📎 AI Summary:
The forum thread discusses upgrading a laptop from Windows 7 to Windows 10 while also installing an SSD. The original poster considers different methods, including clean installs and cloning, with advice from other users indicating that upgrading Windows 7 to 10 first can help maintain activation and that a fresh installation with SSD optimization is recommended. Overall, the discussion reflects helpful guidance and reassurance about the upgrade process, with the original poster planning to proceed soon.
TerryLP

TerryLP

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Joined
Aug 15, 2015
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56
Thread Author #1
Well I have decided to take the plunge and update to Windows 10 from Windows 7 Pro. At the same time I intend to upgrade the hard drive on my laptop to an SSD.

The thing that I am trying to figure out is the cleanest and most effective method to accomplish this. Which one these do you recommend?

1: Download Windows 10 and make an .iso disk. Format and make a clean install. Then clone the hard drive to the new SSD and install it to the laptop. I am not sure if this method would work because of the change in hardware. Would that make Microsoft think it was a different computer?

2: Install the new SSD in the laptop. Then install my Windows 7 on it. Then download and install Windows 10.

3: Download Windows 10 and make an .iso disk using the current Windows 7. Install the new SSD and use the .iso to make a clean Windows 10 installation on the empty drive.

4: Another method that I have not come up with as yet.
 

kemical

kemical

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Aug 28, 2007
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36,163
#2
TerryLP said:
Download Windows 10 and make an .iso disk. Format and make a clean install. Then clone the hard drive to the new SSD and install it to the laptop. I am not sure if this method would work because of the change in hardware. Would that make Microsoft think it was a different computer?
Click to expand...
Only when the motherboard is changed or the CPU has been changed twice.

You could do the upgrade on the old HDD and then when you get the SSD perform a clean install using the windows 10 iso. You won't even have to input an activation key either as these are stored online.

As long as you upgrade first then your activation details will be stored online in the same place as your Windows 7 activation details which is why you don't need to input a key (even after a clean install.. Just keep pressing skip).
 

TerryLP

TerryLP

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Aug 15, 2015
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56
Thread Author #3
Thanks Kemical, I appreciate your advise. I hope to make the upgrade within the next week or two.
Terry
 

kemical

kemical

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#4
Your welcome Terry. Any issues post back.. :)
 

C

chrunos

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Joined
Aug 6, 2015
Messages
8
#5
Fresh install Windows 10 will be better, Windows 10 has done many things to optimize performances for SSD. You won't worry about the activation problem which has been fixed by MS.
If you don't want to do fresh install, I 'd suggest you use AOMEI Backupper to clone system to ssd, which has an option to optimize for SSD.
 

TerryLP

TerryLP

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Joined
Aug 15, 2015
Messages
56
Thread Author #6
Thanks Chrunos, I will most certainly check that out.
 

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