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Windows 10 upgrade walkthrough

Summary: A step-by-step guide for upgrading your Dell computer or tablet to Windows 10, including information about Dell drivers and common issues.

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See if your computer is tested for Windows 10 upgrade

The following page lists Dell computers that can support an upgrade to Windows 10. If your computer model is listed, Dell has confirmed that your Windows 7, or Windows 8.1 drivers work with Windows 10. If a driver does not work correctly, Windows Update installs an updated driver during the upgrade process.

See Dell computers tested for Windows 10 October 2020 Update and previous versions of Windows 10. Select "Dell computers tested for update to Windows 10 November Update (Build 1511) and upgrade to Windows 10 (Build 1507)" for computers in the original upgrade program.


View general issues with Windows 10 upgrade

Dell has identified several general issues that may affect various computers when upgrading to Windows 10. Be sure to view these issues before upgrading, as they may cause problems with your computer or affect features that you may use.

Click here to view the Windows 10 General Issues page.


Check printer support

Dell has tested many of its printers for Windows 10 support. Check this page to determine if your printer is supported and whether you must upgrade your printer software or drivers.

Click here to view the Windows 10 Printer Support page.


Back up critical files

Although upgrading to a new operating system is simple, always back up your documents and critical files before starting a major procedure on your computer.

See article How to Backup and Restore Files for Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 for more information.

Create recovery discs for your current version of Windows

Once a computer is upgraded to Windows 10, there is a 10-day option to roll back to the previous version of Windows. However, Dell Technologies recommends that you create recovery media of your current version of Windows, in case you must reinstall Windows later.

See the Dell Windows Backup Media and Recovery Options site for more information.


Update BIOS and drivers

Dell strongly recommends that you update the BIOS and drivers for your operating system before starting an upgrade to Windows 10. The Windows upgrade process migrates current drivers for your computer rather than installing new "in-box" drivers. You should have the latest drivers on your computer for this migration.

To get started with updating your BIOS and drivers, browse to the Dell Drivers and Downloads website for your computer. Be sure to have your computer Service Tag available to get the drivers that are right for your computer.


Upgrade to Windows 10

To purchase and begin the upgrade to Windows 10, see Microsoft's Windows 10 Upgrade Website. For more information about the Windows 10 upgrade process, see the Microsoft Upgrade to Windows 10: FAQ.


Update your computer with Windows 10 drivers after the upgrade

Once your computer finishes the upgrade to Windows 10, check the Dell drivers website for updated drivers that may not have made it into Windows Update. Install all drivers under Windows 10 that are appropriate for your computer.

To get started with updating your drivers, browse to the Dell Drivers and Downloads website for your computer. Be sure to have your computer Service Tag available to get the drivers that are right for your computer.


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Last Published Date

05 Sept 2023

Version

9

Article Type

Solution