Once the process completes, you'll be back to the previous version of your operating system, in this case, Windows 7. Click Next one more time and then Finish to begin with the recovery process.Select the image you want to use and click Next.Select the backup to restore and click Next.Select 'Restore your computer using a system image that you create earlier', and click Next.While in the Setup wizard, click Next, and then Repair your computer.Quick Tip: If you don't have repair disc, you can also boot with the Windows 7 installation media to perform the recovery.Ĭonnect the external hard drive with the backup, reboot your PC, follow these steps: Arranging the list of apps in your system by Installed On.Īfter you have the backup of your files, and you know the apps you need to reinstall, reboot your computer using the 'repair disc', which you're prompted to create after creating the initial full backup.Searching for Control Panel with Cortana.Besides, you may want to note any new software you have installed on your computer since the last backup, as you will need to reinstall them later on. You only need to make a backup of your new files since the last full backup or simply copy all your files to an external drive. If you have the backup, you are haft way done.

That will guide you through what you need to do before upgrading, including creating a full backup of your computer. If you haven't upgraded to Windows 10, check out my previous post on how to prepare your computer for Windows 10. You should always keep a backup of your computer before modifying any operating system.

Windows 7 key for windows 10