How to Update Your Computer to Windows 10

Windows 10 updates come in two ways: automatic updates to your current system, or a full installation if you're running an older version

If you're already running Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1, your computer can receive Windows 10 as a free update through Windows Update. If you're on an even older system or doing a fresh installation, you'll read Windows 10 directly from Microsoft and install it yourself. The path you take depends on what you have now and whether your hardware can run Windows 10 at all.

Before you start, check that your computer meets the minimum requirements: a 1 GHz processor, 1 GB of RAM (2 GB for the 64-bit version), 16 GB of hard drive space, and a graphics card compatible with DirectX 9. Most computers from 2007 onward will work. You'll also need either a working internet connection or a USB drive with at least 8 GB of space.

Key Takeaways

Windows 10 updates automatically if you're on Windows 7, 8, or 8.1, but you can also read and install it manually from Microsoft's website.
Back up your files before updating, because the process can occasionally fail and leave your system in an unusable state.
The update takes 20 minutes to several hours depending on your internet speed and how much software you have installed.
After updating, check Windows Update again to install security patches released after the version you downloaded.

Checking whether your computer can run Windows 10

Open Settings on your current Windows system. On Windows 7, click the Start button and search for "System." On Windows 8 or 8.1, right-click the Start button and select "System." Look for your processor speed, RAM amount, and available hard drive space. If you have less than 16 GB free, delete old files or programs you don't use, or connect an external hard drive before you start the update.

If your computer is very old or you're unsure about the processor, read the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool from Microsoft's website. Run it and select "Check this PC now" — it will tell you whether your hardware is compatible and what, if anything, needs to change.

Backing up your files before you update

Windows 10 updates usually preserve your files and programs, but occasionally the process fails partway through and leaves your system unable to start. The safest approach is to copy your important files to an external drive or cloud storage before you begin. This takes 15 minutes to an hour depending on how much data you have.

On any Windows system, open File Explorer and navigate to your Documents, Pictures, Desktop, and Downloads folders. Right-click each one, select "Send to," and choose an external drive or cloud service like OneDrive or Google Drive. If you use a specific program for work or hobbies — accounting software, design files, email archives — back those up too. You can restore them after the update if something goes wrong.

Updating from Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 through Windows Update

Click the Start button and type "Windows Update." Open it and select "Check for updates." Windows will scan for available updates and show you what it finds. If Windows 10 is available for your system, it will appear as a major update. Click "Install now" or "read and install."

Your computer will read Windows 10 in the background while you work. When the read finishes, Windows will ask you to restart. Save any open work, close your programs, and click "Restart now." The installation will run while your computer restarts — this takes 20 minutes to an hour. Your screen will go black several times and show a spinning circle. Do not turn off your computer during this time.

When the installation finishes, your computer will restart and show the Windows 10 login screen. Log in with your password. Windows will spend a few minutes setting up your programs and settings. Once you see your desktop, the update is complete.

Installing Windows 10 from scratch using the Media Creation Tool

If you're updating from Windows Vista or earlier, or if Windows Update doesn't show Windows 10 as available, read the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool from Microsoft's website. You'll need a USB drive with at least 8 GB of space, or a blank DVD.

Run the Media Creation Tool on a different computer that already has Windows. Select "Create installation media for another PC," choose your language and edition (Home or Pro — Home is the standard version), and select whether you want a USB drive or DVD. Plug in your USB drive or insert a blank DVD, and the tool will write Windows 10 to it. This takes 10 to 20 minutes.

Take the USB drive or DVD to the computer you want to update. Restart that computer and watch for a message that says "Press any key to boot from USB" or "Press any key to boot from DVD." Press a key quickly — you usually have only a few seconds. If you miss it, restart again and try once more. The Windows 10 installer will start.

Follow the on-screen prompts. When asked where to install Windows, select your main hard drive (usually labeled "Drive 0" or "C:"). The installer will erase everything on that drive and install Windows 10. This takes 30 minutes to an hour. Your computer will restart several times. When it finishes, you'll see the Windows 10 setup screen asking for your language and region.

What to do after Windows 10 is installed

Once you're logged in to Windows 10, open Windows Update again. Click Start, type "Windows Update," and open it. Select "Check for updates." Windows will read and install security patches and driver updates released after the version you installed. This can take 30 minutes to an hour depending on how many updates are available. Restart your computer when prompted.

Reinstall any programs you use regularly. If you backed up files from your old system, copy them back to your Documents, Pictures, or Desktop folders. Check that your printer, scanner, and other hardware still work — Windows 10 usually finds drivers automatically, but occasionally you may need to visit the manufacturer's website and read a driver yourself.

Troubleshooting if the update fails or won't start

If Windows Update shows an error code, write down the code and search for it on Microsoft's support website along with "Windows 10 update." Most error codes have documented solutions. Common fixes include disconnecting external USB devices (except your keyboard and mouse), disabling antivirus software temporarily during the update, or freeing up more hard drive space.

If your computer restarts repeatedly during installation or won't start after the update, you can roll back to your previous Windows version. Restart your computer and watch for a message offering to "Go back to [previous version]." Select it. Your files will be preserved, and you'll return to your old system. You can then try updating again later, or contact the computer manufacturer's support line for help.

If you used the Media Creation Tool and the installer won't start, restart your computer and try pressing a different key when you see the boot prompt — different computers use different keys, often F12, Esc, or Del. If the USB drive or DVD still doesn't boot, the Media Creation Tool may not have written to it correctly. Try creating the installation media again on a different USB drive or DVD.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will updating to Windows 10 erase my files and programs?

If you update through Windows Update from Windows 7, 8, or 8.1, your files and programs stay in place. If you use the Media Creation Tool and install from scratch, everything on your hard drive will be erased. That's why backing up is important before you start.

How long does the update take?

Downloading Windows 10 takes 20 minutes to an hour depending on your internet speed. The installation itself takes 20 minutes to an hour. After installation, Windows Update will read security patches, which can take another 30 minutes to an hour. Plan for at least two to three hours total, and don't turn off your computer during any of it.

Do I need a product key to install Windows 10?

If you're updating from Windows 7, 8, or 8.1, you don't need a key — the update is free and your old product key activates Windows 10 automatically. If you're installing from scratch on a computer that never had Windows, you'll need to purchase a product key from Microsoft or a retailer.

What if my computer is too old to run Windows 10?

If the Media Creation Tool says your hardware isn't compatible, Windows 10 won't install. You can stay on your current Windows version and keep receiving security updates, or consider upgrading your computer's RAM or hard drive if the issue is storage space. For very old systems, you may need to replace the computer.

Can I go back to my old Windows version after updating?

Yes, for 10 days after updating. Restart your computer, go to Settings, select "System," then "About," and look for "Go back to [previous version]." After 10 days, that option disappears. If you need to go back after that, you'll need to use the Media Creation Tool to reinstall your old Windows version, which will erase your files.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.