Share via

How to restore pc to Win 10 pro from original Win 7 to Win 10 pro upgrade

Lyle York 5 Reputation points
2025-11-04T21:43:52.32+00:00

What are the steps to restore a pc to Win10 Pro which has been upgraded originally from Win 7? I don't want to retain apps or files. Normal restore fails.

Windows for business | Windows Client for IT Pros | Devices and deployment | Set up, install, or upgrade
0 comments

1 answer

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Quinnie Quoc 7,400 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-11-04T22:57:11.0866667+00:00

    Hello,

    If your PC was originally upgraded from Windows 7 to Windows 10 Pro and you want to perform a clean restore without retaining apps or files, the recommended method is a clean installation of Windows 10 Pro.

    Here are the steps:

    1. Back up any data you wish to keep, as this process will erase everything.
    2. Download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s official site.
    3. Use the tool to create a bootable USB drive.
    4. Boot your PC from the USB and choose “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)” during setup.
    5. Format the primary drive (usually Drive 0) and proceed with installation.

    After setup, Windows 10 Pro should activate automatically if the device has a digital license from the previous upgrade. If this resolves your issue, feel free to mark this answer as accepted so others can benefit too.

    Thank you so much!!!

    Best regards,

    Domic Vo.

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.