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camtzFlag for United States of America

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How to upgrade Windows 7 to 8.1

Hi, my HP ENVY came directly from HP with Windows 7 installed.  I would like to upgrade to Windows 8.1.  How do I go about doing that?  Do I have to buy a disc from Windows or can I get a free upgrade?  It's been a while, but I remember people saying you could get a free upgrade but I could be wrong.  Also, would I loose any of my programs, settings, documents, etc. in the process.
Thanks
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arnold
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Here is a link to download a Windows 10 ISO matching your installed

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10ISO
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John, agree the upgrade path if used should be considered for Windows 10.
To camtz question, when Windows 8 came out there were free upgrades available from the system vendors for purchases within the six month period of Windows 8 release June-October 2012  [corrected].  In those cases to get the upgrade, the purchaser had to reach out to the system vendor to get the media.
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Sold.  I'll get the 10 version.  Should I download it directly from Windows?  Will there be a charge?  and will it affect any settings/programs/documents that I currently have installed.
Thanks
If you have a retail licensed Windows 7 machine (not Volume License), Windows 10 is free.

If your machine is running well, the upgrade can / will (you have a choice) keep all programs, data and settings.
The link Arnold posted is a valid link you can use to force Windows 10 if you need to.

Carlos - Windows 10 does work well for me.
You can download through the reserve option, though it takes a while can take a few days for it to slowly retrieve ... It will prompt when the install can proceed.
There is a faster option where you download the deployment tool and it will download distal as fast as your connection an download it.
The tool offers two option, perform the upgrade or download the ISO as the prior link provides.
The upgrade will retain your data/settings but a backup is always advisable. Just in case during the process you choose the clean install of the new OS.
Only thing check what devices you have connected to make sure drivers for them exist, I.e. Printers/scanners, etc.
I think the link below will make a 32 or 64 bit application that will give you a choice of upgrading your existing OS or create/download an ISO to use on installing on a different PC.

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-10-upgrade
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Hey John, I don't have a "retail" version because it came installed with the computer from HP.  I have the Windows Product ID number.  Will that work?
Yes.
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Thank you.  I will try today and let u know.
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WORKED.  Thanks to you guys I was able to upgrade to Windows 10 is working along with Microsoft Display Adapter so now I can see my laptop on the big screen.
Thanks again
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Many thanks
Thanks Carlos and I was happy to help.