I understand there are a few questions related to this topic which is why I don't think it's duplicate, and that there is one directly addressing it. I am still extremely paranoid about this, and would still like to let you guys know how EXACTLY how I did it, since the process might be different from the other questions.  I believe the upgrade process is the same for both Windows 7 and 8.1 since I have PCs running both of those OSs that I would like to upgrade.  I didn't install other updates before I decided to upgrade to Windows 10.  Then I went to  and I downloaded the 64-bit tool listed on that site.  Afterwards, I run the media creation tool.   It leads to the above image.  Will this program A) download AND install or  B) download OR install?  Best case scenario it downloads and waits for me to give it the ok before installing.  When I give it the ok and it finishes, will the result be a WIPED computer or will all my personal documents/files all be there?
56565
I have Windows 8.1 Update, if I update to Windows 10 when it becomes available what is going to happen to my data and apps?  Of course I have to do a backup, but I wonder if the data will be overwritten or not.
89583
So it is shown that volume license packages of Windows 8, like Pro and Enterprise, are unavailable for upgrading.  I received a link last night to download the Windows 8.1 Enterprise 90-day Evaluation, but it will replace my current Windows 8 Enterprise version.  Is it known when these versions will become available for upgrade? I've been waiting patiently for weeks to get this upgrade.  Thanks.
94242
I'm currently somewhere with poor quality internet connections, working on some time-sensitive projects. I'd like to update from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 at some point, but not for a month or so until I'm somewhere with better internet connections, with more time to fix any bugs, glitches or compatibility issues.  Is this possible? Is there any way I can sign up for the free install now before the deadline, but defer performing the install until later when I've got the time and facilities to make sure it happens smoothly?
97450
I want to make a bootable USB thumb drive to install Windows on my computer. I don't want to use my old DVD to create an image and then upgrade to SP1, so I decided to download an untouched .iso file that already has SP1 in it. My question is this, is there a difference between these two files files?     en_windows_7_home_premium_with_sp1_x64_dvd_620851.iso   vs     en_windows_7_home_premium_with_sp1_x64_dvd_u_676549.iso   What does dvd_u mean, is it somehow different from plain dvd? Also will these work with my retail Home Premium key or do these work only for thoe with TechNet/MSDN accounts?
31311
It's been a time I didn't follow the list of which Windows 7/8/8.1 KBs I must skip since I don't want the unfinished Windows 10 at all. Moreover, I will still consider Windows 10 unfinished (-> unstable) until they release Windows Server 2016  The KBs list up today is scattered all over the Internet, and I am fearing to miss a single one of those.  As far as I know, some of the newer KBs are even old rebranded ones or re-re-re-pushed again and again. The goal is also to not use any external software or post-installation removal tools since I also intend to deploy a script that will block those KBs.  So the question is: can you tell me all the KBs you know that I must avoid?  Any details that can prevent "Telemetry", the "Windows Customer Experience Improvement Program" or prevent the resetting of Windows' settings about updates and privacy concerns is good too ! (Since they are even linked)   In case some cumulative updates (updates that regroup a pack of old ones) contains one of the listed KB, this is still relevant for the question here.  Remarks  There is of course other ways to disable the updates, which are still appreciated here but do consider that they represent a secondary objective of this post. Same applies for saying it's not the correct method to do it, and I do know the list will endlessly get longer.  The reason is that I still prefer doing it manually since I don't even want the files at all in my system. Furthermore, some of these updates had been re-pushed again and again for at least six times ! This is in fact due to the problems that those updates had caused and I don't want any risks to jeopardize my systems because Microsoft have plans for users with our without their consent by doing "Betas To Manufacture".  related:
110089
As of today, my Windows 8 system is displaying a large banner covering about a quarter of the screen, demanding that I upgrade to Windows 8.1 for free.  The banner helpfully informs me that that I can continue to use the computer while the upgrade is downloading.  There's a button to go to the store for the upgrade, but no other choices, such as No Thanks, Maybe Later, or Absolutely Not.    I can't find a way to dismiss the banner, and I can start programs but can't give them focus while the banner is present.  So I'm dead in the water.  How can I fix this?  Bringing up Task Manager doesn't give me any options.    My employer doesn't yet support Windows 8.1 (which is also an issue, but beyond my control) so I won't be able to connect to work if install the upgrade.  So there is no way on God's green earth that I'm going to install this upgrade now.    UPDATE: The banner went away after the second restart and I was able to run regedit as @magicandre suggested.  The banner hasn't reappeared.  So far, so good.
111084
I am running Windows 8.1 x64 with all the latest updates from Microsoft. But still when I click on the GWX icon on the system tray it says "We are still evaluating your PC for the update".  People have already received the Windows 10 upgrade. Can anyone tell me why this is taking so long for me? Any suggestions would be helpful.
78902
Basically, I want to get a new PC, but I have so many software/games installed on my current hard drive, that I don't want to waste the time to re-install/re-configure. Would it work if I just take out my current hard drive, and stick it into a new PC? the motherboard/video card etc are all different, would the new PC boot up and work flawlessly?  The operating system is Windows 7.
43029
I'd like to know if given an existing Windows PC, are there any concrete reasons why a clean install should be performed over an update.  Articles like  refer to "bloatware" and "clutter" on the PC and rightly suggest that this might not be something that you want on the upgraded PC.  refers to "crashes" and upgrades being "problematic". Both are fairly non specific as to what these problems might be though.  If I'm happy that there is no bloatware or clutter on the PC prior to the upgrade, are there any specific known issues that can cause specific problems when upgrading rather than clean installing?  Or is it just a case of being sure?
114968
Recently as per this       For individuals who have chosen to receive automatic updates through   Windows Update, we help upgradable devices get ready for Windows 10 by   downloading the files they’ll need if they decide to upgrade.   but Microsoft seems to be downloading hidden update in windows 7 :  according to this  :     An INQUIRER reader pointed out to us that, despite not having   'reserved' a copy of Windows 10, he had found that the ~BT folder,   which has been the home of images of the new operating system since   before rollout began, had appeared on his system. He had no plans to   upgrade and had not put in a reservation request.   As per the above two articles there was hidden update for windows 10 with respective to windows 7 and 8 machines ,whats the effective way to stop this hidden update?  right now i cant disable windows update since i wish to patch my system with latest updates,  i checked the question which was marked as possible  :     inorder to clarify how it differs it talks about the cancelled update   ,but this was latest issue which was araised two days before,i didnt   dig much about that and believe both were different ,apart from that   it was about after the cancellation of update a   nd this one was about preventing such an update from downloading to my pc  any suggestions to avoid this update?
119311
I bought a product key for Windows 8 a while ago, but I never got around to using it, because I can't seem to find a 64-bit Windows&nbsp;8  anywhere.  My processor is 64-bit, but my current installation of Windows 7 is 32-bit, meaning that trying to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 8 through the upgrade Assistant would give me a 32-bit ISO image, which is not what I want. I want a 64-bit ISO image, so I can at least use my processor and memory to the fullest.  Where can I find a legitimate verbatim Windows 8 ISO image to use with my product key?  This is not a duplicate. The linked question does not answer me.
22780
I have not found any information from MS - only speculations from people like me, so I hope someone here has had better findings.  When I upgrade a qualified version of Windows to Windows 10 and then want to do a clean install, I've heard that the installer won't ask for a key. But what if my HDD is formatted before I attempt the clean install? How does Windows 10 try to detect the valid "upgraded" status? It seems that it doesn't in such a case, at least as far as I've tested.  So my question is: In that (or a similar) scenario: How do you clean install Windows 10?  In my case it's actually even more complicated. I'm from Germany so I can re-use OEM-licenses due to law. I have two qualified Windows OEM licenses which I both installed in a VM on my Linux installation and upgraded both to Windows 10.  Now I want to install one of them onto my bare physical machine - how would that be possible? Is there an official way of doing this or do I need to wait for those unofficial "backup license"-tools being updated to work with Windows 10?
33116
I've now clicked the "Get windows 10" button on the taskbar of my Windows 7 Home Premium installation, and gotten the email confirming I'm eligible for a free Windows 10 upgrade.  says I'll need the License Key if I'm doing a "first time installation":      If you will be installing the operating system for the first time, you will need your Windows product key (xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx). For more information about product keys and when they are required, visit the FAQ page.   Even though I proceeded to read the FAQ, it's not perfectly clear to me if the product key on a sticker of my old Windows 7 box can be used on a clean Windows 10 installation, or if I'll receive a new license key some time during the installation. Anyone know this?
48584
I just bought a serial for Windows 7 on-line from the Microsoft store (the most painful shopping experience EVER!). I selected that I wanted to download my version of Windows 7 after purchase. After payment, I have listed a Product Key but no download link in sight.   Where do I download my Windows 7 ISO to burn to disk?  Note: I'm not a Technet or MSDN subscriber.
54812
Is there any information about if Windows 10 Technical Preview will then be upgradable to the final release ?  I'm asking that because I would like to use it on my primary PC (I'm aware of the risks but I accept them), in place of Windows 8.1 But I'd like to avoid to reinstall all after the release of the final version.
60648
I wonder, if it is possible to upgrade from Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Enterprise like with Windows 8.1 where you can add features by entering a valid key for Pro. I'd test it, if I wouldn't have to reinstall everything in case it doesn't work...   I ask, because I need Remote Desktop for work, which Win10 Home hasn't.
34533
I purchased Windows 8 online from Microsoft a while ago. Today Windows 8.1 was released as a free update to Windows 8 users over the Windows Store.  I was planning to do a fresh install of Windows 8.1 to have a clean system again and UEFI support because I got new hardware since the Windows 8 installation.  So my questions are:   Where do I get the ISO installation medium for Windows 8.1 64-bit? I tried  where I initially got my Windows 8 ISO from, but when entering my Windows 8 key in the Windows 8.1 installer, it says the key is wrong. Even if I get the ISO, will my old key work? I'm concerned because it didn't work in their installer (see previous point)   Do they seriously want me to reinstall Windows 8 and after that upgrade to Windows 8.1 through their Store?!