
This means that you’ll have to use another computer running Windows 7/8.1/10 for the installation media creation, or you’ll need a third-party tool such as Rufus to create a USB bootable media with the Windows 10 ISO file. You cannot use the Media Creation Tool on Windows Vista or XP to download and create a bootable media. How to upgrade Windows XP or Vista to Windows 10 It costs a little bit of money, but having a backup will ensure you can go back if anything goes wrong.

However, you could try third-party software, such as Macrium Reflect. You could also try to make a full backup, but Windows XP or Windows Vista don’t feature a “reliable” backup tool. How to create a full backup on Windows XP or Vistaīefore moving forward with the upgrade, you want to back up your files to an external drive and ensure you have the installation files and product key to reinstall any software after the upgrade. As such, you’ll be doing a clean installation of the operating system, which will wipe your computer clean, deleting your files, apps, and settings to start from scratch again. There is no direct upgrade path for Windows Vista (or the much older Windows XP) to Windows 10.

How to upgrade to Windows 10 without losing files and appsĪlternatively, users who want to migrate their files, apps, and settings can purchase a copy of Windows 7, upgrade their current installation, and only then upgrade to Windows 10. How to upgrade Windows XP or Vista to Windows 10.

How to create a full backup on Windows XP or Vista.How to upgrade to Windows 10 without losing files and apps.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know before upgrading to Windows 10 and the steps to perform a clean installation of the new operating system. However, you’ll need to perform a few extra steps to create a bootable installation media, back up your data, and perform a clean installation of Windows 10 on your system. Although Microsoft doesn’t offer a direct upgrade path, it’s still possible to upgrade your PC running Windows XP or Windows Vista to Windows 10.
