Windows: Self-upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10

This article is intended only for faculty and staff interested in self-upgrading their University-owned office computers to Windows 10 from Windows 7. It is not meant for upgrading the operating system on lab or research computers.  

• You should back up your data that is stored locally on your machine.  
• Please do not use your computer while the upgrade is installing. The installation may take 1-2 hours to complete. 
  NOTE: As part of the procedure, your computer will restart itself. 

Step 1: Back up your local files

While the upgrade shouldn't affect the files on your computer, it's always a good idea to backup your data before you perform an upgrade.This includes any files you have stored on the computer's C: drive. After you've identified the files that you would like to back up, you should choose a network drive, such as your H: Drive, to copy them to. If you have any questions about backing up your content, please contact the LTS Help Desk at 715-836-5711.

Step 2: Run the Upgrade 

1. Click the Start menu button.
2. Type Software Center in the Search field.
3. Click Software Center found in the results list.
   
    
4. Click the OFFICE - Win 10 x64 Upgrade checkbox.
   
    
5. Click INSTALL.
   
    
6. Wait for a username/password prompt.
7. Type in your university username and password.
8. Press [Enter] on the keyboard.
9. Please do not use your computer while the installation is running. The installation can take 1-2 hours to complete. 
   NOTE: If this process fails, please try it again the next day.  If it fails a second time, please contact the LTS Help Desk at 715-836-5711.