Microsoft Windows 10 Upgrade: A step-by-step procedure checklist
How to upgrade to Microsoft Windows 10
How to upgrade to Microsoft Windows 10
Symptom
This document provides information on how to upgrade the operating system to Microsoft Windows 10.
Applicable Brands
- ThinkCentre
- ThinkStation
- ThinkPad
- Idea Tablet
- ideapad
- ideacentre
- Lenovo
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 10
Solution
Complete the following steps when upgrading from Windows 7 SP1 or Windows 8.1 to Windows 10.
- Verify that the system supports the Windows 10 upgrade.
- View issues with Windows 10 upgrade.
- Back up data and files.
- Create recovery discs for the current version of Windows 7 SP1 or Windows 8.1.
- Update the BIOS and drivers prior to the upgrade.
- Upgrade to Windows 10.
- Update the system with Windows 10 drivers after the upgrade.
After upgrading to Windows 10, Microsoft allows users to go back within 30-days to their previous version of Windows 7 SP1 or Windows 8.1.
1. Verify that the system supports Windows 10 upgrade
The following page lists Lenovo systems (Idea, Think, and Lenovo-branded) that have been tested by Lenovo to support an upgrade to Windows 10. If your system is listed, Windows 7 drivers and Windows 8.1 drivers have been tested to work with Windows 10. If a driver does not work correctly, an updated driver is available in Windows Update. This is installed during the upgrade process.
For information on supported Windows 7.1 SP or Windows 8.1 systems, go to: Windows Support Center - Windows 10.
For a list of Lenovo options and accessories that are compatible with Windows 10, go to: Options from Lenovo compatible with Windows 10.
Microsoft also offers the Windows Compatibility Center. This allows users to find compatibility information and get Windows compatible device drivers, app updates, and downloads. For a list of Lenovo compatible devices and apps, enter Lenovo in the search field.
2. View issues with Windows 10 upgrade
Lenovo has identified upgrade issues with Windows 10. The issues are not system specific. The issues affect many systems upgrading to Windows 10. Lenovo recommends that users review issues before starting the Windows 10 upgrade. These issues may cause problems, or affect features that can be used.
The following are Lenovo-identified issues:
- For non-supported ThinkPad components, go to: Windows Support Center - Windows 10
- Components not supported by Windows 10 drivers – Lenovo desktops
- Dolby Home Theater does not work after Windows 10 upgrade
The following is Microsoft-related information:
3. Back up your data and files
Lenovo recommends making a backup of the data and files prior to starting a Windows upgrade.
For Windows 7 SP1 users, use Windows Backup and Restore (Back up your files) for a full backup of files.
For Windows 8.1 users, use File History (Set up a drive for File History) to create a backup of files.
4. Create recovery discs for your current version of Windows 7 SP1 or Windows 8.1
After a system is upgraded to Windows 10, Microsoft offers a 30-day option to go back to the previous version of Windows.
Lenovo recommends creating recovery media of your current version of Windows. This allows you to re-install Windows at a later date.
5. Updating BIOS and drivers prior to the upgrade
Lenovo recommends updating the BIOS and drivers for the operating system before starting the Windows 10 upgrade. The Windows upgrade process migrates current drivers for the system rather than installing new 'in-box' drivers. This allows you to have the latest drivers on your system for the Windows 10 upgrade.
To get started with updating BIOS and drivers, select Downloads on Lenovo Support and enter your system.
ThinkVantage System Update helps reduce time and effort to support and maintain the latest drivers, BIOS and other applications for Think or Lenovo systems. It allows you to get the latest updates from Lenovo support site. For more information, go to: Lenovo System Update: Update Drivers, BIOS and Applications.
6. Upgrade to Windows 10
Upgrading to Windows 10 is easy. If the system is running Windows 7 Service Pack 1, or Windows 8.1 Update, there is a Windows icon in the system tray. Click the icon, and follow the step-by-step instructions to upgrade to Windows 10.
Note: If you have not installed Service Pack 1 for Windows 7, or have not updated to Windows 8.1 Update, then apply these updates so the computer will be eligible for the Windows 10 upgrade.
For Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1), go to: Learn how to install Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1)
For Windows 8.1 Update, go to: Update to Windows 8.1 from Windows 8
7. Update your system with Windows 10 drivers after the upgrade
Once the computer has completed the upgrade to Windows 10, review the Lenovo drivers website for updated drivers for Windows 10, that may not have been included in Windows Update. Install all drivers under Windows 10 that are for your computer.
To get started with updating BIOS and drivers, select Downloads on Lenovo Support and enter your system.
ThinkVantage System Update helps reduce time and effort to support and maintain the latest drivers, BIOS and other applications for Think or Lenovo systems. It enables you to get the latest updates from Lenovo support site. For more information, go to: Lenovo System Update: Update Drivers, BIOS and Applications.
Windows 10 - Additional Information:
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