Where is Windows 10 on my computer that I upgraded from Windows 8.1

[Therapist4u]

Hey y’all. I need help with my 8-10 year old Dell Inspiron computer that came with Windows 8.1 ....before the end of support in a few weeks. I upgraded to Windows 10 for free...about 2-3 years ago... before the cutoff date.  After 10 was finished installing....I took the option to roll back to 8.1... with the option to roll back to 10 one last time....now I  have to find where Windows 10 is located on my computer & how to initiate the process going from 8.1 to 10...also to minimize loss of installed programs, & settings, ..., & have as much control over choices that I have now.. (like which programs run at startup). & when to install updates that are available ..... (but not auto installed)! 

Any help is greatly appreciated

Thanks ~Allen

[APassionateLife]

(1/10/23) Thanks for the "update" Allen @Therapist4u 🙂

[sc10]

If you have a pc or laptop running windows 7 or 8, you can update it to window10 free at anytime.

Don't believe that cut off date. Just go to https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10 and follow the instructions to download a copy of windows 10 image (iso). With the iso file, burn it into a bootable dvd or a bootable usb drive. If you want to keep you existing files and installed software, just run setup.exe from the dvd or usb file from your current OS.You may want to make a back up, but I have done it so many times without any issues. If you want start new, just boot from the dvd or the usb drive.

If you are running windows 10 already but having issues or problems updating. Use that copy of dvd or usb and run setup.exe. That would cleanup the problems too.

(I am not responsible of any data loss when following the above,)

[Therapist4u]

Thanks @sc10

Take care  ~Allen

[APassionateLife]

(1/8/23) Good Luck Allen @Therapist4u 🙂 Nicole

[Therapist4u · Accepted solution]

Hi @APassionateLife  😸

After spending all night.....countless restarts.....& updates & new messages to make decisions on  & &  & .....I have Windows 10.....

but as feared....lost many preferences settings programs etc. & control over choices that I had.... & just so much extra crap installed that  I don’t need or use 🙄😧😒...oh well...that’s progress FUR YA!🙃😸

Take care  ~Allen

[APassionateLife]

🥳 Happy New Year and glad you found some help. Can you update us?

[Therapist4u]

Hi @APassionateLife  &  @cat0w

After spending as many hours as possible of research 🤔....the update cutoff day is here....so I’m going for it tonight

I’ll either have an old but updated system 💻....that I’m grateful for 🙏....or I’ll have to buy one that I really can’t afford...oh well

Anyhoot.... Thanks😀

Take care  ~Allen

[APassionateLife]

(12/26/22) Hi @Therapist4u , how is it going? Fingers crossed you get things resolved soon. We need the stupid things and luv when they work - but, when they don't 😤 Thanks, Nicole 🙂

[cat0w]

@Therapist4u 

Have you already looked at downloads? 

Get Windows 10 | Microsoft

[Therapist4u]

Hi@cat0w ☃️

Thanks ....

Microsoft offered Windows 7 & 8.1 users a free upgrade to Windows 10...it ended on July 29, 2016. You could rollback ...which I did...but end of support for 7 was January 14, 2020 ...& 8.1 on January 10, 2023. However, you can still technically upgrade to Windows 10 for free for users who upgrade from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1. I’m working on it now & update y’all later

Before downloading or installing anything new .....You should always have your data backed up to at least two external media destinations (external hard drive, DVDs, flash drive) in case of system file corruption and/or hard drive failure

Take care  🎅 ~Allen 🏂

[cat0w]

@Therapist4u 

Are you still needing help or are you providing advice to us?

Both of my newer computers, a Dell desktop and a laptop have Windows 11 Pro 22H2 and my older Dell laptop has Windows 10 Pro with all updates.

I have two WDMYCLOUDS that are used to back up my computers to. I also use, One Drive.

[Therapist4u]

Hi@cat0w

Thanks ....still working on it...I found some help & support from TechSupportForum.com....they’ve been around since 2002 ...anyone’s welcome to join for free....

Take care  🎉

Happy New Year wishes for you... & all my friends

I hope 2023 brings you lots of love, laughter and joy

🎊~Allen

[Therapist4u]

Obviously the best option would be to buy a new laptop with Windows 11...but cannot afford one any time soon...

[APassionateLife]

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@Therapist4u wrote:

Obviously the best option would be to buy a new laptop with Windows 11...but cannot afford one any time soon...

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👉 (12/25/22) @Therapist4u , I hear you! Bought my iPad when I decided to "bury" my laptop. Grateful I no longer need a laptop or computer at the moment in Retirement. Hmmm, did you try the Dell Help Line? Or a Computer Store? My old store, will be my store again IF I decide to "replace" iPad when it dies of old age. Not planning on doing so. I am so sorry you are going through this!! The store charged $50 to everyone to "troubleshoot" - a decent rate. I had bought the Dell from them in 2018 when the laptop (forgot brand, senior moment) my daughter had given me from her job. They had a "surplus" and gave them to employees. Nicole 🙂 👈

[APassionateLife]

(12/25/22) Yikes @Therapist4u , I had the same laptop when Windows 10 came out. NEVER got it "uploaded" and fried the motherboard trying to. Lol, when my computer guy told me how much to "replace" = said junk it for me. NO more laptops for me. Happy with my Android and NEW iPad in my Retirement. Good luck, Nicole 🙂