Should I upgrade to Windows 10 from Win7 Pro or from Windows 8.1 Core?

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bluegreen1

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I have a new Samsung ATIV Book 9 Plus notebook with Windows 8.1 Core. I also have Windows 7 Professional from my old laptop which died a few weeks ago.

I'm thinking it could be a good idea to install Windows 7 Professional in the new Samsung so that it will give me a better upgrade to Windows 10 when it becomes available? I don't have experience upgrading operating systems, so I just want to be sure I'm thinking correctly about this. (I really don't care about not being able to use the touch screen until Windows 10 is available.)

Thanks for any advice.

(I also just looked at the thread: Why Upgrade to Windows 10?, and I see the frustration, but eventually there will be no support for 7... It took a lot of time to set up this new 8.1 laptop, including making it look more like 7 (with Classic Shell among many other tweaks), but now I'm pretty happy with it. The things that would bother me most about 10 would be no Windows Media Center and the possibility of it ever being a subscription service. (I don't do subscriptions or contracts - only prepaid cell phones and no pay TV, ever.))

But that's all beside the point - I'll get Win 10, but will also keep my Win 7 Pro disks, and hopefully learn how to keep Win 8.1 (no disk came w/ PC). I just need to know if it would be better to upgrade from Win 7 Pro or from Win 8.1 Core.

Thanks for reading.
 
Last edited:

My Computer My Computer

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Windows 7 Professional, SP 1, 32 bit; Intel(R...Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU T7300 @ 2.00GHzRAM: 4.00 GB Samsung DIMM DDRGraphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS, 128 Mb
Computer type
Laptop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Dell Vostro 1400
OS
Windows 7 Professional, SP 1, 32 bit; Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU T7300
CPU
Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU T7300 @ 2.00GHz
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Dell Inc., 0TT361
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RAM: 4.00 GB Samsung DIMM DDR
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Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS, 128 Mb
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SigmaTel High Definition Audio CODEC
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Generic PnP Monitor
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Hard Drives: C: Total - 152524 MB, Free - 85322 MB / ST9160821AS
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Standard PS/2 Keyboard
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PS/2 Compatible Mouse
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Avast! Free Antivirus 2015
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Chrome
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Phoenix ROM BIOS PLUS Version 1.10 A09; Laptop Integrated Webcam; PIONEER DVD+/-RW DR-K17Y ATA Device.
As far as I know:

Win 7 Pro will free upgrade to Win 10 Pro

Win 8.1 core will free upgrade to Win 10 Home.

For a garden variety home user, the most significant distinction between 10 Pro and 10 Home may be the way in which "Windows Updates" will be handled. The former will have more control than the latter in at least some circumstances, but the details are unclear as yet. It may be a distinction without a practical difference.

Or you may be an unusual case and need some of the other features offered by 10 Pro.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Home Premium SP1, 64-bitIntel Skylake i5-6600K, not overclocked8 GB HyperX DDR4-2666 (2 x 4 GB)none; graphics are integrated on CPU
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Ignatz Special; 4 speed manual gearbox; factory air conditioning; one of one
OS
Windows 7 Home Premium SP1, 64-bit
CPU
Intel Skylake i5-6600K, not overclocked
Motherboard
AsRock Z170M Extreme 4, micro ATX
Memory
8 GB HyperX DDR4-2666 (2 x 4 GB)
Graphics Card(s)
none; graphics are integrated on CPU
Sound Card
onboard: Realtek ALC1150; external: USB Behringer UF0-202
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell S2340M 23 inch IPS
Screen Resolution
1600 x 900
Hard Drives
System: Crucial MX100 series SSD, 128 GB;
Data: Samsung Spinpoint 103SJ, 1 TB;
Backup: WD Caviar Green WD30EZRX-00D8PB0, 3 TB
PSU
Rosewill SilentNight 500 watt fanless, semi-modular
Case
Antec Solo II
Cooling
Noctua NH-U12S; Noctua F12 intake, Noctua S12A exhaust
Keyboard
Microsoft 200 6JH-00001 USB
Mouse
Dell or Microsoft optical wired; USB
Antivirus
Microsoft Security Essentials and Malwarebytes Premium
Browser
Pale Moon
Other Info
All fans PWM; speeds at idle: CPU circa 500 rpm; intake circa 600 rpm; exhaust circa 600 rpm; CPU temps 27 idle and 47 C load in a warm room (27 C/81 F) when running Intel Extreme Tuning Utility stress test.
No way would I waste my Windows 7 license on 10, upgrade Windows 8.1
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 10 Pro x64Intel Core i7 6700KGSkill TridentZ RGB 16GB 3600 16-16-16-36EVGA GTX 980 Ti SC x2
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Skylake Special #666
OS
Windows 10 Pro x64
CPU
Intel Core i7 6700K
Motherboard
Asus Sabertooth Z170 Mark 1
Memory
GSkill TridentZ RGB 16GB 3600 16-16-16-36
Graphics Card(s)
EVGA GTX 980 Ti SC x2
Sound Card
Realtek High Definition
Monitor(s) Displays
AOC G2460PG
Screen Resolution
1920 x 1080 144Hz
Hard Drives
Samsung 860 Pro 256GB, Seagate Barracuda 4TB x2
PSU
EVGA 1000 P2, EVGA White Custom Braided Cables
Case
Corsair Vengeance C70 Gunmetal Black
Cooling
Corsair H100i v2, Corsair ML120 x2, Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut
Keyboard
Logitech G910 Orion Spectrum
Mouse
Logitech G700s
Internet Speed
Verizon Fios Quantum Gateway 75/75
Antivirus
Windows Defender, Malwarebytes Free 3.8.3
Browser
Chrome
Other Info
Corsair SP120 x4, LG Blu-ray Drive, Durabrand HT-395 100 Watt Dolby Digital Amp, Corsair H2100 Wireless 7.1 Headset
Thanks to both of you. I actually have two Win 7 Pro licenses (and disks); the 2nd one is from an old netbook. But from what ignatzatsonic is saying, it maybe doesn't make much difference which version of 10 I get. I did have Vista Home Premium before I had Windows 7 Pro, and I didn't really see much effective difference between having Home Premium (with Vista) and having Pro (7) later on with newer machines. So, since I have an extra 7 license, is there any reason at all that I should consider upgrading from 7? It seems that there isn't, unless I'm missing something?

Thanks again.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Professional, SP 1, 32 bit; Intel(R...Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU T7300 @ 2.00GHzRAM: 4.00 GB Samsung DIMM DDRGraphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS, 128 Mb
Computer type
Laptop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Dell Vostro 1400
OS
Windows 7 Professional, SP 1, 32 bit; Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU T7300
CPU
Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU T7300 @ 2.00GHz
Motherboard
Dell Inc., 0TT361
Memory
RAM: 4.00 GB Samsung DIMM DDR
Graphics Card(s)
Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS, 128 Mb
Sound Card
SigmaTel High Definition Audio CODEC
Monitor(s) Displays
Generic PnP Monitor
Hard Drives
Hard Drives: C: Total - 152524 MB, Free - 85322 MB / ST9160821AS
Keyboard
Standard PS/2 Keyboard
Mouse
PS/2 Compatible Mouse
Antivirus
Avast! Free Antivirus 2015
Browser
Chrome
Other Info
Phoenix ROM BIOS PLUS Version 1.10 A09; Laptop Integrated Webcam; PIONEER DVD+/-RW DR-K17Y ATA Device.
On Windows 7 one of the main differences between Home and Pro is how much memory you can use. But, that may not be an issue for you either.

But, FWIW, I'll be upgrading my Win 8.1 Pro systems to Win 10. I won't be upgrading my Win 7 system because of an RS232C interface application (my Wife's Singer Embroidery Machine) that won't run on Win 8/8.1. I have Win 10 Preview installed on a separate hard drive and my recording studio software (Sonar) and hardware has tested out on Win 10, which was my main concern.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 10 64 bitIntel i7 6700K16GB Corsair DominatorIntel CPU Graphics
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
My Own Build
OS
Windows 10 64 bit
CPU
Intel i7 6700K
Motherboard
ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Hero
Memory
16GB Corsair Dominator
Graphics Card(s)
Intel CPU Graphics
Sound Card
RealTek
Monitor(s) Displays
27" Dell S2719dgf
Screen Resolution
2560X1440
Hard Drives
1 TB Samsung 850 EVO SSD for Win 10 Pro
500GB Samsung 850 EVO SSD for Win 10 Insider
2 TB drive for backup
PSU
EVGA Supernova 750G2
Case
BeQuiet Silent Base 600
Cooling
Deepcool Captain 120EX
Keyboard
Microsoft Wireless 2000
Mouse
Microsoft wireless
Internet Speed
100 MB/sec (Cable)
Antivirus
Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes
Browser
Edge/Firefox
Other Info
Cakewalk (Sonar) by BandLab and Studio One 4.1 Pro recording studio software. MOTU 896Mk3 Hybrid recording interface, Frontier Tranzport wireless control unit, Behringer X-Touch Control Surface.
Five USB connected optical drives for CD Audio production using Nero BurningROM
fireberd said:
On Windows 7 one of the main differences between Home and Pro is how much memory you can use. But, that may not be an issue for you either.

But, FWIW, I'll be upgrading my Win 8.1 Pro systems to Win 10. I won't be upgrading my Win 7 system because of an RS232C interface application (my Wife's Singer Embroidery Machine) that won't run on Win 8/8.1. I have Win 10 Preview installed on a separate hard drive and my recording studio software (Sonar) and hardware has tested out on Win 10, which was my main concern.
Click to expand...

Fireberd, How can Pro use more memory than Home? I thought that was determined by the architecture x86 (sometimes called 32 bit) and 64 bit.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

W10 32 bit, XUbuntu 18.xx 64 bitIntel(R) Celeron(R) CPU G1620T @ 2.40GHz, 240...4GBIntel HD graphics
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Dell All in one Inspiron 2020
OS
W10 32 bit, XUbuntu 18.xx 64 bit
CPU
Intel(R) Celeron(R) CPU G1620T @ 2.40GHz, 2400 Mhz
Motherboard
Dell
Memory
4GB
Graphics Card(s)
Intel HD graphics
Sound Card
High Definition Audio Device
Monitor(s) Displays
20 inch Screen
Screen Resolution
W7=1280 x 720 & Linux Mint Xfce=1360 x 768
Hard Drives
500 GB hard drive
Keyboard
Usb
Mouse
Usb
Internet Speed
High-Speed
Antivirus
MSE
Browser
Main Browser Firefox
Other Info
I have done a clean install of Windows 7 using Dell re-installation disk (Dell sent me one). I also use Free Macrium reflect backup and restore.
groze said:
Fireberd, How can Pro use more memory than Home? I thought that was determined by the architecture x86 (sometimes called 32 bit) and 64 bit.
Click to expand...

Win 7 Home Premium can use a maximum of 16 GB.

Win 7 Pro can use a maximum 128 GB if I recall correctly.

That's an OS limit, irrespective of 32/64 bit.

I think Win 10 Home has a higher limit; haven't checked lately.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Home Premium SP1, 64-bitIntel Skylake i5-6600K, not overclocked8 GB HyperX DDR4-2666 (2 x 4 GB)none; graphics are integrated on CPU
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Ignatz Special; 4 speed manual gearbox; factory air conditioning; one of one
OS
Windows 7 Home Premium SP1, 64-bit
CPU
Intel Skylake i5-6600K, not overclocked
Motherboard
AsRock Z170M Extreme 4, micro ATX
Memory
8 GB HyperX DDR4-2666 (2 x 4 GB)
Graphics Card(s)
none; graphics are integrated on CPU
Sound Card
onboard: Realtek ALC1150; external: USB Behringer UF0-202
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell S2340M 23 inch IPS
Screen Resolution
1600 x 900
Hard Drives
System: Crucial MX100 series SSD, 128 GB;
Data: Samsung Spinpoint 103SJ, 1 TB;
Backup: WD Caviar Green WD30EZRX-00D8PB0, 3 TB
PSU
Rosewill SilentNight 500 watt fanless, semi-modular
Case
Antec Solo II
Cooling
Noctua NH-U12S; Noctua F12 intake, Noctua S12A exhaust
Keyboard
Microsoft 200 6JH-00001 USB
Mouse
Dell or Microsoft optical wired; USB
Antivirus
Microsoft Security Essentials and Malwarebytes Premium
Browser
Pale Moon
Other Info
All fans PWM; speeds at idle: CPU circa 500 rpm; intake circa 600 rpm; exhaust circa 600 rpm; CPU temps 27 idle and 47 C load in a warm room (27 C/81 F) when running Intel Extreme Tuning Utility stress test.
Thanks for clarifying the RAM. I should have done that.

Jack
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 10 64 bitIntel i7 6700K16GB Corsair DominatorIntel CPU Graphics
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
My Own Build
OS
Windows 10 64 bit
CPU
Intel i7 6700K
Motherboard
ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Hero
Memory
16GB Corsair Dominator
Graphics Card(s)
Intel CPU Graphics
Sound Card
RealTek
Monitor(s) Displays
27" Dell S2719dgf
Screen Resolution
2560X1440
Hard Drives
1 TB Samsung 850 EVO SSD for Win 10 Pro
500GB Samsung 850 EVO SSD for Win 10 Insider
2 TB drive for backup
PSU
EVGA Supernova 750G2
Case
BeQuiet Silent Base 600
Cooling
Deepcool Captain 120EX
Keyboard
Microsoft Wireless 2000
Mouse
Microsoft wireless
Internet Speed
100 MB/sec (Cable)
Antivirus
Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes
Browser
Edge/Firefox
Other Info
Cakewalk (Sonar) by BandLab and Studio One 4.1 Pro recording studio software. MOTU 896Mk3 Hybrid recording interface, Frontier Tranzport wireless control unit, Behringer X-Touch Control Surface.
Five USB connected optical drives for CD Audio production using Nero BurningROM
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