the last day it's supported).
MS have finally removed the free upgrade path from earlier versions such as Win7/8 so you'd be needing to buy an OS at the very least and not only has a 10 year old machine pretty much served its time, it wouldn't run Win11 anyway.
MS have finally removed the free upgrade path from earlier versions such as Win7/8 so you'd be needing to buy an OS at the very least and not only has a 10 year old machine pretty much served its time, it wouldn't run Win11 anyway.
If you're only using it for basic stuff then I'd recommend getting any one of these - https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Beelink/Beelink/pa...
They come with W11 and are perfect for lightweight tasks, I've got one on my desk doing some crypto work and it's almost silent. They're worth investigating.
They come with W11 and are perfect for lightweight tasks, I've got one on my desk doing some crypto work and it's almost silent. They're worth investigating.
Unfortunately Microsoft have stopped the free download process to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10 & turned the activation servers off. You could buy a copy of Windows 10 but it might be better to think about upgrading your PC if you can & getting one with Windows 11 installed.
https://softwarebase.uk/windows-10-pro
https://softwarebase.uk/windows-10-pro
Hi
Apologies, forgot to mention I had the hard drive replaced and upgraded to an SSD (I think) a few years ago, does this make any difference?
I'm presuming buying the individual parts would be more costly (even though rest of PC seems to work fine - fans, cd drive etc), as with most things, just buying 'new' would work out cheaper/easier than individual park replacements and someone to do it.
Many thanks to al those who replied so far, much appreciated.
OSF
CharlieCrocodile said:
If you're only using it for basic stuff then I'd recommend getting any one of these - https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Beelink/Beelink/pa...
They come with W11 and are perfect for lightweight tasks, I've got one on my desk doing some crypto work and it's almost silent. They're worth investigating.
I have a Beelink U59 running Win 11. More than adequate for browsing, youtube, Libreoffice and basic video editing. I never play games so I can't comment on that aspect.They come with W11 and are perfect for lightweight tasks, I've got one on my desk doing some crypto work and it's almost silent. They're worth investigating.
Griffith4ever said:
Whilst this will probably work fine, the key is not legit (OEM licence/activation keys can only be sold with new hardware).if its just for browsing email etc, i have a cheap lenovo laptop, had it a few years now and it still ok, about 150 new from amazon, came with windows 10, sure now it would be 11.
For that price its almost disposable.
Its not the best at anything, but for grneral internet stuff it works just fine
For that price its almost disposable.
Its not the best at anything, but for grneral internet stuff it works just fine
I have just purchased a beelink mini s, it runs win 11 OK, not fast but more than enough grunt for browsing and stuff. It cost £134.99. It will easily out pace your average 10 year old PC. I use it as my test machine for testing stuff before I commit to my server. Easier than trying to get an old PC to run windows 11, especially now Microsoft have stopped the work around for old PC's.
Funk said:
Griffith4ever said:
Whilst this will probably work fine, the key is not legit (OEM licence/activation keys can only be sold with new hardware).CharlieCrocodile said:
If you're only using it for basic stuff then I'd recommend getting any one of these - https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Beelink/Beelink/pa...
They come with W11 and are perfect for lightweight tasks, I've got one on my desk doing some crypto work and it's almost silent. They're worth investigating.
There's no mention of windows being included in any of those specs?They come with W11 and are perfect for lightweight tasks, I've got one on my desk doing some crypto work and it's almost silent. They're worth investigating.
otherman said:
CharlieCrocodile said:
If you're only using it for basic stuff then I'd recommend getting any one of these - https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Beelink/Beelink/pa...
They come with W11 and are perfect for lightweight tasks, I've got one on my desk doing some crypto work and it's almost silent. They're worth investigating.
There's no mention of windows being included in any of those specs?They come with W11 and are perfect for lightweight tasks, I've got one on my desk doing some crypto work and it's almost silent. They're worth investigating.
Griffith4ever said:
Funk said:
Griffith4ever said:
Whilst this will probably work fine, the key is not legit (OEM licence/activation keys can only be sold with new hardware).S6PNJ said:
Griffith4ever said:
Funk said:
Griffith4ever said:
Whilst this will probably work fine, the key is not legit (OEM licence/activation keys can only be sold with new hardware).Griffith4ever said:
Funk said:
Griffith4ever said:
Whilst this will probably work fine, the key is not legit (OEM licence/activation keys can only be sold with new hardware).Mr Pointy said:
Office keys are perfectly legit - the EU ruled on it. I'm not sure about Windows OS keys though.
The Office keys that are legit would be for older perpetual licences (which opens up a whole other conversation about out of date/unsupported software and security).Edited by Funk on Tuesday 20th February 17:37
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