Windows XP or Windows Vista to Windows 10 RS1 Free Upgrade

Introduction

The Free Upgrade Path expired on the 2nd of October 2015. With some trickery one could change the date and continue to activate Windows 10130 Insider Preview to use as a stepping stone to Windows 10 Pro. On the 26th of August 2016 Microsoft patched their Product Activation Servers. Consequently the Windows 10130 Insider Preview Path cannot be activated, terminating this Free Upgrade path.

Note: If you have already made your system a Windows 10 Pro Device using the Windows 10130 path it'll continue to work.

I am Still Running Windows Vista Are There Any Free Upgrade Paths to Windows 7 or Windows 10?

Systems sold within the first year of the release of Windows 7 had a Free Upgrade to Windows 7. These systems typically had a SMBIOS of 2.5. For these systems the OEM typically released a BIOS Update which updated the SLIC from 2.0 to 2.1 and this makes the system eligible for Windows 7 OEM System Locked Preinstallation. You can then install and activate Windows 7 32 Bit and generate a genuine ticket to activate a clean install of Windows 10 32 Bit. More details are about this are available Updating your BIOS in Windows Vista and Checking the SLIC Version. If the systems SLIC remains at 2.0 you can still install Windows 10 without a Product Key. This will leave your system unlicensed with it watermarked to the bottom right hand corner and you will be restricted when it comes to some settings but otherwise it is fully usable and more functional than Windows Vista. It will also be patched and be safer to use online.
See Windows OEM FAQs and Downloads for more details on clean installing Windows 10 Home 32 Bit (note when making media this system will be a Legacy System).

Running Windows 10 Unlicensed

For those running Windows Vista, on a system without a SLIC Version of 2.1, it is possible to download a Windows 10 .iso and install with a local account, without a Product Key. This will run Windows 10 unlicensed…

During setup select "I Don't Have a Product Key":

Then select the Edition of Windows you want to install (Windows 10 Home recommended):

During the Account setup, select "Offline Account":

Select "No" when asked to sign in with Microsoft:

Enter your username and then select next:

Enter your password and then select next or alternatively leave the password field blank and select next:

Decline Cortana:

Select No at Activity History (it likely won't work with Windows 10 Unlicensed):

Select "Don't use online speech recognition":

Select "No" for location:

Select "No" at find my Device:

Select Basic Diagnostics:

Select No to improve typing:

Select "No" for diagnostic data:

Select "No" for the Advertising ID:

When Windows 10 is unlicensed, you will get a watermark below settings:

Some of the personalisation settings will be greyed out but this is minor and the default user interface will still be superior to Windows Vista:

The bottom right hand corner of your Windows 10 will be watermarked:

Otherwise you will be able to install programs, have full Windows 10 functionality and updates. You can use Windows 10 unlicensed to evaluate the performance of Windows 10 on your hardware – Microsoft seem to have done away with the forced sign outs etc. for unlicensed software like they had for earlier Editions of Windows.

Running Windows 10 unlicensed is still better than running Windows Vista because you will still receive security patches and more programs are likely to work on your Operating System.

Running Windows 10 unlicensed will theoretically let you determine whether it is worth the cost of buying a new Windows 10 License for your hardware although for old Windows Vista hardware (most which is > 10 years old) I would recommend saving your cash up and buying newer hardware (with an associated Windows 10 OEM License).

Expired 10130 Insider Preview Upgrade Path

This guide reached 160,000 views before the 26th of August 2016… meaning a significant number of Windows Vista OEM machines were made Windows 10 Pro Devices using this route. This Unofficial Free Upgrade Path allowed new Windows 10 Pro Activations for a Period of 1 Year Unofficially aligning with Microsoft's initial official marketing for Free Upgrades from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1.

You will get the following error message:

"Error 0x80072F8F On a computer running Microsoft Windows non-core edition, run 'slui.exe 0x2a 0x80072F8F' to display the error text."

10130 End

You will not be able to register a Windows Vista or Windows XP system via the 10130 Insider Preview with a Microsoft Product Activation server to make it a new Windows 10 Pro Device without buying a key.

Contents

This guide has complimentary tutorial videos.

Introduction – Why Consider Upgrading?

This is a Dell based guide but will work on non-Dell systems also. The only differences are the keys [F2] and [F12] to enter the BIOS setup and opt for the one-time Boot menu may be different. You should also check for BIOS updates from your perspective OEMs website.

01 August 2016 OS Marketshare 1 in 100 computers run Windows Vista and 10 in 100 computers run Windows XP…

End of OS Support

  • 11 Apr 2017: Windows Vista reached End of Life and no security patches will be released since. See here for more details. Windows 10 performs significantly better than Windows Vista and is significantly more secure.
  • 08 Apr 2014: Windows XP reached End of Life (>2 years ago) and no security patches have been released since. See here for more details. Windows 10 performs significantly better than Windows XP if the hardware meets minimum requirements and is significantly more secure.

End of Browser Support

  • 12 Jan 2016: Support for all versions of Internet Explorer except for Internet Explorer 11. See here for more details.
  • 01 May 2016: Google have just dropped support for Windows Vista and Windows XP.

When Chrome is launched a yellow warning will display stating:

"This computer will no longer receive Google Chrome Updates because Windows XP and Windows Vista are no longer supported." Learn more.

Chrome Message

This means that the continued use of Google Chrome and these Operating Systems in general should be considered insecure. It hasn't happened currently however eventually websites may block out of date versions of Chrome and Internet Explorer 9.

This gives a primary security exploit…

Bank Robber

Needless to say don't use an unsupported browser (i.e. anything running on a Windows Vista or Windows XP Operating System) for:

  • Online Banking
  • Paypal
  • eBay
  • Amazon

etc. etc.

End of Driver Support

No new drivers will be created for new peripherals (e.g. that new printer) for these legacy Operating Systems.

The Unofficial Free Upgrade Path

Microsoft did not provide an Official Free Upgrade Path for Windows XP or Windows Vista to Windows 10 RS1.

Disclaimer: This is an Unofficial Upgrade path and has no support from Dell or Microsoft. However any system shipped with Windows XP or Windows Vista won't have any official support anyway as the warranty has long expired… and both Operating Systems are more or less at End of Life.

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The Windows Insider Build 10130 was the last Windows Insider Build to utilise a generic product key for Microsoft Product Activation. With this build Microsoft let all Windows Insiders Upgrade to Windows 10 Pro for free. This upgrade path can be used to upgrade any legacy system that satisfies Windows 10's minimum system requirements. I focus primarily on systems shipped with Windows Vista OEM and secondary with systems shipped with Windows XP OEM. This guide can also be used on VMs as discussed here.

Microsoft may stop Activation of Windows 10130 Insider Preview at any point in time which would effectively shut down this unofficial upgrade path for good. In testing this Unofficial Upgrade path works 10 months after the expiry date of build 10130, moreover it works with RS1 installation media which was released 10 months after the expiry date on Windows 10 Insider Build 10130.

I have last tested this on the 10/08/2016 on a VM. I have made a YouTube recording on the 03/08/2016.

Before upgrading its recommended that your BIOS revision is up to date. This guide will result in Data loss so its recommended you back up all your data to an external hard drive. If you are sceptical about this upgrade path or unsure how well your legacy system will run Windows 10 make sure you've made an Macrium Reflect Backup so you can revert to Windows Vista.

Gathering Details about your System

Press [Windows] and [ r ] and type in msinfo32 and press [Enter]. Top images are for Windows XP and bottom Windows Vista.

msinfo32 xp a

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You will be told the following (I will give some notes below):

msinfo32 xp b

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As the Processor information for Windows XP is a bit cryptic you may also want to right click the start button and right click My Computer and select Properties:

system xp c

This will give you the model of your processor and installed physical memory (RAM):

system xp d

OS Name and Version

This doesn't matter too much in this guide as you are going to use the Windows 10130 Insider Preview as your base Windows OS. This will give you Windows 10 Pro as a Free Upgrade in all cases.

System Model and System Manufacturer

Its important to know both your system manufacturer and system model. This information may be required when checking to see if you need to update your system BIOS or in the rare cases need to look for drivers later. If commenting on a successful install please include this information.

SMBIOS version

Take a note of the SMBIOS version.

Systems with an SMBIOS of 2.3 (Early Windows XP) or earlier are not Windows Vista/7/8.x or 10 compatible. This likely includes yucky hardware such as a Pentium 4 or worse, DDR RAM or worse, a IDE HDD or worse and Intel 915GM graphics or worse. All which belong in a museum.

This guide mainly focuses on systems with an SMBIOS version of 2.4 (Early Windows Vista systems) or 2.5 (Late Windows Vista systems).

  • Earlier Windows Vista systems like the Latitude D820 shown may have a processor with a 32 Bit instruction set only. This systems processor was upgraded from an Intel T2600 which has a 32 Bit instruction set to an Intel T7200 which has a 64 Bit instruction set. 64 Bit Windows can only run on a processor with a 64 Bit instruction set but 32 Bit Windows can run on either. Hint if you have an Intel Processor search for the "Intel Ark Processor #" e.g. "Intel Ark T7200".
  • Late Windows Vista systems should all be Windows 10 64 Bit compatible.

Note for systems with an SMBIOS of 2.6 you likely have a Windows 7 OEM COA and can carry out the Official Upgrade Path unless the COA is faded. The OptiPlex 390 shown as an example is utilising OEM downgrades from Windows 7 Professional to Windows XP Professional.

This guide does not support systems with a UEFI BIOS (version 2.7 or later) which should have a Windows 8.x/10 UEFI BIOS OEM SLP key or Windows 7 OEM COA and be eligible for the Official Upgrade Path. These systems may also have newer hardware unsupported by the 10130 .iso. See Download a Windows 10 OEM and Retail .iso for the Official Upgrade Path.

BIOS Version

The BIOS should be updated to the latest version available before upgrading to Windows 10 as the BIOS updater may not run correctly on Windows 10. For convenience I will list the latest BIOS Update for all Dell systems (except Alienware) that were sold during the sales period of Windows Vista as well as the date of the system model. If using a non-Dell check with your system manufacturer's driver and downloads page.

Adamo Desktops

Dimension Desktops

Inspiron Desktops

Inspiron Laptops

Latitude Laptops

OptiPlex Desktops

Precision Desktops

Precision Laptops

Studio Desktops

Studio Laptops

Vostro Desktops

Vostro Laptops

XPS Desktops

XPS Laptops

Installing the Latest BIOS Update

The BIOS update is a firmware update. This type of update updates the firmware for your system BIOS. You launch the BIOS update within Windows but the computer restarts and updates the BIOS within BIOS. Therefore once a BIOS update is applied it remains applied even if Windows is reinstalled.

Note An incorrect BIOS update has the potential to kill your computer entirely.

Before updating the BIOS its advisable to make sure all programs are closed.

For Windows XP double click the BIOS Update. For Windows Vista right click the BIOS update and select run as an administrator.

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For Windows Vista you'll need to accept the User Account Control prompt:

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The BIOS update will then launch and tell you what revision you have and what revision the BIOS flash is.

If you are up to date or equal to the BIOS revision or its unsupported as in the case of my XPS 8300 it will tell you and will not allow you to flash only giving you the option to quit:

xps8300a

If its supported it will allow you to select continue:

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Click ok

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The computer will then restart and restart the BIOS update.

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DO NOT DISTURB THE COMPUTER DURING THIS TIME and certainly do not cut power. If you do then likely you will kill the computer entirely.

Once the computer loads into Windows some of the BIOS updates will re-launch automatically but then will tell you that you have the latest version already so just click cancel. You may then delete the BIOS update from the Desktop.

Some BIOS updates may require perquisite BIOS updates as mentioned. Try to update the BIOS in the least number of steps.

You can then recheck msinfo32 to see if the BIOS update has applied correctly:

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Additional Notes on Systems Shipped with Windows XP/Vista OEM Licenses

Officially there is no free upgrade from genuine Windows Vista or Windows XP to genuine Windows 10 so we will need to utilise the Unofficial Windows 10130 Upgrade path in all these cases.

Can My Hardware Run Windows 10?

All of the systems listed with SMBIOS 2.5 can run Windows 10 64 Bit without any issues providing enough RAM is installed (4 GB preferred) and the necessary processor technologies should be enabled by default you can proceed directly to Download Links and Prepaing a Windows 10 Bootable USB.

Systems with an SMBIOS of 2.4 may be limited by a processor with a 32 Bit set and thus stuck on Windows 10 32 Bit. Systems with an SMBIOS of 2.4 may need the PAE, NX or SSE2 settings enabled in the Legacy BIOS setup in order to install Windows 10. This will be discussed below.

If you aren't sure whether your legacy hardware with an SMBIOS of 2.4 running Windows XP/Vista is Windows 10 capable or whether you need to enable PAE, NX or SSE2 run the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant which is the last Upgrade Assistant than runs on XP and Vista. The system requirements are almost identical for 32 Bit Windows 8.1 and 32 Bit Windows 10. The Upgrade Assistant can be found here:

https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=75EFF52D7710B6E9!721&authkey=!AOhXrY_SIbN59Ac&ithint=folder%2cexe

http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?LinkId=321548 (Removed by Microsoft 16/03/2016 as Windows 8 is at End of Life)

Simply run the upgrade assistant:

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It will scan your computer to determine whether its compatible:

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Click see compatibility details:

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The compatibility details may show some of the following details to review:

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You are looking for it to state issues specifically about your hardware.

The 4 issues it lists in this case aren't significant:

  • Install an App to play a DVD. – No problem install VLC player after Windows 10 RS1 installation.
  • SecureBoot isn't compatible with your PC. – No problem Windows 10 can run in a legacy BIOS using the MBR partition scheme. It won't perform as well and will be less secure than a newer system with these technologies.
  • Sidebar Gadgets aren't supported. – No problem, few people use these and the Apps in the Windows 10 Store are far superior.
  • Your screen resolution isn't compatible with snap. – No problem the screen resolution for Windows 10 was lowered to support 800×600 as a minimum.

A fifth common problem that the tool often reports is that mandatory processor security technologies PAE, NX, and SSE2 aren't present or disabled in the BIOS setup. If you do not have an error message mentioning PAE, NX or SSE2 continue directly to Download Links and Prepaing a Windows 10 Bootable USB.

To Enter your Legacy BIOS setup. Power down your computer. Wait 10 seconds and power it up. Press [F2] at the Dell BIOS Screen. Other OEMs may use a different function key or [Esc].

1. Dell BIOS

This will take you to the BIOS setup. Your BIOS setup may look slightly different to mine but the procedure should be similar. Read the instructions at the bottom of the BIOS setup for instructions.

I will press the [↓] key until I get to Security:

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Then I will press [Enter] to expand the Security category:

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Now I am going to look for processor or CPU related Security fields. In my case I have the field CPU No-eXecute Support so I will highlight that field and press [Enter].

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Then I will make sure that CPU No-eXecute support is enabled:

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Then I will press [Esc] to Exit the BIOS setup:

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Then opt to Exit the BIOS setup.

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These may also be mapped to different keys, some BIOS will have [Esc] as the key to exit the BIOS setup discarding changes and the [F10] as the button to exit the BIOS setup but saving changes. As I said read the instructions on your screen to confirm.

If you have had to enable these security technologies boot into Windows XP or Windows Vista and rerun the upgrade advisor. Make sure it doesn't have the same error message about PAE, NX or SSE2.

Download Links and Preparing a Windows 10 Bootable USB

You will need 2×8 GB USB flash drives for this step.

On the first one you will need to prepare a Windows 10130 Bootable USB and on the second one you will need to prepare a Windows 10 RS1 (Build 14393/version 1607) Bootable USB.

Because you are performing an upgrade install you cannot cross architectures. Use the 32 Bit 10130 .iso with the 32 Bit 14393 .iso alternatively the 64 Bit 10130 .iso with the 64 Bit 14393 .iso.

10130 Insider Preview .iso

As the Insider Preview has expired Microsoft have removed it from their server. 

The file sizes for the 10130 Insider Preview .iso were as follows:

10130 sizes

I recommend checking the CRC SHA. Once 7-zip is installed, simply right click the .iso and select CRC SHA and then select the *:

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This will give you the various checksums and they should match the checksums below.

If they are different you will have an incomplete/corrupt download.

10130 x8610130 x64

Windows 10 Version 1607 .iso

The Download Link for Windows 10 RS1 is here:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10ISO

As Windows XP/Vista aren't supported with the Windows 10 Version 1607 Media Creation Tool Direct Links will be shown.

Once on this page scroll down:

Use of Techbench

Select Windows 10 as the Edition. Do not select Windows 10N or Windows 10 Home Single Language.

Wait for the .iso to Download.

Rufus

One will also need to Download Rufus to make the Bootable USBs:

Rufus does not need to be installed and can be run directly by double clicking on the application.

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If on Vista or later accept the User Account Control Prompt:

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Don't bother checking for updates as you likely already have the latest version:

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Load the .iso:

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For the 1st USB select the 10130 .iso. When you repeat the procedure for the 2nd USB select the RS1 (Build 14393/version 1607) .iso.

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Ensure your USB is shown here:

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Since its assumed you're using a computer shipped with Late Windows XP, Windows Vista or Early Windows 7 you won't have a UEFI BIOS. Ensure you are using the MBR partition scheme for (Legacy) BIOS.

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Ensure the MBR Partition Scheme for BIOS or UEFI_CSM is selected and the File System is NTFS.

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Select Ok:

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Wait for Rufus to make the Bootable USB. When it says Ready close Rufus.

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Repeat this procedure with your second USB flash Drive and the RS1 (Build 14393/version 1607) .iso.

Changing the Time in your BIOS Setup

Power down your computer. Wait 10 seconds and power it up. Press [F2] at the Dell BIOS Screen. Other OEMs may use a different function key or [Esc].

1. Dell BIOS

This will take you to the BIOS setup. Your BIOS setup may look slightly different to mine but the procedure should be similar. Read the instructions at the bottom of the BIOS setup for instructions.

"I set a date with an Yankee lassie on the 10/02 (10th of February) and she arrived late on the 10/02 (2nd of October)."

I have deliberately set the date for the 09/09/2015 (9th of September) – this way there is no confusion between British and American date/time formats.

I will press the [↓] key until I get to Data/Time:

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Then I will press [Enter] to enter the field:

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I will then press [→] until I get to the month.

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I will press the [↓] key until I get to September.  I will press the [→] key until I get to the year and press the [↓] key until I get to 2015.

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Then I will press [Enter] to finish modifying the date:

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The time in my BIOS setup is now September 2015.

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I will now press [Esc] to exit the setup.

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Before exiting I will insert my Windows 10130 Insider Bootable USB into one of the free USB ports. I will make sure all other USB ports are empty with the exception of mouse and keyboard. If you have an Ethernet cable plugged into your system also ensure that you remove it.

Then I will press  [→] to get to Exit and then press [Enter].

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Note for some BIOS setups you will get the option to Exit Discarding Changes or Exit saving changes.

These may also be mapped to different keys, some BIOS will have [Esc] as the key to exit the BIOS setup discarding changes and the [F10] as the button to exit the BIOS setup but saving changes. As I said read the instructions on your screen to confirm.

When you exit the Dell BIOS setup you will see the Dell BIOS screen again. Ensure you hit F12 to get to the Boot Menu:

1

Press the [↓] until you highlight the USB Storage Device and then press [Enter].

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Press any key when prompted such as “h” when it says Press any Key to boot from CD/DVD.

Clean Install Build 10130

0

Select your language and keyboard settings (if using the .iso from the unofficial location, you will need to select English (United States) as the Language as this .iso is locked to that language. The time and currency format and keyboard or input method can be set to your desired preference however. I have selected English (United Kingdom). When you have selected your preferences select next:

1

Select Install now:

2

3

Accept the license agreement:

4

As always select custom (advanced):

5

This is the screen you can load SATA drivers on as normal however this installation media is from 2015 and should accommodate the hardware of all Windows Vista systems.

I advise selecting drive options and deleting everything on the drive so it only Disc 0 Unallocated Space (assuming you only have one drive installed) as shown below.

Drive Deletion1

Then select Drive 0 and select next:

6

Windows 10130 will then install:

10130Install

The computer will restart.

You will be given the setup options. Windows 10130 will try and instruct you to connect wireless to the internet (if you have a wireless card).

DO NOT CONNECT TO THE INTERNET AT THIS STAGE

If you connect to the internet, Windows 10130 will automatically sync its time/date settings with the Windows server and inform you that the build has expired. You will no longer be able to activate this build if this happens (and have to change the date in the BIOS setup and clean install 10130 offline again).

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You will be given setup options select express settings, theres no point in customising these settings as this is just an intermediate install which you will use directly to get to Windows 10RS1 (Build 14393/Version 1607):

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In the next screen input your username and select Next. I wouldn't even bother inputting a password at this stage:

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The rest of the setup will be automated:

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You will now be on the 10130 Desktop to the bottom right, click the clock:

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Click change date and time settings:

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Select time and language:

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Turn set time automatically off:

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To input the generic product key, right click the start button and select Command Prompt (Admin):

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Accept the User Account Control prompt:

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Type in

slmgr /ipk 6P99N-YF42M-TPGBG-9VMJP-YKHCF

Then press [Enter]

10130

The dialogue box will come up telling you the product key is installed successfully. Press ok:

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Now connect to your wireless network or connect your Ethernet cable.

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Wait 5 minutes….

Type in

slmgr /ato

Press [Enter]:

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You will be informed that Windows is activated:

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If you get the following error message you have not connected to the Internet or have been too fast. Wait another minute and retype

slmgr /ato:

15

If you get this error message however you have been online and Windows 10130 know you have went past the expiry date so you need to retry all the steps from the start of this guide.

10130 expired5

Upgrade to Windows 10 Pro RS1

Insert the Windows 10 Version 1607 Bootable USB. Open the USB from within Windows Explorer:

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Double click the setup:

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Select yes at the User Account Control prompt:

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The Windows setup will load and prepare:

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On the following screen ensure you select Not at this Moment and uncheck "I want to help make installation of Windows Better". Checking for Updates on the expired 10130 build may stall the installation. Then select next:

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Accept the license agreement:

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If you are changing language select ok here:

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Select Change what to keep:

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Select Nothing. This will give you a clean Windows 10 RS1 Install:

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Windows 14393 RS1 will then restart and begin the upgrade during which it will restart another three times:

RS1Upgrade

If you are connected to an ethernet or offline the next few screens won’t show. Select your wireless network:

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Input your wireless password and select next:

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Select customise settings and press “next” once you’ve made your desired selection on each page or use the express settings:

RS1 Settings1 (1)RS1 Settings1 (2)RS1 Settings1 (3)RS1 Settings1 (4)RS1 Settings1 (6)RS1 Settings1 (7)

Next select “I own it” for a home PC or “My organisation” for a work PC:

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For “I Own It” sign in with a Microsoft Account (recommended by Microsoft so you can use all of Microsoft’s services in particular OneDrive).

Alternatively skip this step and sign in with a local account. A Local Account can later be converted to a Microsoft Account if desired:

RS1 Settings1 (9)

The PC will configure the last stages and install Apps (which now work as Windows):

RS1 Settingsa (1)RS1 Settingsa (3)

RS1 Settingsa (2)

You can the opt to use Cortana or not:

RS1 Settings1 (10)

vlcsnap-2015-07-16-07h27m40s170vlcsnap-2015-07-16-07h27m45s109vlcsnap-2015-07-16-07h30m02s175

You should now be in the Windows 10 Desktop:

RS1 Desktop

The date will be correct but the exact time might not be. You can go to date/time settings and correct it to match the actual time.

Wait 10 minutes and then right click the start button and select System:

vlcsnap-2016-01-10-14h15m30s543

You should see that Windows is Activated and the Edition is Windows 10 Pro:

vlcsnap-2016-01-10-14h15m46s486

If you have checked too early it may state to connect to the internet to activate. Leave it another 5-10 minutes. Restart your computer and recheck if its activated. In all my test cases it was.

vlcsnap-2016-01-10-14h15m57s850

Now your system is a Windows 10 Pro Device. It won't have a product key but its hardware profile is stored and registered with a Microsoft Product Activation server.

You don't need to but you can clean install Windows 10 Pro at any time by skipping product key and it'll automatically reactive your Device when online…

For more details about clean installation and the definition of the Windows 10 Pro Device and the product activation mechanism see Download Windows 10 OEM and Retail RS1 .iso. During installation skip product key and select Windows 10 Pro. Windows 10 Pro will automatically reactivate on your system as it is a Windows 10 Pro Device. Feel free to use a Microsoft Account.

484 thoughts on “Windows XP or Windows Vista to Windows 10 RS1 Free Upgrade”

  1. I did this Installation-Guide on my good old Dell Latitude D620 and it works absolutely perfect 🙂 Thanks to the one who made this tutorial 😉

    Reply

      1. This tutorial perfectly work! Thank you so much 😉

      2. philipyip, I have a Vista Home Premium 32-bit… Can you choose to upgrade to a 64-bitor do you have to stick to the 32-bit? Thanks

      3. It depends on your model and processor. If it is 64 bit compatible then install the 64 Bit version.

  2. I purchased laptop (dell xps 15z@L115z) with windows 7 home premium 64bit SP 1 installed in laptop.My hard disk crashed and i replace new hardisk.I have to re-install windows 7 home premium 6bit SP 1 on my new hard disk.I also have a geniune product key but dont have installation disc or windows iso file.Posibble to get installation disc or windows iso file since windows close digitalriver to download iso file and make bootable disc.
    Question:can i install windows 10 and windows 10 always active on my laptop with this method(article) by philip yip..?

    Reply

    1. This method works and has been tested, see the tutorial video. You just need the 10130 .iso.

      At this stage however its get the Windows 7 .iso in an unofficial location (due to the broken Microsoft Software Recovery Tool) or get the 10130 .iso in an unofficial location (since Microsoft removed it).

      Installation from 10130 will be quicker and give you Windows 10 Pro opposed to Windows 10 Home.

      Reply

      1. DONE…now my device xps15z(L115z) running windows 101013.This tutorial perfectly work,great solution…..Thank you so much.
        Question:
        1. Windows 10 1013 – windows 10 10240 – windows 10 pro.
        2. Windows 10 1013 – windows 10 pro.
        Can i use method no.2 to upgrade windows 10.Skip install windows 1010240 and direct instal windows 10 with iso bootable.

      2. Windows 10 Pro = Windows 10240 Pro

        i.e. just install Windows 10 Pro now (as an upgrade initially).

  3. Thanks for the input.
    I have a Dell Latitude E5500 and everything is perfect!
    but at times does not go the Start button, APP STORE does not work, and various applications such as the time, the mail and other not work more.
    Is this normal?
    once you install the 10130 version, should I install the Pro version 10240 to make things work?

    Reply

  4. Hi Phillip, I have a situation and hoping you might able to help. I have a E6410 and I successfully installed and activated Windows 10 10130. I was able to download Windows 10 .10240 and everything was fine after the laptop reboot after copying files (the percentage display with a circle ). The laptop reboot and went into "attempt repair" but failed. It give error message the drive is locked and I need to unlock. I try other options going to to CMD; do diskpart, list volume and it show the SSD Drive Volume D is RAW and when I try to do d:\ it said drive have no file systems. It appears after copying files either the files corrupted or something. Any ideas? Your help is greatly appreciated.

    Reply

  5. Hi Philip,
    Thanks for creating this guide. I followed it all the way through but ran into an activation issue. I installed build 10130, using a MSA, activated using the generic key, and upgraded to build 10240. Windows at that point was activated.

    Since then, I clean installed build 10240 using an ISO created from the Media Creator Tool from Microsoft. This time I used a local account (not MSA). However, Windows does not automatically activate for some reason. It also indicates the key currently in use is the one ending in 3V66T. I'm not sure why this is happening as it should recognise the hardware and automatically activate.

    Any help would be much appreciated.

    Reply

    1. I'm not sure leave it alone for a couple of hours and see if it automatically reactivates… I guess the activation servers are having some difficulties at the moment.

      Reply

      1. I guess that's all I can really do. Still, a bit weird it activated when I upgraded but it's not having issues. I would've thought MS activation servers would have enough reserve capacity by now considering we are now on day 8 of release. Also, it gives me a specific error code so I believe this install will never activate on its own. It's been 24 hours since I installed so I'll give it another 24 hours or so.

  6. thanks for this guide. I have upgraded 2 dell notebooks this way.

    1 question though:
    Because I prepare older notebooks for people that need a computer but do not have money enough to buy one, I will be doing this again in the future I assume. Therefore I woulde like to have a usb drive with two partitions: the first with the latest insider build (10130) and bootabel to install this build. On the second partition the windows 10 10240 RTM to upgrade the insider build.
    would this be possible with rufus? creating a dual partition usb drive would be possible with RMPrepUSB (makes the usb drive is not a removable device but is "seen" as a normal harddrive)but I am wondering if Rufus will keep the tiny partition that is needed to make the computer see the usb drive as a normal harddrive instead of a removable drive.

    Reply

    1. Bare in mind this upgrade path will expire near the beginning of October and no I don't know a way, I would advise just making 2 bootable USBs and labelling them accordingly…

      Reply

    2. It worked for me … in September. I just did it!!! Mac Pro, 1,1, and my method I entered but may not have been approved to show up. I installed a random activated OEM Win 7 disk, installed a fresh 10130 beta… then made sure it was using a M$ account. The next upgrade to RTM was done keeping old settings. The beta and the RTM both activated. It's running right now!!!

      Reply

  9. when i try on a mac, the 10130 installed and activated fine.
    but when i tried to update to windows 10 final, it asked for key during the installation stage…with no option to skip. The Back and Next button both grayed out.

    Reply

      1. yeah…i created a microsoft account and made sure i logged in.

  10. They seem to have closed this loophole. Now you can go from 10130 and upgrade install RTM and that works fine and activates. But when you go to clean install RTM it won't activate and says my product key ends in 3V66T, same as Peter.

    Reply

  11. hello, after this you get a win 10 pro key?
    And why you need xp / vista?

    thanks

    Reply

    1. No need for XP or Vista and theres no keys for the free upgrade, your devices hardware profile is registered with a Microsoft Product Activation server as explained.

      Upon reinstallation skip any prompts for Product Keys and your devices hardware profile will automatically be resubmitted and Windows 10 Pro will automatically reactivate.

      Reply

  12. I have a valid copy of Win 7 pro on mt Dell E1705. I did sign up for the upgrade but got a message saying My laptop cannot be upgraded to Win 10 because Dell has not made the ATI Mobility Radeon X1400 display compatible with windows 10. How can I get around this? i am stuck with my win 7 pro and cant get the upgrade because of the stupid ATI Mobility Radian X1400. Dell wont create a compatible display driver. Help please

    My other laptop same e1705 had win XP and it upgrade to Win 10 using the method above – 10130. All I need now is to run the 10240 and get Win 10 pro. The computer with XP uses a different Display driver than the Radian X1400.

    Reply

    1. Not sure not tried the X1400. Have you tried just updating from the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool and ignoring the get Windows 10 App.

      Reply

      1. You are misunderstanding me. The issue I am having is not with upgrading from XP/Vista. I was scheduled to receive the win 10 upgrade for my other computer running a genuine copy of Win 7 Pro. I got the notification that my computer could not get Win 10 upgrade because of the incompatible ATI Radian X1400 Display. I cant find an update from Dell for it.

      2. Here is my other issue with the computer running Win XP Pro SP3. I got the download Win 10 – 10130 and activation yesterday and everything fine. This morning I tried to upgrade using the Win 10 Pro-10240. I will use the USB method because I burned the ISO to DVD and it wont recognize the DVD. However this morning the activation is still OK but its saying i am using an evaluation copy 10130. Is that normal because I thought I was upgrading from Win XP to Win 10.

  13. hello, i mean the key after the clan installation.
    they must be a WIN 10 key in the registry. is this the same key they you post in your manual or is this a new one?

    Reply

    1. Key finders will find a generic product key which is essentially useless for the end user as it cannot be used for manual activation. It will be different from the generic 10130 key. They are mentioned here: http://winaero.com/blog/generic-key-to-install-windows-10-rtm/

      I do not mention them in my guides because they are useless and also mentioning them will result in more end-user confusion and more product activation issues

      Reply

  14. Derek Robson, this is not a Dell issue, but an OEM supplier issue. The problem is that both of the upgraded video card providers, ATI and nVidia, opted at the last minute to not certify a Windows 10 driver for the "premium" video cards that we paid for when we bought our systems. Obviously the "Insider Builds" contained drivers that would work, leading to Microsoft's presumption that these machines would indeed be upgradeable to Windows 10, but the OEMs then declined to certify those same drivers to support what they considered to be "legacy" cards in the Windows 10 RTM version, even though we paid a premium for those same cards back when the systems were purchased, and the "Get Windows 10" app had to renege on our upgrades at the last minute as a consequence. The irony is, of course, that had we settled for the standard "integrated" video system back then, we'd have Windows 10 on our older machines now.

    I've found reports online that, at least in the case of the E1705 with an nVidia Ge Force Go 7900 GS card, like I have, the 64-bit Media Creation Tool version of Windows 10 will install an unsatisfactory 4:3 aspect ratio generic video driver and complete the installation, but that an old Ge Force 7-Series reference driver can subsequently be installed to replace it, resulting in an entirely satisfactory Win 10 environment. In my experience, though, since I have one of the last E1705s with only a 32-bit capable processor, the 32-bit MCT installer will fail at just after the 50% mark (53% on the first attempt, 51% on the second), apparently at the video driver installation point.

    Reply

  15. Thanks for the info. My other E1705 with 32 bit system but 1.66Mhz processor had a regular Intel R family driver and it had the Win XP Pro. Its now upgraded and activated to Win 10 Pro. Thanks for sharing your method. I was going to use the Media Creation Tool with the other E1705 that has the API Radeon X1400 driver, That is the 2,16MHz processor with the Win 7 Pro genuine and activated. This is the one I really wanted to be upgraded. for now I have to be satisfied with the one that completed the upgrade and hope a solution is reached. I may backup or clone the drive and try to see if using the Media Creation Tool will work. Thanks for the feedback.

    Reply

    1. Try a Clean Install of Windows 10130 and the upgrade from 10130 to Windows 10 10240 (Pro) it may be more successful that the upgrade from 7 to Windows 10 (10240).

      Reply

      1. I have four computers and I have two successfully got the win 10 pro upgrade. Is there a limit on upgrades?
        My next question is.
        On one of the upgrades I now have a problem with the start screen. When i hit the start key the start screen used to come across the screen and I could use One Note and the weather app and other apps. After the computer was updated with windows updates when I hit the start button the start menu comes up and not the start screen. Tried several things to get it back but no luck. I am wondering if this is a common issue. Cant find a solution. Computer is OK and still activated

  16. Why does the language have to be English (United States) if the .iso is from an unofficial location?

    Reply

    1. Because the unofficial location only lists the US English .iso and it has no other options…

      As mentioned it is an intermediate step, you can download the proper language during the Clean Reinstall of Windows 10 Pro.

      Reply

  17. I am getting an error while trying to use Rufus. Copying ISO files Error: ISO image extraction failure. What is problem?

    Reply

    1. First of all the .iso is not saved onto the USB but locally on the computers HDD or SSD? I didn't think anyone would but someone reported that error and they had the .iso on the USB that they were trying to format…. I wasted quite a bit of time trying to help them so will mention that as a first check.

      The .iso is likely an incomplete download so try downloading it again or try using a new 8 GB USB flash drive.

      Reply

  18. Understood. from desktop to rufus. using a kingston 16gb usb. will try to download iso again. is there another site? log shows failure as:
    Disc image is an UDF image
    Extracting: J:\autorun.inf (43 bytes)
    Extracting: J:\boot\bcd (256 KB)
    Extracting: J:\boot\boot.sdi (3 MB)
    Extracting: J:\boot\bootfix.bin (1 KB)
    Extracting: J:\boot\bootsect.exe (94.0 KB)
    Extracting: J:\boot\en-us\bootsect.exe.mui (16.5 KB)
    Error reading UDF file /boot/en-us/bootsect.exe.mui
    Could not open GUID volume '\\?\Volume{706fadda-71e2-11e1-880e-000000000000}': [0x00000005] Access is denied.

    Reply

  19. Hi, the product key does not work for 32 bit clean installation.of the 10130 build. Can you advise?

    Reply

      1. Thanks much. I am going to try again reinstalling the 10130 build 32bit version.

  20. i tried your steps on my inspiron.
    -installed 10130
    -activated using generic key
    -logged in using ms account
    -install 10240 by running setup from desktop

    BUT……the windows setup is asking for product key!!! and there is no option to skip. Only back and next button but both greyed out.

    any advise?

    Reply

    1. Did you download a .iso and make a bootable USB, if so did you download the Pro .iso?

      Launch the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool on the Windows 10130 Desktop.

      Reply

      1. oops look like i downloaded the home version. pro version work and activated fine.

        unfortunately speaker has no sound even though the drivers all show as working fine.

        sounds work thru headphones tho.

        any help on this?

  21. Great video and tutorial. You are much appreciated. I was wondering is this for Dell pc's only? I've tried this on 2 Toshiba laptops. a U305, c2d-2.0ghz,4gb ram, and a A105-c2d,2.0ghz,2gb ram. Both have vista 32bt. I've dnld both win10 files on 3 laptops, burned the file from each laptop,(both 32 and x64 version) also on a sony dvdrw, and hp dvdrw, also on 2 different 8gb usb flash drives per your instructions(yes, I tried it a total of 10 times now in 2 days) and everytime I try to boot with disc or usb(changed boot options correctly) the win10 logo comes up, hdd led on both laptops blinks like its loadiing for about 5 mins then then both laptops reboot in and do the same thing over and over in a loop and win10 never installs. Any ideas. There is no way that 2 dvdrw discs and 2 8gb flash drives are all bad. BTW the 3rd laptop I used to download and burn the iso files, has win 10 pro on it already.

    Reply

    1. Oh and I tried this with the win 10 10122 version and it installed fine. So why doesn't the 10130 version install?

      Reply

      1. Does the 32 Bit disk boot in the laptop that already has Windows 10?

        What happens if you run the 10130 as an update in the Windows 10122 desktop?

        Do these systems have the latest BIOS installed?

        What size are the .iso files you downloaded?

        This guide should work in non-Dells.

  22. Thanx for your reply. I found out my flash drives are a problem. They are older Sandisk Cruzer flash drives which cannot be used as a boot drive(which explains why I got a 3 pack 8gb of them for only $16+ freeship a couple years ago), and the dvd drive in my U305 is going bad(I burned the disc in this drive 2x). I'll run diag on A105 dvd drive to ensure it's ok
    Yes all bios updated to latest versions,
    3,819,754 kb for win10 x64, 2,816,192 kb win10 x86.
    Never tried to run 10130 as an update in 10122, I'll try that next.
    My 2 win10 and 1 win7 laptops all 3 will boot with the cd I burned and the A105 will boot with 10122 32bit but not 10130 32 or 64 versions. I'll check if there's a firmware update for the drive in the A105 and see if that helps. I'll post back my results.

    Reply

  23. I want to correct you a bit on this one, the activation you get by this method is not the same as upgrading from Windows 7 / 8.1 followed by clean install. Yes, your hardware hash is registered as genuine Windows 10 hence you'll retain activation on clean installs but you are on the Insider channel, so you'll remain activated as long as you keep on upgrading to newer builds. Even though non insiders too cant defer updates indefinitely and will be forced upgraded when you connect to the internet, however, in a scenario where you don't connect to the net or use the metered connection trick to avoid updates, non insiders can keep using their PC indefinitely without updating to newer builds while in case you upgraded to RTM via this method your build will be ultimately time bombed and you'll need to update to continue. Not a big deal though as in normal circumstances you'll never be without net for that long to get time-bombed.

    Reply

    1. Actually you aren't on the Insider Preview, if you Clean Install Windows 10 Pro on the device. Look at the Windows Update settings. Get Insider Builds is not enabled.

      Reply

      1. What does slmgr -xpr give? Could you try increasing the system date by a couple of years to 2017 and report if it nags for any update or is time-bombed? I just wanna be sure before i take the plunge. Thanx.

  24. I have four computers and I have two successfully got the win 10 pro upgrade. Is there a limit on upgrades?
    My next question is.
    On one of the upgrades I now have a problem with the start screen. When i hit the start key the start screen used to come across the screen and I could use One Note and the weather app and other apps. After the computer was updated with windows updates when I hit the start button the start menu comes up and not the start screen. Tried several things to get it back but no luck. I am wondering if this is a common issue. Cant find a solution. Computer is OK and still activated

    Reply

  25. One Inspiron E1705 and HP G72 259WM already done.
    The other Inspiron with the Radeon X1400 display driver may not be able to be upgraded. We spoke about that one before.
    The last one is the Dell Studio 1737 64 Bit with Win 7 Pro. This is my next project and I will start from scratch with the 10130 clean install. This should work.
    My main issue now is getting my start screen back when I hit the start button on the HP laptop. Only the start menu pops up on the screen. The start screen with the various aps used to pop up but not anymore.

    Reply

    1. Theres no point in using the 10130 for the Studio 1737, you can upgrade directly from its Windows 7 Pro license.

      Start Menu > Settings > Personalise > Start (on the menu in the left near the bottom) > Enable Full Start

      Reply

  26. Hi Philip, have you run across some XP machines built in 2003 that after 10130 scanned the system and would not boot further?

    Reply

    1. The earliest I've tried is 2006 Latitudes with Intel 945GM graphics. Even for Desktops 2003 hardware is pushing it and I don't expect much success. What are the make/models of your systems?

      Reply

      1. It was a Sony desktop model RS7xx built in late 2004 early 2005 with American Megatrend motherboard and a AMD/ATI 3xxx graphic card. It is funny 10130 recognised the RB series desktop with the same processor configurations and a slightly different motherboard. whilst for the RS series, 10130 refused to boot. I was wondering that might be a way to get around. Perhaps you know?

      2. Not that I know of… I've not tried anything that old. If the system is critical for you my advice would be to get a second hand OptiPlex 760 or 780 from eBay… These are really cheap now (~£40) and even the base configurations will be significantly superior to that Sony Desktop.

  27. @philipyip
    Thanks for the instructions, I have a few corrections (enhancements) discovered after performing this several times on various computers.
    A) A Microsoft Account is not required at any point, After the 10130 install I usually log in with a temporary local account. After the 10240 (RTM) install I again login with a local account. Activates with no problems.
    B) No need to retain any accounts/apps/data on the upgrade from 10130 to 10240.
    C) After the upgrade from 10130 to 10240, Windows is only activated after a login (local or microsoft account). Entering audit mode (CTRL+SHIFT+F3) before first login will show the computer as not activated.
    D) Older systems will tend to get a generic display driver (Microsoft Basic Display Adapter) that may not recognize the full resolution of the display. To correct this go to Microsoft Update Catalog (https://catalog.update.microsoft.com) and search using the VEN (vendor) and DEV (device) string for the device which can be obtained by looking at the properties of the device under device manager (e.g. \VEN_8086&DEV_0166). Download the latest available driver for the device (likely for a previous OS) checking to make sure you have the correct bit version (32-bit x86, 64-bit AMD64). The driver will be provided as a CAB file which can be extracted using 7zip. Use the extracted files to update the driver for the device.
    The same method can be used for other devices that were not recognized by Windows 10 (e.g. network, audio etc.). This method (as opposed to obtaining drivers from device manufacturers) has the advantage that the drivers will survive a Windows 10 reset, presumably because they are Microsoft signed drivers.

    Reply

    1. A-C I'm sure I had activation issues without the Microsoft Account or perhaps this was only getting 10240 (earlier) via Windows Update (before the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool was released).

      D The Microsoft Update Catalog is a Windows Update Source. If you leave the system alone for half an hour or so Windows update should automatically obtain and update these same drivers. For this reason I didn't mention the additional steps you mentioned. Also due to the complications of Edge being incompatible with the Windows update Catalog and prompting to use Internet Explorer. I do have this guide:
      http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/checking-hardware-ids-in-the-device-manager/
      And this guide:
      http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/downloading-drivers-checking-hardware-ids-and-downloading-and-installing-dell-system-drivers-in-the-correct-order/the-microsoft-update-catalog/
      The second one using the Microsoft Update Catalog isn't very popular however.

      Reply

      1. I had some old Dell Latitude D810s and D820s. W10 didn't catch the display drivers even after it claimed the system was up to date. Finding the drivers in the Microsoft Update Catalog resolved the issue. I don't think W10 installed them automatically as they were listed for earlier gen operating systems.

      2. Not sure about the Latitude D810 especially if it has the Intel variant (which should be incompatible with Windows 8.1/10) but I know for the Latitude D820 the Intel Video automatically updated but I had to leave the system online and idle for 30 minutes or so.

    1. Unfortunately I can't Microsoft removed the direct download links and thats the only reliable unofficial source I've found.

      Reply

  29. Your reply "Start Menu > Settings > Personalise > Start (on the menu in the left near the bottom) > Enable Full Start"
    That was the first thing I tried and no luck. I even checked the other computer that is still showing the start screen and it has it turned off yet when you hit the start button the screen is displayed. I don't know why the 64 bit version stopped showing the start screen. The menu it shows has a modern app drop down arrow when you open it it shows all the apps that are normally on the start screen. It just not displaying the screen. To get those functions its takes more steps taking away the convenience and productivity. Wish I could fix it.

    Reply

  30. Hi,
    I follow your instructions and all seems OK. But also new activation key is same as microsoft's temporary key. Like; VK7JG-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-3V66T

    Is this a problem ?

    Reply

    1. The activation mechanism is device based for all the systems upgraded from Windows 7, 8.1 and 10130. There is no product key for the Windows 10 Upgrade. Key finder programs will give you the generic key.

      Reply

  31. I am getting kicked out from entering Microsoft catalog update. Warning is this site is Un-trusted. i ignored it but still getting kicked-out.

    Reply

  32. OH! I was using Firefox changed to IE and its fine. Thank you.
    My next question question may have been answered but I didn't see anyone asked it. Now that I have three of my four laptops with Windows 10 Pro, do i still have to use Microsoft login every time I use the computers? Can i change for a new login password? What about using a PIN number?

    Reply

  34. Just downloaded the 10130 iso build from getintopc and the 32 bit file size is significantly larger than what is published here: 2,883,780 KB according to my machine vs the 2,816,192 KB published on this page.

    Reply

      1. Worked anyway. Just installed 10130 on an unused comp to be cautious and switched right over to the full version.

        Thanks for all your work on this.

  35. I have Dell inspiron 6400 with XP, can I install Win 10 following the given tutorial? I am not sure it will work on my dell since I was not able to upgrade to Win 7 recently because the bootable drive can not change from c: although change has been made thru F2 and F12.

    Reply

    1. What do you mean? That system can boot from a USB without any issues.

      I have had one of them running Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1 without any issues.

      Do you have BIOS revision A17?

      Reply

  36. I suppose it is not 64-bit compatible, In advanced system information it says "computer based on X86" or something similar (I´m translating from spanish) and in the main system page "System: 32-bit operating system". What do you think?
    I have a Dell XPS M1730 laptop, Windows Vista Home Premium v.6.0.6002 SP2, 32-bit
    Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU T9500 @ 2.60 GHz 2.60 GHz, Memory (RAM): 4GB
    NVIDIA Geforce 9800M GTX (1GB), NVIDIA Geforce 9800M GTX (1GB)

    Do you think it will work fine with Windows 10 Pro? 32-bit if, from the information above, it is confirmed that it is not compatible with 64-bit.
    Could you please advice me?
    Thank you,

    Reply

    1. Sorry, I forgot to mention the HD total capacity in C:\ 285 GB and Recovery D:\ 9.99 GB.

      Reply

    2. It is 64 Bit compatible:
      http://ark.intel.com/products/33918/Intel-Core2-Duo-Processor-T9500-6M-Cache-2_60-GHz-800-MHz-FSB
      However you could do with installing more RAM.

      It may be harder to setup a system with a NVIDIA card than a system with Intel onboard graphics:
      http://nvidia.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3710/~/which-nvidia-gpus-are-supported-in-windows-10%3F

      There has been numerous problems with NVIDIA hardware but I think Windows Update is likely to get the graphics driver for that system automatically. In any case make sure you have a backup before proceeding:
      http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/backing-up-your-windows-installation-using-acronis/

      Reply

    3. any luck? i have same laptop .. i want to upgrade vista but not sure what to upgrade it to
      thanks

      Reply

  37. Do I have to do anything to change it to 64-bit or if I install the 64-bit it will be changed automatically?
    Thank you

    Reply

  38. Hi, I'm a bit confused here. After I done 10130 and upgraded to 10240, can I use the Recovery Drive to install the OS on another Hard Disk? or I need to do the path from 10130 to 10240 again?

    When I use the Recovery to reinstall, will it wipe my whole disk or can I choose to only wipe my OS partition? assuming I have C: (OS) and D: (data).

    What happens if I change my motherboard/swap out my CPU, will I need to reinstall again (using the same 10130 to 10240 path?)

    Also will this installation let me choose 32bit/64bit? as I plan to use 32bit for an older system while my new PC uses 64bit.

    Thanks.

    Reply

      1. So should I use this guide http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/download-windows-10-oem-and-retail-iso/ or the 10130 to 10240 path for another new Device?

        Can I use a disk image clone to restore the OS partition with it in the future? as I want to save the OS image with all drivers and necessary apps installed.

        Also is there no way to download the files for “Upgrade this PC Now” offline to avoid using bandwidth on another Device? cant pause or resume too it seems..

  39. Clean 10130, register, download 10pro iso, inlaceupdate from desktop (!) Top!

    Reply

  40. Helle Philip,

    First off thanks for the guide, i got to the point where I activated the key. But now it says I have installed a Windows 10 Pro Insider Preview and windows is not yet activated.

    Reply

  41. read through this guide but could not find answer. should this work on a Lenovo ideapad y410p? I have both the 10130 and 10240 iso and they installed fine on a hp9600. But when I boot from the 10130 iso usb the Lenovo shows the windows icon with the spinning motion but after about a minute the screen goes dark and nothing.

    Reply

  43. hello Philip,
    read through this guide but could not find answer. should this work on a Lenovo ideapad y410p? I have both the 10130 and 10240 iso and they installed fine on a hp9600. But when I boot from the 10130 iso usb the Lenovo shows the windows icon with the spinning motion but after about a minute the screen goes dark and nothing.

    Reply

  44. thanks for the reply,
    only bios updates I could find were for later editions of windows and not Vista. strange thing is that the 10240 iso would boot from usb (understand I need 10130 as initial) and both were format the same by Rufus. Could it be a bios setting to start boot in legacy mode? maybe I should try to redo the 10130 iso?

    Reply

  45. Hi. Tried today to install build 10130 it says that the version is already expired asking me to download the latest version. In other words i can no longer activate the beta. How this is possible?

    Reply

    1. Thanks for letting me know, I suspected this would happen soon. Activation via the command prompt still works however and the guide is updated.

      Reply

      1. Good to know that prompt activation works. Anyway, it seems that MS marks the copy as expired by applying some update when you connect to the internet. I've managed to solve the problem following these steps:

        1. At the 1st win startup, do not connect to internet and keep wi-fi off
        2. During the installation procedure, set up a local account
        3. Go to System and start the activation procedure. Type the generic key, go ahead but stop on the last step, when you should click Next the last time.
        4. Connect to the wifi
        5. Suddenly click "Next": build 10130 should activate correctly

        Now, before to upgrade to 10240, be sure to change the user account and login with a valid MS account (@outlook, etc…). I did not try to update from a local account, but i didn't want to risk.

        Download the Media Creation Tool and upgrade.

        At the end of the procedure, you can make a clean install with any WIN 10 Pro image, without the need of a key, by just skipping any request: the pc hardware profile is listed on MS Servers and the clean installation will be activated seamlessy. At this point, you don't need to keep a MS account, as it works even by just setting up a Local account.

      2. It worked for me with the normal install of 10130 with a local account. Then I carried out product activation via the command prompt. Then I began the install from the .iso (in a VM, a Bootable USB in actual hardware) and it installed and activated without any issues.

  46. Hello, thank you for this guide, when I tried to run "slmgr /ato" I received the "Error: 0x80072EE7 On a computer running Microsoft Windows non-core edition, run 'slui.exe 0x2a 0x80072EE7' to display the error text", do you know how it can be solved since I can activate It? Thanks

    Reply

    1. You are on the Windows Insider Preview 10130? What does it say in System? Did you manage to input the product key?

      Reply

      1. Hello, yes I have installed the 10130 build downloaded fromunoficial location, followed the steps and have been able to input the key, after this I have tried to activate it with slmgr /ato but the error described above shows up, I am trying this on a Hp DV3510nr thank you

      2. Hello again, sorry it was my bad since I did not have on my wifi on… I now have an activated 10130 and working for the windows10 pro, thank you!,

  48. I'm a bit confused with the final step
    I've completed the steps and now have Win 10 Pro. I want to create a boot USB because the Optical Drive on the PC has been destroyed. Can I create a boot USB with Rufus for successful Clean Re-Installation of Win 10 Pro? Or will I risk wiping 10130 Installation per your notes on the section below?

    "You can use the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool to upgrade your Windows 10130 to Windows Pro or alternatively download and create Windows 10 Installation Media.
    •Download Windows 10 Pro .iso and make Windows 10 Installation Media – Recommended
    •Windows 10130 → Windows 10240 (Upgrade) – This will only give you US English if you used the Unofficial 10130 English US .iso

    Note if you make the Installation Media it must be ran via the Windows 10130 Desktop and not via Legacy BIOS/UEFI BIOS otherwise it will wipe the 10130 installation and leave you with an unactivated product.

    After the initial upgrade to Windows 10 Pro it is advised to make Windows 10 Installation Media and to wipe your drive and clean reinstall."

    Reply

    1. If 10240 (Pro) has already installed and activated you should be able to Clean Reinstall Windows 10 from the Bootable USB (via BIOS). Your product should automatically be reativated.

      Reply

  49. Thank You very very much, it's working, i've applied it for two devices, there weren't any troubles, all went easy and successfully.

    Reply

  50. Tried clean install of 10130 on my old Inspiron 510m (Pentium M, 2GB RAM) but can't make it boot from USB or from DVD drive.

    Any suggestions?

    Reply

    1. You can replace the CD drive with a CD/DVD drive but I wouldn't recommend it. That hardwares too old to run Windows 10 well.

      Reply

  51. Is there a similar upgrade path from XP Home Premium /Vista Home Premium to Windows 10 Home?

    Reply

    1. No the Windows Insider Preview 10130 will take you to Windows 10 Pro only. Use this upgrade path, theres no advantage to Home over Pro.

      Reply

  52. i have E6400 laptop, but my HDD was destroyed. so I bought a new one and Im trying to install windows on it with your manual. I did everything as it is in the manual, but when I type in product key, I got error code 0xc004f050 only. can anybody help me please ???

    Reply

    1. and Ive also got this window: activating windows professional edition….
      Error: 0x80072EE7 On a computer running microsoft windows non-core edition run slui.exe 0x2a 0x80072EE7 to display the error text

      Reply

      2. I got this error code, too. Turns out I had internet connection problems. Connecting to a more stable internet connection solved it for me.

  53. Thank you very much for this how to. It works perfectly. I was able to update 2 Vista machines( a Toshiba laptop and a Dell Inspiron desktop )using your info. One with the original info and one with your update involving the manual activation of the 10130 build. Best how to I have every used! 100% accurate. Again, thank you.

    Reply

  54. Phillip,
    I tried again on the Lenovo y410p with reformatted rufus 10130 iso but still starts with the windows logo and the spinning dots but nothing from there.. I even did it with a dvd boot iso and ejected where I could install in repair mode(safe mode). It actually was working until it got to 66% and stopped. Tried to repair from there but no solution. Guess it may be like the other comment you made on the Inpiron hardware being too old. Funny though how the 10240 boots from usb and clean installs but just cant activate. Any other thoughts?
    I also wanted to comment how easy your tutorial was to follow. Great work in helping others, will come back again.

    Reply

    1. A quick suggestion, try the 10130 32 Bit .iso and see if you can use it to upgrade to Windows 10 Pro 32 Bit (10240).

      Then clean install Windows 10 Pro 64 Bit (10240).

      Reply

  55. It was the 32 bit on both iso. The HP DV9620 that successfully installed and the Lenovo that didn't are both only capable of 32 bit installs best I know. Do you think the 10130 iso 64 bit might work?

    Reply

    1. From the specifications here the Lenovo Y410p should have came with 64 Bit Windows 8.1 so 64 Bit Windows 10 should work fine.

      Reply

  56. Is October 2nd 2015 the last day for 10130 installation? Did MS extend the date?
    Thanks

    Reply

    1. If you press [Windows] and [ r ] then type in winver, you will be told the expiry date. This is the 2nd of October 2015 for 10130.

      I guess 10130 won't activate after this date but we won't know for sure until that date. This is why 10130 should just be used as a stepping stone to get Windows 10 Pro 10240 (which won't expire).

      Reply

      1. I asked because I may get a Dell 1735 on October 7th with no HDD . I have a used HDD ready to install and was planning on using 10130 in order to get win 10 Pro 10240. I guess I have to wait and see. By the way! Do you remember the dilemma I faced with the E1705 with the Radeon x1400 display driver that was not compatible with Win 10 and MS would not auto update my Win 7 pro to win 10 pro ? I just created a new partition and full install 1030 then upgrade to win 10 pro 10240. ind it works. Now I have both win 7 pro and win 10 pro.
        Thank you

  57. Hi Philip i got the error code Error: 0x80072EE7 on Windows Script Host while inputting the key through cmd admin. Can you help me out.

    Reply

  58. Hi Phil et everybody,
    I succed to install windows 10 via 10130 path on 2 laptops (acer-was running vista) and toshiba was running vista. Thanks

    I tried with 3 others, Toshiba M40 (running XP), HP pavillon a6500f (vista) and lenovo M57p type 6073(vista) without success. I can see the Windows 10 logo from the 10130 ISO disk, but that is stuck there forever? Any idea? Thanks

    Reply

    1. Do they all have the latest BIOS updates?

      The Toshiba M40 is very poor, a 2004 laptop. Its not going to be capable of running Windows 10.

      The HP Pavillion A6500f and the Lenovo M57p has the latest BIOS? Have you tried 32 Bit and 64 Bit 10130 on these systems? What video cards do they have?

      Reply

  60. HI after doing this 10130 upgrade how do I upgrade to 10240 do I just ask it to check for updates?

    Reply

  61. Thanks for this tutorial and help for us that have xp/Vista. I finished the 10130 install and did not sign in with my MS account, should I sign in with my MS account before I complete the second part,the pro upgrade, or create a dummy Ms account or not sign in one at all?

    Reply

    1. Yes once you have upgraded to Windows 10 10240 your system is a Windows 10 Pro Device and remains activated indefinitely.

      Reply

  63. Philip, Everything worked… again… even on Oct. 1st. I pulled a mirrored hard drive out of Intel Rapid Store ( RST) and just went through this procedure:
    1. Started with Dell XPS 8500 with pre-installed OEM Windows 8 (it was running 8.1)
    2. I wanted Pro, so I popped in a USB disk with the x64 Windows 10 PRO Preview r10130, en-us.
    3. I did the upgrade, keeping everything. Only problems were the update forgot my static IP due to new driver, and my video was ruined. I installed a Dell video driver from Win 8 found on my hard drive.
    4. Activation was done by commandline, like you show above (Glad to have these steps, I had done a similar thing and had found it elsewhere back in September)
    5. I immediately popped in the RTM DVD I had prepared back in July or August with Win 10 Pro 10240.
    6. As soon update was completed and I logged in, the system is activated with Win 10 Pro.
    7. Hopefully RST will accept my old broken mirror hard disk and it will boot Win10 not Win8! LOL!

    That's my 2nd system to use this method. I still may try a VM upgrade from WinXP SP3!!

    Reply

  64. BTW, AWESOME tip on using a local account. That saved time and headache from the last install where you recommended it. I already had a 10240 disk, anyway.

    Reply

    1. Hi guys,
      Got my 10240 activated. However after upgrade it from desktop ..i got deactivated again.
      Reformat hardisk, reinstall Vista, did 10240 via boot as what i did previously, but this time around, no luck….tried activate 10240 via command line…but it keep said failed to activate, was online. 🙁

      Reply

  65. Hi guys,
    Got my 10130 activated. However after upgrade it from desktop ..i got deactivated again.
    Reformat hardisk, reinstall Vista, did 10130 via boot as what i did previously, but this time around, no luck…tried activate 10240 via command line…but it keep said failed to activate, was online. 🙁

    Reply

  66. Winver says, that my freshly installed build 10130:
    Evaluation Copy. Expires 10/1/2015 4:59 PM

    🙁

    Reply

      1. In my time zone it was in the past. But after trick with disconnecting the Internet and changing time in BIOS windows is activated. Windows set time during activation 3 hours before deadline.