Windows 10: Upgrading from Windows 7 Ultimate Unvalidated to 10

Sorry for the question if is quite simple but I am unsure. Currently I am running Windows 7 Ultimate yet my copy can't be validated as I have no key. If I was to purchase a copy of Windows 10 would I be able to keep my files during the upgrade or would a fresh install be required?

:)

 

Trouble with upgrading to windows 10

I'm currently using an unvalidated version of windows 8.1, No I'm not a pirate, I used the disk version that I borrowed from my friend and he had already redeemed the activation code on three of his devices so it didn't work for me. I do have a windows
7 Home premium key from a old laptop, why can't I use this windows 7 key to upgrade to windows 10? would I have to downgrade to windows 7 then upgrade to 10?

 

How do I upgrade Win 10 Home to Win 10 Pro with a Win 7 Ultimate product key?

I upgraded from Windows 7 home to Windows 10. Later, while cleaning out my IT room I found an unused copy of Windows 7 Ultimate sealed in the box. I know that if I upgrade to Windows 10 from Windows 7 Ultimate, I get Windows 10 Pro rather than Windows
10 Home.

So... I went to Settings/Update & Security/Activation and changed the product key. The Windows 7 Ultimate key was refused.

Which leads me to my question, "How do I upgrade to Windows 10 Pro from Windows 10 Home using a Windows 7 Ultimate product key _without_ reformatting the hard drive and doing a fresh install of Windows 7 Ultimate"?

 

Hello Caligula, and welcome to Ten Forums. *Smile

Can I reinstall Windows 10 on my computer after upgrading with free upgrade?

Once you’ve upgraded to Windows 10 using the USB drive or DVD, and use that to upgrade your device or reinstall after you’ve upgraded.


If you purchase a Windows 10 that is the same edition you have install, then you'll be able to change the key for your installed Windows to the key that you purchased to activate it.

Product Key - Change in Windows 10 - Windows 10 Forums

 

Your files won't be deleted, as you'll be able to enter the key after you did the upgrade process.