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January 19th, 2022 16:00
Windows 7 Pro to Windows 10 Pro Upgrade Compatability
Hi, I have an older Dell Latitude E5530 laptop that still runs on Windows 7 Pro. I have purchased Windows 10 Pro 64 bit software as advised, but now looking at the compatibility system requirements I'm not sure if the Graphics Card is compatible. Can anyone tell me if I will have issues if I go ahead with the installation or do I need to make some changes to be compatible, or do I just take the software back to where I purchased it from and suffer with the insanely slow workings of my dear, beloved laptop? Completely confused.
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MsMJ
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January 24th, 2022 15:00
That sounds like something I will look into once the upgrade is done, thanks. I just realized the windows 7 pro product key is in the windows activation settings. So, fingers crossed I can just go ahead and do the upgrade without having to open the 10 pro pkg.
JOcean
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January 19th, 2022 17:00
If you go to the Dell support page here for the E5530 you will see that Windows 10 drivers are available for the GPU in your system. I am running a slightly older Latitude and it works fine in Windows 10 Pro. If you have concerns use a program such as Macrium Reflect Free here and do a full image backup of the drive before installing Windows 10 Pro.
nyc10036
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January 19th, 2022 17:00
You didn't need to buy Windows 10 Pro.
You could install Windows 10 Pro and use the Windows 7 Pro key to activate.
AL_in_GA
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January 20th, 2022 12:00
nyc10036 is correct.
Microsoft has always offered the free 7 to 10 and 8.x to 10 upgrades. Microsoft tech support must have been out-of-the-loop on this for a number of years. If you haven't used the new license yet, do a search for the free upgrade.
It will auto-update to Windows 10 Home Edition. You then go to Properties under "This PC" and select "Change product key or upgrade your edition of Windows". You will be able to enter the Activation ID from Windows 7 Pro and it will upgrade to Windows 10 Pro.
MsMJ
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January 24th, 2022 11:00
Thank you all for your responses. My laptop was my work laptop and when I retired I got to keep it so, I don't have the Windows 7 pro key needed to upgrade. This is one that I use on occasion as I was gifted a new version and just want to keep it up to date as much as possible. It's getting slow in its old age lol. I really appreciate the help. I will use the 10 pro upgrade and follow all the adivise here.
nyc10036
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January 24th, 2022 13:00
If the hard drive is a traditional mechanical hard drive, upgrading to a SSD will do wonders to speed it up.
I have the E6230 which is similar to the E5530 except with a smaller screen, and I upgraded to a SSD several years back. I also upgraded from 4GB to 8GB with the RAM, but I think DDR3 RAM is a bit expensive.
MsMJ
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January 25th, 2022 08:00
IT WORKED! I'm so thrilled, the upgrade through the download from windows worked and it didn't ask me for the key code either. Now I can concentrate on increasing the speed, even though the upgrade has solved some of that issue. SSD, I will do the research on that. Thank you all so much for your help!
AL_in_GA
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January 26th, 2022 08:00
Very glad it worked out well. I agree with nyc10036; now is the time to upgrade to an SSD.
Microcenter has been selling 256GB SSDs for $30 and mini SD cards for $14. Create a disk backup image and save it to the SD card. Then, Recover from the SD to the new SSD.
MsMJ
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January 26th, 2022 11:00
Thank you for the good advice, I am looking into the next upgrades to my laptop, and will take on board your suggestions as well as the previous comments on what to get. Now if only the upgrade hadn't messed up the MS Office installation and needs me to activate it again. Lol oh well....