Upgrading my Windows 7 machines. I alternate installs between 2 HDD.
- Download all Windows 10 drivers for my hardware
- Download latest version of all programs for reinstall (some 40+ programs, Ninite can help with the basics)
- Make sure I have a copy of my Windows 7 license
- Run Windows 10 update tool
- Download Windows 10 ISO
- Burn ISO to DVD
- Upgrade to Windows 10
- Swap to new HDD
- Fresh install of Windows 10, disabling all privacy settings
- Install all drivers
- Disable remaining privacy settings
- Disable Fast Startup
- Copy over files from original HDD
- Uninstall preinstalled Windows 10 junk
- Install Winaero Tweaker
- Tweak things for optimal settings
- Install all my programs and tweak configurations everywhere
My original HDD is still there and can still be booted up in case I forgot to copy over anything. The process from start to finish takes me about 12 hours.
