Windows 7 upgrade to 8.1?

Simon · Dec 17, 2019, 16:46:24

As Windows 7 will no longer be supported by Microsoft as from January next year, I'm wondering what to do. I've had my main computer for years, and it is still perfectly reliable and has all my stuff on it. If I could carry on using it for the next 10 years with Windows 7, I would have no complaints, but as this will not be the case, and as I hate Windows 10, I'm wondering if I could simply upgrade my Windows 7 machine to Windows 8.1, and keep all of my files and programs intact?

zappaDPJ · Dec 17, 2019, 17:29:00

Quote from: Simon on Dec 17, 2019, 16:46:24
I hate Windows 10, I'm wondering if I could simply upgrade my Windows 7 machine to Windows 8.1, and keep all of my files and programs intact?

I would do a lot of research first. Although 8.1 is still available to buy, mainstream support has ended and the so called extended support phase will end 20/01/2023. What I don't know is if there is actually still an upgrade route from 7 to 8.1. It might be that you would have to do a fresh install.

But why 8.1 anyway? I rate 10 way beyond 8/8.1 and you should have an easy upgrade while keeping everything intact. What don't you like about it?

Simon · Dec 17, 2019, 19:25:18

One or two of my old audio editing suites refuse to play nicely on my Windows 10 laptop, and they have useful functions that I don't want to lose.

Also, I hate the way that Windows 10 takes 'ownership' of its host machine, and the "we will do this and we're going to do that" dialogues really bug me.

I have lost a whole afternoons work on my laptop when the bloody thing suddenly rebooted without warning, with Windows 10 subsequently congratulating itself on installing an update. OK, so I should have saved it, but that's not the point. A computer should do what its told, not what it likes.

zappaDPJ · Dec 17, 2019, 20:01:13

You can turn off or configure updates so that they don't force an unnotified restart. I agree the entire notification area is a pain and completely useless as far as I'm concerned. I think it's primary use is for people who know nothing about what lays under the hood of a personal computer which to be fair is probably the majority now.

I had to ditch a number of audio programs as well as Office and some other stuff when I ungraded to 10 and the replacements really gave my credit card a hammering. It was worth it in the long run because the replacement software is far better but it all came at a price.

In your situation I think I'd either stay on 7 or bite the bullet and go for 10.

Glenn · Dec 18, 2019, 14:54:52

Quote from: Simon on Dec 17, 2019, 19:25:18

I have lost a whole afternoons work on my laptop when the bloody thing suddenly rebooted without warning, with Windows 10 subsequently congratulating itself on installing an update. OK, so I should have saved it, but that's not the point. A computer should do what its told, not what it likes.

Get a Pro licence, you have more control over the way updates are installed.

Simon · Dec 18, 2019, 17:55:40

I think I've managed to effect some control now, but you have to dig deep into the settings to find some compromises, such as scheduling reboots for something like 3am. I still haven't decided what I'm going to do yet. Probably nothing until I've got Christmas out the way.

MisterW · Dec 19, 2019, 08:04:03

You dont need Pro , just install Gpedit https://www.ghacks.net/2019/01/07/how-to-enable-gpedit-msc-group-policy-on-windows-10-home-devices/ and then you can configure windows update as you wish

robinc · Dec 20, 2019, 05:33:34

Quote from: Simon on Dec 17, 2019, 16:46:24
As Windows 7 will no longer be supported by Microsoft as from January next year, I'm wondering what to do. I've had my main computer for years, and it is still perfectly reliable and has all my stuff on it. If I could carry on using it for the next 10 years with Windows 7, I would have no complaints, but as this will not be the case, and as I hate Windows 10, I'm wondering if I could simply upgrade my Windows 7 machine to Windows 8.1, and keep all of my files and programs intact?

If your windows stuff is standalone, then you could install linux and use virtualbox for Windows 7. Robolinux provides a complete environment for you - you just provide Windows. Other distros are available!

steve195527 · Jan 01, 2020, 16:32:13

windows 10 no more takes control of your machine than win 7,it is just down to configuration,some of the ways to configure it are slightly confusing when 1st upgrading to it,I think that is down to trying to attract mac users over to windows,I moved from a widows phone to an iPhone when support for windows phone ceased,for 1st few weeks I wanted to theow it in the bin but having "got used" used to the differences now find it fine

Den · Jan 05, 2020, 11:37:01

I liked my iPhone 7 but the battery started to run down after an update so I had a new battery fitted and then that started to run down after a few hours. I then bought a Samsung A40 and the battery lasts for a few days but I don't like the phone as much.

I just wish Apple would stop mucking around and leave things be or at least find a way of improving.

Simon · Jan 05, 2020, 12:38:02

Have you gone off the Samsung then? I thought you said initially that you preferred it to the iPhone.

Den · Jan 05, 2020, 14:53:28

After using it for a while the only thing that stands out is the battery use. If the battery on the iPhone would last as long for the same price I would go back, but not if I had to pay £800 plus.

nowster · Jan 05, 2020, 23:35:15

What do you miss from the iPhone?

robinc · Jan 08, 2020, 07:21:37

I bought an iPhone SE in 2018 and up till end of 2019 it was OK. Then came IOS13

Lost service, calls dropped, couldn't connect etc etc etc

Lost of new features - whoot!

Battery life now hopeless and I just don't trust it any more. Gone back to my HTC 510 on ANdroid 4.x - because it works. Also using a Galaxy S4 with Lineage 16 ROM - Was Cyanomodgen. Again - it just works!

Apple - never ever ever again

Which has nothing to do with upgrading from 7 to 8.1 which I did look at but in the end I just set up a new drive on a good desktop machine with base W7 and then used the MS Media Creation tool to upgrade to 10. I use windows a twice a year if I really have to otherwise I'm all linux for many years now. Just accept that 10 is the way it's going and get on with it I'm afraid.

Simon · Jan 16, 2020, 11:28:52

Well, I've upgraded to Windows 10. Took 2½ hours to complete. It finally booted up to my usual Desktop, albeit with different fonts, and I even managed to reset it to my old Theme. I was up till 1:00 this morning tweaking, but I think I've got it as I want it now. I've checked all my programs and apart from Adobe Audition which seems to be having a bit of a hissy fit, everything seems to be working.

zappaDPJ · Jan 16, 2020, 16:35:59

You'll be telling us you've ditched your horse and cart next! Welcome to the modern world

Simon · Jan 16, 2020, 17:38:56

You mean, welcome to Microsoft's world!

I've actually had Windows 10 on my laptop for ages. I just never wanted to update my Desktop as I feared that some of my older programs would no longer work. As it happens, this hasn't been the case as everything is back as it was, and appears to be working, other than Adobe Audition, which is throwing a bit of a hissy fit at the moment, but I think I know what the problem is.

Den · Jan 16, 2020, 18:25:32

This is the Edge of reality. Go on try it NOW you know you want to.

Simon · Jan 16, 2020, 19:09:13

I did, Den, as it had the audacity to make itself my default browser, at least for a while. I couldn't see anything particularly exciting about it, and certainly nothing to entice me away from my usual browser.

Den · Jan 16, 2020, 19:25:44

zappaDPJ · Jan 17, 2020, 00:22:53

By coincidence I believe Microsoft released the first stable version of it's Chromium based Edge today.