---
title: "How to Upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10 Without Losing Data"
description: "Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 10 can usually be done without deleting your personal files, as long as you follow the steps carefully and your PC meets the minimum requirements. The guide below explains how to prepare your system, run the upgrade, and protect your data."
url: https://help.activekeys.com/en/articles/24-how-to-upgrade-from-windows-7-to-windows-10-without-losing-data
collection: "Windows Installation Guides"
updated: 2026-02-12
language: en
---

# How to Upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10 Without Losing Data

Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 10 can usually be done without deleting your personal files, as long as you follow the steps carefully and your PC meets the minimum requirements. The guide below explains how to prepare your system, run the upgrade, and protect your data.

**Step 1 – Check basic system compatibility**  
Before upgrading, confirm your PC can run Windows 10. At minimum, most systems need a 1 GHz processor, 2 GB RAM (4 GB recommended), and enough free storage. If your device is very old or low on storage, the upgrade may fail or run poorly.

**Step 2 – Back up your important files (recommended)**  
Even if you plan to keep your files, a backup is strongly recommended in case anything goes wrong.

-   Copy documents, photos, and important folders to an external drive, USB, or cloud storage
    
-   If you use Outlook or other email apps, make sure you know how your data is stored (PST files, IMAP sync, etc.)
    

**Step 3 – Free up space and clean up the system**  
Upgrades are smoother when your system has room to work.

-   Make sure you have sufficient free disk space (at least 20–30 GB is a good target)
    
-   Uninstall apps you no longer use
    
-   Run Disk Cleanup if available
    

**Step 4 – Install pending Windows 7 updates**  
A fully updated Windows 7 system reduces upgrade errors.

-   Open **Control Panel > Windows Update**
    
-   Install available updates
    
-   Restart as needed until you’re up to date
    

**Step 5 – Temporarily disable non-essential security software**  
Some third-party antivirus tools can interfere with upgrades.

-   If you use a third-party antivirus, consider disabling it temporarily during the upgrade
    
-   Re-enable it after the upgrade completes
    

**Step 6 – Start the upgrade using Microsoft’s Windows 10 installer**  
On your Windows 7 PC, use Microsoft’s Windows 10 installation tool to begin the upgrade.

-   Download the Windows 10 installer from Microsoft
    
-   Run the tool and choose the option to **upgrade this PC**
    
-   When asked, select the option to **keep personal files and apps** (if available)
    

**Step 7 – Let the upgrade complete (expect restarts)**  
The upgrade can take a while and your PC may restart multiple times. Avoid powering off the device during this stage.

**Step 8 – Confirm your files and apps are still there**  
After the upgrade finishes:

-   Check your desktop, Documents, and key folders
    
-   Open a few important apps to confirm they still work
    

If something is missing, check the **Windows.old** folder (if it exists), which can sometimes contain files from the previous installation.

**Step 9 – Install updates and drivers after upgrading**  
Once you’re on Windows 10:

-   Go to **Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update**
    
-   Install available updates
    
-   Restart if required
    

If you notice issues with Wi-Fi, audio, or graphics, install the latest drivers from your device manufacturer.

**Step 10 – Activate Windows (if required)**  
Some systems activate automatically after upgrading. If activation is needed:

-   Go to **Settings > Update & Security > Activation**