Scenario:
You want to Freely upgrade your existing Windows system to the latest Windows 10 version. Your systems specifications are:
- Running Windows 7 SP1 x64 bit OS
- Windows 7 is OEM licensed. That is, you got your Windows 7 pre-installed and licensed/activate by the laptop manufacture vendor itself. You don’t have the Windows 7 activation key to do a fresh OS install and activation.
- Its a domain joined system, that is, its a member of an Active Directory domain.
- You have Office 2010 installed and activated by your IT department using your corporate office license.
- It’s running Symantec Endpoint Protection (SEP) 12.1.2 as a Antivirus solution.
Solution:
I’ve tested and found upgrading a system with above configuration to the latest version Windows 10. The free upgrade was just smooth and I’ve below configuration after upgrade:
- Before starting the Upgrade you will be notified to uninstall Symantec Endpoint Protection (SEP) 12.1.2 and any other incompatible software to the removed. Until all incompatible software is uninstalled, the Windows 10 install wouldn’t proceed to start.
- Running Windows 10 Pro, which is automatically activated. I learned that Microsoft consumes the OEM license and issues an equivalent Windows 10 license which activates the system automatically after upgrading to Windows 10.
- Running Microsoft Office 2010 with along activation status. No need to reapply your Office license.
- Domain membership is retained and I can use my domain user account to just logon to my system.
- All of my Data is kept as is where I left it.
- All of my software as well is maintained as is.
- I needed to download and install the latest and compatible version of Symantec Endpoint Protection (SEP).
- All of the required device driver software is automatically installed.
- Needed to run Windows Updates couple of times to complete the patch/updates installation.
- You have option to “Go Back to Windows 7” for month time after upgrading to Windows 10.
Issues:
During and Post Upgrade to Windows 10, I encountered and resolved below issues:
