Windows 10: Windows XP to Windows 10 for Free

I just rehabed a nice HP desktop that has Windows XP on it. Of course, I would like to uprade it to Windows 10. I don't care about the current apps or data on the machine, so I would do a clean install. Can you suggest the best (free) method for upgrading/installing Windows 10. I have a few Windows 7 keys from other machines if that would help. Suggestions.

:)

 

xp to 7 to 10 for free

I haven't actually done this yet but am hoping this answer works for me. Won't know until I build the computer and do the triple installation of operating systems.

 

xp to 7 to 10 for free

Yes that is a valid way to do it.

There isn't really anyway to verify the license numbers (actually product keys) before hand though. But it would just be the Windows XP and Windows 7 update keys that would be in question. To get the free upgrade to Windows 10 you have to do the upgrade
from within Windows 7, so it verifies that the Windows 7 and activated/valid and allows you to do the upgrade. Unlike in past upgrades you don't enter a product key to do it. After the first time you do that update and sign in with a Microsoft account it
activates automatically and registers the device with the Microsoft servers. Once the device is registered Windows 10 can be reinstalled without going through that long procedure, even for a clean install. With the caveat that the "device" "fingerprint"
doesn't change.

 

any FREE upgrade to windows 10 would have to be from a windows 7 OS (product key) or better
XP and Vista not included as part of FREE upgrade

 

You may find this worth reading:

Clean Install Windows 10 Directly without having to Upgrade First - Windows 10 Forums

You can activate a clean install of Win 10 on a PC using a Win 7 key, but it requires that Win 7 key was previously used to activate Win 7 on the same hardware.

I'd guess that a Win 7 key from one of your "other machines" would be of no use, unless you could actually use it to activate Win 7 on the PC.

The least expensive Win 10 license I know of is an OEM (system builder) one. Those are intended for resale, but as far as I know, there is no enforcement of that. Home is $100 US, and Pro is $140.

There may be less expensive but legit ways of acquiring the Win 10 license, but I know of none. I suggest not buying a key on eBay. In the past, people have sold things like MSDN keys, which may be blocked at some time.

Another option is to join the Insider program. It's free, but the test versions have expiration dates. You could use the PC indefinitely, at the cost of having to install newer insider builds at intervals.

 

Agreed. Unless one of your "other W7 keys" is a Retail key, it won't work, as OEM keys are not transferable.

That's also an option.

 

Impossible upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 10. Even Windows Vista also can not.

 

Re joing Insider Program - you can no longer join and activate it without a qualifying licence. You can run it unactivated, and if on Fast Ring, it updates so frequently now, the li ence may never get old enough to nag you for a licence.

However, sooner or later, a build will probably cause issues as they are less stable.

Joining the Slow Ring would be better but no real advantage over release version as it will start to nag for a licence after 30 days eventually ceasing to work.

 

An OEM COA key can be used on a different PC (probably not EULA compliant tho' but then hey, MS should enforce these things) - just saying...

OT:
@cereberus - you and I are the only ones that spell "licence" that way - no offence (yup, that's how we roll) to our buds across the pond and elsewhere *Wink

 

The OP only has to try with the Windows 7 COA key(s) at the first opportunity to enter a Product key in the Windows 10 setup process.

If it is accepted, then that's OK for that device. This key works! *Smile

Also OT: I only spell "license" here because MS do, as opposed to "licence" in almost every other case. Anyway, I'm off to the Off Licence for a case or two now.

 

Thanks for the correction. I haven't been in the Insider program since build 10240 came out.

 

Really? That's surprising. Not the sort of thing I've ever experimented with. My most recent OEM COA was for Vista.

 

Yup, even embedded OEM keys that have not been activated on the purchased PC can be used on another - eg, if you downgraded a Windows 8 or 10 PC to windows 7 without activating it initially - either way it's not something we propose just mentioning a quirk that exists.

 

Hi there

If it's a RETAIL key (W7) it should work WITHOUT having been previously installed on the old computer -- however if you are in any doubt simply install W7 on it --forget about any drivers / apps so it should only take around 10 - 15 mins at most - activate, wipe HDD and now install W10.

Can't really understand why people are making a fuss about this -- you don't need to install W7 with all your apps , updates etc etc -- just a bog standard install with all defaults straight from the install disk --you aren't going to RUN W7 as your normal OS - and the OP wants a CLEAN install of W10.

You probably won't even need to install W7 --just try W10 with the key -- but if you are paranoid do the quick install (minimal) then activate, wipe HDD and clean install W10.

Cheers
jimbo

 

That's not true. It is totally possible to in-place upgrade Windows XP or Windows Vista to Windows 10 keeping all compatible apps, personal files and settings, you just need to be a bit creative *Wink

Read more: Solved In-place upgrade - XP to 10 without losing the apps - Windows 10 Forums

Anyway, as the OP has Windows 7 product keys, he has already got the best advice: Clean install Windows 10, activate it with Windows 7 product key.