Changing from Windows 7 to Windows 10

[breadcrumb]

I am a VERY basic novice about computers, so when answering PLEASE keep that in mind! 
I have a Dell Optiplex 780 desktop pc. It had 4GB RAM and a 64 bit Operating system. It currently has Windows 7 Professional on it. Since they are finishing up with Win. 7 in January, I thought that instead of buying another pc (I always buy refurbished ones), that I would buy and install Windows 10 and put it on it. However, I have NO IDEA what all I need to do! I don't know how to uninstall windows 7 (is it even necessary?) if I get Win. 10? Is it just a matter of just getting the Windows 10 disc and following any instructions or what? I hate to chuck my current pc as it is really a good one, but in my case, should I just retire it and get another used pc with Win. 10 on it already instally. HELP!
Thank you!
bc

[DaveLembke]

I thought that instead of buying another pc (I always buy refurbished ones), that I would buy and install Windows 10 and put it on it.

There are refurb computers out there that come with Windows 10 which may be a better bargain than buying the OS alone. The OS alone is like $140 for Windows 10 Home. You could keep your Windows 7 system just the way it is and buy a refurb computer for $140 or less that comes with Windows 10 and have two computers. 

Its been a while since I bought an OS alone as its more of a bargain anymore to buy a computer with the OS you want already on it. Last OS purchase for me was when Microsoft had the 3-license Windows 7 packages which was a bargain to upgrade 3 computers to 7 from XP or Vista for like $150.

For example this system here is a good deal for the price:
https://www.newegg.com/hp-compaq-pro-6300-student-home-office/p/1VK-001E-0AC39?Item=9SIABX79J22306

HP Compaq Pro 6300 Computer PC Core i5-3470 Quad-Core CPU (3.2 Ghz) 4GB DDR3 RAM 250GB HDD DVD-ROM Windows 10 64-bit

Intel Core i5 3rd Gen 3470 (3.20 GHz)
• 4 GB DDR3 250 GB HDD
• Windows 10 Home
• DVD-ROM
• 1 Year Warranty
• Intel HD Graphics

$129.99

[breadcrumb]

I really appreciate the info! Many thanks for taking the time to answer me! Have a great week!
bc

[Geek-9pm]

DaveLembke is right.
Buy a refurbished Dell with Windows 10 already installed.
Thereafter e you will have two computers.
Windows 7 will continue to be useful.

Windows 7 support will end on January 14, 2020. If you continue to use Windows 7 after support has ended, your PC will still work, but it will become more vulnerable to security risks and viruses because you will no longer receive software updates, including security updates, from Microsoft.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4467761/windows-what-happens-when-windows-7-support-ends
But major anti malware programs  will continue to protect you. 
I use both Windows 7 and Windows 10.

[strollin]

There is no need to purchase Win 10 or to purchase another computer.  Your current Win 7 computer can be upgraded to Win 10 for free using the MS Media Creation tool.  https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

[breadcrumb]

I looked at the link you suggested and it says I need a license. All I have on hand is the Microsoft windows 7 Professional 64 Bit which includes Service Pack 1 recovery disc. How do I know if I have a license? I told you I am ignorant and wish I wasn't! Thanks!
bc

[patio]

See Here...

[breadcrumb]

Ummm...is the product ID what I am looking for? I found it if it is...thanks

[patio]

Yes...it's  5 sets of numbers...if you have that yer good to go...

Note...backup any data you need before proceeding.

And do not worry about your lack of experience with these things...it's what we're here for...

[breadcrumb]

The product ID I have is as shown xxxxx scccvvv jjpp[[
 so it is not listed as 5 sets of numbers.
And thanks a bunch!

Key code removed...

[H4ckRn00b]

Yes, you would need an activation code for Windows 10, it looks like this XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX

However you CAN use Windows 10 un-activated. This means that you can use your computer, but that you can't personalize it. Like having a family photos as your desktop background, and changing the colors etc. I think you can choose some sounds (like the Windows TaaDaa!), or go mute, but some settings will reset to defaults everytime you reboot. However, if you wanna shell out t $140,- you can get all those niceties.

The main stuff, like watching movies, surfing the net, sent mails, nurtering your MP3 collection .... you can do that, no problem.

So, step 1: Download Win 10 installation files at https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10
Step 2: Follow instructions, if you don't understand them, ask here
Step 3: Install Win 10
Step 4: Decide if you wanna pay 140 bucks to get a customized screensaver.

Good luck!

[strollin]

If you do what's referred to as an in-place upgrade, meaning you upgrade from Win 7 to Win 10 without wiping out Win 7 first AND Win 7 was legal and activated, then Win 10 will automatically be activated.  You only need the license key if you wish to do a clean install, which means deleting the existing Win 7 OS and installing Win 10 on a clean disk.

[matthewc1976]

I would personally avoid putting Windows 10 onto your current hardware.  Even though the minimum recommended RAM for windows 10 is 1gb, I know from experience that having less than 8gb tends to make the experience of using Windows 10 suck big time.

Now is a good time to grab a replacement.  Dell are doing black Friday deals on refurbs anyway.     If you can get a system with an SSD too go for it. it's worth it.

[Gable]

Someone sounds like a Computer Salesperson on this board. As for Breadcrumb, I plan on buying a refurbished Laptop with Windows 10 on it also. You have to go to a store that sells computer parts or software and buy a Windows 10 key. It comes on a USB drive and I found one that apparently costs $100 + taxes. Microsoft charges the stores that sell these keys, they don't give software away. 

[patio]

I would personally avoid putting Windows 10 onto your current hardware.  Even though the minimum recommended RAM for windows 10 is 1gb, I know from experience that having less than 8gb tends to make the experience of using Windows 10 suck big time.

Now is a good time to grab a replacement.  Dell are doing black Friday deals on refurbs anyway.     If you can get a system with an SSD too go for it. it's worth it.

You can safely ignore this advice...