When Windows 10 first hit the market, Microsoft showed unprecedented generosity. Until July 29, 2016, inclusive, any user could upgrade their OS to 10 versions for free. Moreover, this service was available both for users with a licensed operating system, and for pirates. Nevertheless, many users missed this chance. Some were lazy, others simply did not believe in such an attraction of unprecedented generosity. In general, many users missed the opportunity to spend up to version 10.
Since the release of Windows 10, more than a year has passed. Microsoft fixed all bugs and shortcomings that did not suit users. And the users themselves “tried” the new Windu and realized what it was capable of. Therefore, at the moment, Windows 10 is considered the best system from Microsoft. This was recognized not only by the company, but also by millions of users around the globe.
How to upgrade Windows 8 or 7 to Windows 10? You can buy a licensed version of the operating system. True, this option is not suitable for everyone. After all, prices for Windows 10 bite. You will have to pay 8,699 rubles for the Home version, and the Professional assembly costs as much as 15,299 rubles. Is it possible to get an innovative operating system for free? Learn the answer by reading this article.
Free version of Windows 10
How to upgrade Windows 7 to Windows 10 for free? Previously, this could be done through Windows Update. It was necessary to press only one button and the OS started the update. Nevertheless, on July 19, 2016, a counter with a countdown for a free update of up to ten appeared in the Update Center. On July 29, 2016, the freebie officially ended. Since then, in Windows Update there is no button that offers to upgrade to Windows 10 version. Nevertheless, getting a new operating system for free is quite realistic. 
According to Microsoft, they tried to make Windows 10 as convenient as possible for people with disabilities. The company even offers them to upgrade Windows to 10 for free. Such an offer has no restrictions and special conditions. Accordingly, anyone can use it. It is only necessary:
Questions to upgrade to Windows 10
How to update Windows 10 is clear. Nevertheless, a couple of questions remain. The first is which version to install - Professional or Home. It all depends on the operating system that was installed on your computer initially. For example, if you used the home version of the seven, then in this case you will get the appropriate assembly of Windows 10.
In addition, many users are interested in what happens to the data that is contained on the computer. Do they retire? Do I need to backup in the cloud or transfer valuable information to a USB flash drive? No, during the upgrade to Windows 10 user data is not deleted. The disk is formatted only during installation via BIOS. If you use a special assistant from Microsoft to update, then Windows 10 is installed on top of the existing OS.
Windows 10 custom builds
In the vastness of the World Wide Web you can find the so-called custom builds of Windows 10. What is it and what does it eat with? Advanced users with programming skills take the original operating system and modify its source code. Thus, users can add their icons, images, and even functions to the OS.
Nevertheless, you cannot download custom assemblies in any case. Windows operating system development involves hundreds of professional programmers. Custom assemblies are usually created by one person in a short period of time. Accordingly, such OSs cannot boast of stability. Custom builds are constantly freezing and cutting down.
And this is the most harmless thing that can happen when loading custom assemblies. Significantly worse if a professional hacker was involved in finalizing the original OS. Typically, these characters install small utilities in the operating system that are designed to steal user data. Therefore, if you use unofficial assemblies, be prepared for the fact that access to your passwords, billing information, and even a webcam can get unauthorized people.
How to update Windows 7
You are quite happy with the old seven and you do not want to switch to the new version of Windows? In this case, you still should not neglect the updates. They improve system functionality and increase computer performance. Not only that, updates close holes in the operating system, which hackers can use to get user information.
Do not update the seven anywhere. After downloading updates from unverified sites, you risk infecting your computer with dangerous viruses that can cause great harm to the OS. It is best to download updates through Windows Update. This is done very simply:
Official updates are divided into two types: important and optional. The former are designed to enhance the security of your computer. It is these updates that fix major bugs and close holes in the system. Therefore, they must be installed first. Optional updates are intended to improve system software and drivers. As a rule, such updates do not have a significant impact on PC performance (at best, they will slightly improve performance). Therefore, they can be neglected.
When do I need to install optional updates? You need to do this in two cases. The first is if your old drivers or system applications do not work correctly. The second - if the developers released a new functionality for their product (for example, support for additional languages, etc.).
Conclusion
The action, during which Microsoft was distributing its new operating system, ended more than a year ago. Despite this, you can still find legal ways to install Windows 10 for free. If you find a custom assembly of Windows 10, then in no case install it on your computer. Download the OS and all updates only from official manufacturers. Otherwise, you risk turning your computer into a hotbed of malware.
In contact with
Any personal computer or laptop includes two main components: software and hardware. One of the most important software systems used in computing is the operating system, it is in its environment that all other applications are executed. Conventionally, we can assume that it is the soul of a computer that binds all components together. To meet rapidly changing standards and software requirements, it is imperative to periodically update the operating system.
Surprisingly, the term “operating system” hides something more than one simple program. In fact, this is a collection of diverse applications, united by a common interface. For example, a user wants to view pages on the Internet — Internet Explorer is at his service; you need to quickly assemble a small video clip from several images - Windows Movie Maker is always at hand; Well, Windows Media Player will help you to watch your favorite movie and listen to mp3 composition. To be honest, the capabilities of the operating system are not at all limited to the listed examples - they are much more extensive. Hereinafter, the well-known Windows system from Microsoft is considered as being more widespread in comparison with its counterparts (Linux).
To update the operating system means to launch a specialized application on the computer whose task is to replace any part with a new or revised version. This operation is absolutely “transparent” for the user - it finds and replaces the desired program. It is worth noting that often the programs themselves are not updated, but only their components. For example, if a developer found flaws in Internet Explorer that reduce reliability and stability or allow an attacker-hacker to perform malicious actions, only those files that are responsible for this vulnerability are updated.
Any user of the windows operating system has the opportunity to update windows through a few simple steps. To do this, just select "Control Panel" in the "Start" menu, and in the window that opens, launch the "Update Center" icon. To update windows in this way, you need to take care of a working Internet connection. The wizard will connect to distant Microsoft servers and request updates for your version of windows. If they are found, the user is prompted to update windows. Sometimes the total update volume exceeds several hundred megabytes, which is quite a lot, especially for slow 3G and GPRS connections, as well as for megabyte pay for traffic. In this case, the update wizard allows you to very flexibly configure the desired amount of downloaded data: the hint system will prudently indicate priority and minor updates. Anyone who does not forget can be sure that the operating system of his computer contains the latest components and works optimally.
Owners of outdated models of some computer components (printers, scanners, sound cards), using the Windows Update Center, get the opportunity to breathe a second life into them by downloading and installing the appropriate drivers. Very often this is the only way to run an obsolete device on a new operating system. Also, for new devices there is no need to search for new drivers on various sites, because many of them are already contained in the proposed set of updates.
The built-in update mechanism for the windows operating system is Microsoft's next step towards the reliability and usability of its software product.
I will start with the conclusions, and then there will be detailed instructions on how I recommend updating Windows 7, as well as about automatic updates, about checking updates manually, how to turn off updates, and why you shouldn’t turn them off. Go!
Updates need to be installed. For this, the “ Look for updates, but I decide to download and install».
And when messages from Windows Update appear that new updates have been found, you need to take the time to download and install Windows updates.
From time to time, you can manually check for Windows updates using the “Search for Updates” option (number 1 in Figure 1), without waiting for these updates to be detected automatically. And, if updates are found manually, also install them on your PC.
With this approach, the Windows 7 operating system is up to date and will be protected as much as possible.
Let's now figure out how to configure updates and how to install them so that they remain useful, but do not bother users of Windows 7.
Where is the program for updating Windows 7
Such a program is called Windows Update. Can be found
- through the Search line (Start button - enter in the line “Find programs and files” the text without quotes: “Windows Update”),
- or through the “Control Panel” (“Start” button - “Control Panel” - “System and Security” - “Windows Update”).
After that, the Windows Update window will open on the screen, as shown in Fig. 1:
Fig. 1. Windows Update window
In this window, we will be interested in two options: “Search for updates” (number 1 in Fig. 1) and “Settings” (figure 2 in Fig. 1).
Configure Windows 7 Updates
To configure updates, click on the inscription “Parameter Settings” (number 2 in Fig. 1). A window will appear for choosing how to install Windows updates (Fig. 2):
Fig. 2. Window for configuring Windows 7 updates
The screenshot in fig. 2 made in the operating system Windows 7 Professional. For others, the update window may look different.
Windows 7 developers offer users of this operating system 4 ways to install updates (numbers 1 - 4 in Fig. 2).
If you are interested in the question "How to enable the Windows 7 update?", You need to choose one of three ways:
- “Install updates automatically (recommended)” (number 1 in Fig. 2).
- “Download updates, but the decision to install is made by me” (solid deuces, because in Fig. 2 - number 2).
- “Look for updates, but the decision to download and install is made by me” (number 3 in Fig. 2).
The question of how to "turn off the Windows 7 update" is solved using the fourth method:
Consider all four methods in more detail.
I would also recommend this method, if not one but. It consists in the fact that finding, downloading and installing Windows updates is a rather complicated and laborious task for a computer. This process does not go unnoticed by the user. During the search, download and installation of updates, the computer is heavily loaded, slows down the execution of other tasks and programs. And at the end of the installation of updates, it generally starts to require a system reboot.
And all this happens, as a rule, at the most inopportune moment. When there is no time to stop (pause) the work and restart the PC.
For some reason, I would like to recall Murphy’s law here: “Left to their own devices, events tend to develop from bad to worse.” That's why I don’t want to give the operating system the ability to independently search, download and install updates.
Consider the second way to install Windows 7 updates.
2 way "Download updates, but the decision to install is made by me"
Realizing that installing updates requires an additional PC boot and requires a reboot for the final installation of new programs, Windows developers offer us this more simplified version than the previous one (“Install updates automatically”).
Since automatic search for updates and downloading them also requires PC resources, it also distracts the computer's power from these processes.
And this complicates the work of users, again at the most inopportune moment for this, as luck would have it. And here I want to recall Murphy’s laws: “When things are going well, something should happen in the very near future” and “When things are going nowhere worse, in the very near future they will go even worse.”
Therefore, we will leave this method of updating Windows alone, and move on to the third method.
3 way "Look for updates, but I decide to download and install" or How to disable automatic updating of Windows 7?
Here we see a minimal distraction of computer resources. Namely, resources are diverted only to find updates for the Windows 7 operating system via the Internet.
Found updates will not be downloaded to the user's computer until the user decides to do this. This method is especially convenient for those who have Internet with limited traffic. For downloading updates is additional megabytes downloaded from the Internet
Therefore, despite the fact that this is only the third method on the list for installing Windows updates, I recommend it to PC users.
We will look at how to download and install updates later, but for now, let's move on to the fourth and last way to install Windows updates.
This is the last, 4th way to upgrade Windows 7.
And here I agree with the Windows developers that this method cannot be recommended to computer users.
For, applying this fourth method, the PC user thus refuses to receive and install any updates. And this can lead to an increase in threats to the security of the operating system, to increase its vulnerability.
In addition to choosing a method for downloading and installing Windows updates, in the window for choosing a method for installing Windows updates, set the following checkboxes (see Figure 2):
- “Receive recommended updates in the same way as important updates” (number 5 in Fig. 2). Windows developers, to completely confuse PC users, came up with not only important (or in other words, mandatory) Windows updates, but also the so-called recommended updates. It is not possible to distinguish one from the other. Therefore, in order not to get confused, you need to check the box next to this inscription.
- “Allow all users to install updates on this computer” (number 6 in Fig. 2). Why is this? If there are several accounts on the computer under which different users can work, or even one user under different accounts, then this checkmark gives all of them the right to download and install updates. The checkmark is useful, because otherwise you can forget about updates for a long time if you work under an account where updates will not be allowed. And this can lead to an increased threat to the vulnerability of the computer.
- "When updating Windows, provide updates for Microsoft products ..." (number 7 in Fig. 2). This is also a useful checkmark, because it allows you to receive not only updates to Windows operating system files, but also to receive updates to application programs, such as, for example, Microsoft Office Word, etc. These application programs also improve over time, and getting updates for them allows you to have the latest versions.
- “Show detailed notifications when new Microsoft software appears” (number 8 in Fig. 2). You can leave this box unchecked because it is a kind of consent to receive advertising information. You can put it, it will not be worse.
So, we ask the third way to install Windows updates “Look for updates, but I decide on the download and installation.” And set all of the above checkmarks (numbers 5-8 in Fig. 2).
Then we press the OK button (Fig. 2). The window for choosing how to install Windows updates closes.
We proceed to install Windows 7 updates
Windows Update is now set to constantly search for new updates. While there are no updates, in the window "Windows Update" there will be an inscription on a green background "Windows does not require updating", as shown by the number 3 in Fig. 1.
But as soon as new updates appear and they are found, you will see the inscription “Download and install updates” with a yellow bar (Fig. 6) indicating the amount to be downloaded from the Internet. The information is useful, because for owners of limited Internet traffic it allows you to decide on the ability to download updates.
Suppose if traffic is limited to 50 megabytes (for example, when using the mobile Internet), and you have to download 100 megabytes of updates, then such information will be a warning that this should not be done.
Manually checking for Windows 7 updates
Updates can be checked manually, without waiting for the automatic program to do this for us. To do this, in the window "Windows Update" click on the inscription "Search for updates" (number 1 in Fig. 1). A “running” green line “Search for updates” will appear (number 1 in Fig. 3).
Fig. 3. Check for updates manually using Windows Update
After some time, the search will end. Search result may be
- lack of updates
- optional (recommended) updates found or
- found mandatory (important) updates.
Both mandatory (important) and optional (but recommended) updates can also be found at the same time.
Install Windows 7 Updates
In fig. Figure 4 below shows the Windows Update window after searching for updates, when one optional (recommended) update is found.
Fig. 4. Windows Update Center window after completing the search for updates, when it was found one optional (recommended) update
In the window that opens, check the box (number 1 in Fig. 5) in front of the name of the update (in this case, it is an update for the program), and then click on the “OK” button (number 2 in Fig. 5):
Fig. 5. Preparing to install an optional update
After that, we will return to the Windows Update Center window (Fig. 6), where “Download and install selected updates” will already appear with the amount of download (in this case, this is a small amount, only 417 Kb). Here, click on the button “Install Updates” (number 1 in Fig. 6).
Fig. 6. Completing the preparation for installing the optional update
Immediately after this, the installation of Windows updates will begin. In the window (Fig. 7), the inscription “Updates are being installed ...” will appear (number 1 in Fig. 7). And below it the installation progress will be shown. Installation of updates can be interrupted at any time by clicking on the “Stop Installation" button (number 2 in Fig. 7).
But actually, interrupting the installation of updates is not recommended. It is better to wait until the installation is completed, although in some cases it can take quite a long time.
Fig. 7. Performing the Windows update installation procedure
At the end of the installation, the message “Updates were successfully installed” may appear, as shown in Fig. 8. But if there are a lot of updates, and they are complex, then you may need to restart the operating system. In this case, a prompt to restart is displayed in the Windows Update window. It is advisable to agree with this and restart the operating system in order to finally complete the installation of updates.
Fig. 8. Window to complete the installation of Windows updates
During the restart of the Windows 7 operating system, after the installation of the Windows updates, it is necessary not to turn off the computer until a complete cycle of unloading (stopping) the system and then loading the system is completed. It can also take a decent amount of time, but you need to be patient and complete this process in a regular way, without interrupting it halfway.
Also, during the reboot, a blue screen may display messages about the progress of installing Windows updates. It will show how many percent the installation is completed.
As a rule, when the system is unloaded, updates are installed at 30%, after which the computer turns off for a moment, and its restart starts. During the download, updates are already installed at 100%, which can also be displayed on a blue screen.
And yet, why do we need updates?
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Updates are an integral part of any software product. Developers never stand still, constantly improving the work of their own programs and optimizing their work. It is no secret that large software products require downloading updates almost every week, but for users it is an unnecessary waste of time and a “unnecessary" reboot of the computer, so annoying notifications can be easily turned off in the settings and "sleep peacefully".
However, such a policy with respect to programs and the operating system will not lead to anything good. Updates help optimize the operation of the software, which means they increase the speed of its work and allow you to forget about annoying errors or incorrect functions.
Windows update
Updates to the Windows operating system are one of the most important, as developers optimize the OS, improve protection, and fix bugs. If you are a happy owner of a licensed copy of Windows, then the Update Center by default checks for updates and notifies the user about their availability, so if you have a dialog box asking you to download and install the update - do not hesitate to agree or postpone it for 1-3 hours until there will be an opportunity to distract from work.
Automatic update
If the update center is disabled or you want to check for updates for your operating system manually, you must open the following window from the menu:
Start→ Toolbar → System
Open “Windows Update”
Push button “Check for computer updates” and wait for the search results. If there are updates, we agree to download them and after the download is complete with the installation, we restart the computer.
Manual update
Often there is a need to update the operating system of computers not connected to the Internet. What to do in such situations? Use third-party software.
WSUS Offline Update - This is an indispensable program for those who need to get the latest updates for Windows for computers that are not connected to the Internet. The program downloads updates to a computer with an Internet connection, and then offers to save the data in ISO format or simply burn it to a DVD-ROM. Next, it will be enough to unzip the files on the selected computer and enjoy the updated operating system.
The program will also help to download C ++ Runtime libraries, Microsoft Security Esseentials, Windows Defender Definition databases and much more.
Software update
With programs, as a rule, everything is somewhat more complicated, since not all developers provide automatic updates via the Internet when releasing updates, so they often have to be downloaded manually.
Automatic update
You must admit that almost dozens, if not hundreds, of various programs are installed on almost every computer. Each of them allows users to perform various tasks: from watching movies to editing photos or building design. Large companies such as Adobe or Sony regularly release updates for current versions of software products that not only expand functionality and fix bugs, but also significantly improve software optimization.
Manually updating each program individually for too long - this process can take a whole day, depending on the amount of installed software. In such cases, programs for finding updates help out, which collect information about the current versions of installed software and compare it with what the official website of developers offers.
Appupdater - This is a small program that was developed by a group of enthusiasts. The program allows you to check for updates of free software from a short list compiled by developers. If there are updates, the program appears in the list indicating the official website of the program.
FileHippo AppManager - This is a small and lightweight program that is developed on the basis of an older program called FileHippo Update Checker, however, unlike the “parent”, it allows you to immediately download and install updates. Allows you to find updates for most popular software products. A distinctive feature of the program is that it is also able to find the beta versions of your applications.
Ninite Updater Free Is an easy solution to find updates for your software. Before downloading the program, users need to select a list of software on the official website, the updates of which you are interested in. Developers offer free and paid versions of the program, the differences between which are in the list of supported software, speed and additional features.
Manual update
If there are not many programs on your personal computer that need to be updated, then you can manually search for updates.
Check for updates via Settings→ Updates.
If there is no such function, then just go to the developers website ( Menu - About) and see the current information about the current version of the program.
Quite often, many users are wondering how to update Windows 7 for free without incurring disaster. Today we will discuss this topic. In addition, we will also figure out what pitfalls can meet and how to get around them.
Data security
The first thing to do before upgrading Windows 7 is to get it right. What do you need for this?
First of all, if you have already used your computer, it is best to prepare some kind of weighty drive, on which you can later throw all your personal and important data. The thing is that while working with operating systems, various malfunctions occur, the consequence of which is, as a rule, a complete reinstall. Nobody wants to lose their data. So it’s better to be safe again before updating the version of Windows 7 to a newer one.
It would be nice to stock up, just in case, with a reinstallation disk with the operating system. This will help reduce your time and effort if a fatal error occurs during operation that can ruin the system. No one is safe from this. Now that you have the disk and all the data has been transferred to a safe place, you need to know some more points before starting the updates. What exactly?
Computer information collection
There are a few more things you need to know in order to answer how to update Windows 7. Its maximum version requires quite impressive computer resources. This means that your computer must meet all the system requirements that this or that “axis” advances.
To do this, it is best for you to look at the information on the Internet. And information about the computer can be found in the "My Computer" section. Usually people know what kind of “systems” their computers have. So, if you are thinking about how to update Windows 7 (professional or any other), then compare how much your computer meets your own ideas. If everything is in order here, then we can think what to do next. There is very little left until the process itself.
Looking for updates
Now let's see how to update Windows 7. Initial preparation has already passed, it's time to think about where to get all the necessary update files. There are several scenarios. Let's look at both of them in order.
We will start with the most difficult way - to search for updates on the Internet. The search engine will help you with this. True, such manipulations can sometimes suffer a crushing fiasco, since under the guise of updates various viruses and spies can hide that infect the operating system, after which they begin to destroy it. Not the most pleasant outcome.
So be careful when searching. It is best to use the official Microsoft website for these needs. On it, all files are already checked for viruses. So you can be sure of quality and reliability. Searching for updates on the Internet is one of the options for updating Windows 7. But there is another, simpler method.
Automation
At Windows 7, Microsoft was worried about providing all the possible updates to its operating systems, while letting people choose whether to install them. The so-called "Update Center" helps in this. It is he who will help to answer how to update Windows 7.
With this program, if it can be called such, each user has an excellent opportunity to see which updates are now available for his system, and then choose which ones to download and install. All this is done automatically, quickly and for free. Nevertheless, not everyone uses this method.
If you decide to update the operating system using the update center, first check all available updates. For this, the service itself has a corresponding button. To work you need the Internet.
When the process comes to an end, the operating system will tell you which updates and how many have been found. This helps the user not to get confused and not to start downloading something that he does not need at all (for example, the Arabic language pack). All that remains to be done is to mark the necessary update and download it. After that, it will already be possible to talk about the process of updating the operating system.
Caution will not hurt
But be careful. Before updating Windows 7, carefully watch what you download. As mentioned above, you can run into a computer virus. The consequence of this may be a complete loss of all data and access to the system as a whole. There are such "worms" and "trojans" that begin to send your owner your personal data that you enter.
It's about passwords and accounts. So, instead of the long-awaited update, you will lose all the data, and even destroy the computer. Usually a similar situation occurs when you search for updates yourself on the Internet. So it is highly recommended that you use the Windows Update Center. But even here you need to be very careful.
The thing is that you can stumble upon an update file that checks the system for authenticity. And now, as you know, many are using hacked versions. So do not mark in the list of available updates anything that starts with "K". For example, K2065845. So, if you download the update-check, then instead of the update you will get problems. When you're ready, it's time to do the reinstallation.
How to update
It doesn't matter what method you use. The main thing is that your update is already on your computer and is waiting for you to start the process. Run the update file. You will see a window that resembles a regular reinstaller. Read everything that is written in the window. Now click "Next." In the end, after the demonstration of your computer's compliance, the update process will begin. It will end automatically, after which the computer must be restarted. After that, everything will end. You can enjoy your success.
The topic of today's post is updating windows 7 to the maximum. When buying a laptop or desktop computer preloaded with Windows 7, the user may encounter some problems. The thing is that the Windows 7 Starter included in the kit is only suitable for demonstrating the capabilities of the operating system, but is in no way suitable for any convenient communication with a home computer.
Having at its disposal a computer with Windows 7 Starter and trying to trivially change the picture on the desktop, the user will be very upset, because there is simply no such possibility in this version of the system. The desire of developers to make a simple distribution for everyday home tasks that do not require software technologies used in enterprise solutions is understandable. But in order to exclude such an important trifle from the system for a simple user ..?!
Such "trial" versions of the system are justified only to draw attention to the product and force the purchase of the full version of the operating system - confirmation of these words lies in the impossibility of updating Windows 7 Starter or Home to Windows 7 Ultimate. This fact negates all attempts to simply upgrade Windows 7 to the maximum, so it’s easier to install the operating system from scratch.
However, if you are not afraid of difficulties, you can upgrade by doing the following steps: First, check for the “Service Pack” in your version of Windows 7. Click Start - Computer - Properties (right-click) and evaluate its availability. If you have Service Pack 1 installed, the picture will look like this ... and you can proceed to the next upgrade item.
If this inscription is missing on your computer, you need to install this package! To do this, go to the "Windows Update" click "Search for updates" and update your computer to the maximum!
After installing Service Pack 1, you will see a window that says that windows does not require updating.
In the window that appears, select the key entry point for upgrading the system;
If you have a system interface in Russian, then you need to select the next tab.
I will not tell you about that. where to get the keys to enter in the field that appears, as I am a supporter of licensed software, and I think that licensed products are for any application! But for those who still want to test the process of switching to a more complete version of windows 7 without a license key, I can recommend a google search, which displays a bunch of links to a key generator for an upgrade already in the top ten list.
Download the one you like best and generate the key for the version that you need! I use the license key from Microsoft to upgrade to Windows 7 Ultimate.
Further, following the instructions, a Windows update window will appear with an indicator of the process of completing the task. Upon completion, the computer will automatically restart. You must repeat the above operations only when requesting an update key.
These manipulations will allow you to get Windows 7 Ultimate, as the main OS. If you have chosen Professional as your version, I can assure you that you will not notice any differences in visual and technical terms between Ultimate and Professional.
Since the release of Windows 7, only one comprehensive service pack has been released for it - Service Pack 1 (Service Pack1 or SP1). This package includes over 800 different fixes that enhance OS security, performance, and stability. A number of updates of the first service pack eliminate errors leading to crashes and crashes of the system and programs, but the main part covers vulnerabilities, that is, prevents the introduction and execution of malicious code hidden from the user. SP1, like other service packs for Windows, is distributed free of charge, but it is not always included in official distributions. To install, you need to download it from the official Microsoft website or simply enable the automatic update function in Windows 7. If there is a problem with Internet access or the inability to download large amounts of traffic - SP1 can also be bought on a DVD-ROM.
Checking for Service Pack 1
To find out whether the latest version of the system is installed on your PC, open its properties by selecting the item of the same name in the context menu of the Computer folder. 
At the top of the properties window, in the "Windows Edition" section, there is information about the installed service pack.
If Service Pack 1 is mentioned here, then you have the latest version of Windows 7. If not, you must install the service pack separately.
Install Service Pack 1 through Windows 7 Update
Preliminary preparation
- Before downloading SP1, it is important to make sure that the hard disk is enough for it. If you have a 32-bit version of OS Windows 7, you will need 4100 MB of disk space, if 64-bit - 7400 MB.
- Further, in case of failure, you need to backup all important data. An external drive or a non-system partition of the hard drive is best suited for this.
- If you are installing the service pack on a laptop, charge a fully rechargeable battery and plug in the machine.
- Some antivirus programs can block the installation of the service pack, so to avoid possible problems, after downloading the package, temporarily unload the antivirus and disconnect it from the Internet in order not to leave your computer without protection from threats from the network.
If Windows reports that this version of the service pack has already been installed or errors will occur during the installation, your system may have some parts of this package or its preliminary releases. In this case, the old release of the package needs to be removed. For this:
- launch the applet of the control panel “Programs and components”, click “View installed updates”;
- select KB 976932 (Microsoft Windows Service Pack) from the list and click "Uninstall";
- after restarting the computer, you can install a new package.
If the computer has unlimited Internet access, it will be most convenient to use the auto-update system: the service pack will be downloaded and installed automatically.
- Expand the "System and Security" section in the control panel.
- Near the item "Windows Update" click "Check for updates."
- After checking, click on the link "Important updates: # available"
- Select KB 976932 (Microsoft Windows Service Pack) from the list, check and click OK.
- Then again return to the "System and Security" section, near the "Windows Update" item, click on "Enable or disable automatic updates."
- From the Important Updates drop-down list, select Install Automatically. Below, under this list, configure a convenient schedule for checking and installing them.
After completing these steps, the operating system on your PC will be constantly kept up to date.
Install Service Pack 1 from the Microsoft Download Center
- Open the Service Pack 1 download web page for Windows 7 in the Microsoft Download Center. Select the language you need and click "Download."
- Mark the package that matches the bit depth of your system and click “Next”.
After downloading, run the installation file and follow the instructions on the screen. At the end of the installation process, the system will restart. After it loads again, do not forget to turn on the antivirus.
Install Service Pack 1 from a DVD
This method is convenient when the computer on which you are going to install SP1 is not connected to the Internet. If it is not possible to burn a disc yourself, you can order it on the Microsoft website. However, this is not free: shipping costs $ 10.50. Having chosen the update package of the desired language, enter the recipient's data in the appropriate forms on the website, use a bank card to pay for the order and wait for it in the mail. To install SP 1, put the DVD in the drive and follow the instructions of the installer. Anyone will cope, since this whole procedure is no different from installing ordinary programs from disk. You will learn about the success of the operation after a system reboot, when a notification appears on the screen that Service Pack 1 is now on your computer. And this is the latest, updated version of Windows 7.
Many users very often encounter update problems in Windows 7. The system constantly displays a message that they are searching for updates, but find nothing.
There is one solution to this problem. It is enough to manually download and install just one package from Microsoft, which will fix this error. Consider why windows 7 update cannot find the update.
For quite some time, Windows 7 Update has been creating serious problems for its users. Unfortunately, I myself belong to the group that is experiencing problems in its own skin with the center at the G7. On one of my computers, in any attempt, the search ends with the endless message “Searching for update ...”. At first, he suggested that the system looked for updates for a long time, but when he left the computer on for the night, it did not bring the desired result. What to do if Windows 7 Update does not work properly?
It turned out that this problem can be quite easily solved. Of course, I do not guarantee that the proposed method will solve the problems of absolutely all users, but I had it instantly solved manually - by installing the KB3172605 package and performing several other simple steps. Here's what you need to do to fix the problem.
Step 1: Download the update for your system (but not install)
First of all, you need to download the KB3172605 package directly from the Microsoft website using a web browser. You will find direct links below for versions of 32- and 64-bit systems.
You need to download the package, but do not install it yet - we will do this in step 4. First, you need to perform two simple steps.
Important! If in the fourth step you encounter the problem of installing the above package (for example, a message about system incompatibility is displayed on the screen), then instead of the above, you need to download the KB3020369 package at the links below. But do this only when the above updates do not work.
Step 2: Disable Internet Access
Downloaded files should be installed with the Internet turned off. If you use Wi-Fi, then click on the wireless network icon in the notification area (lower right corner of the screen) and disconnect the connection. If you are connected to the Internet using a network cable, you can disconnect it from the computer.
As an alternative, right-click on the network icon, select "Network and Sharing Center," then go to the "Change adapter settings" tab and disconnect the network card with which you connect to the Internet.
Step 3: Stop the Windows Update Service
After disconnecting from the Internet, we need to stop the Windows Update service. To do this, press the key combination Windows + R, enter the following command in the “Run” window that appears, and confirm its execution by pressing Enter:
services.msc
The system services window opens. Locate the Windows Update service in the list, and then right-click on it and select Stop. Make sure the service is stopped and then close this window.
Step 4: Install the KB3172605 package (or KB3020369)
Only now can you start installing the previously downloaded KB3172605 file for your system. Run the file with the installer and confirm the installation.
If an error appears that the update is not compatible with your operating system, make sure that you have downloaded the correct version for your system (32-bit or 64-bit). If the error returns again, use the alternative package from the first step.
After installation, you will be prompted to restart the computer. Confirm and wait for the update to install and the operating system to load.
After loading the system, connect to the Internet and turn on the Windows Update service (right-click on it and select "Run").
Now go to the Windows Update window (for example, using the search bar in the Start menu) and then click on the update search button.
After about 5-10 minutes, a list of updates available for installation will open. In my case, the search lasted several minutes and, thus, finally solved the problem with the endless search in Windows Update.
Update Windows 7 without Windows Update
Sometimes Windows 7 Update does not download updates, especially when there are a lot of them. This most often happens after reinstalling the system - we installed a fresh operating system and suddenly the center gives a message that several hundred updates are available for installation. Downloading them one at a time takes a lot of time, not to mention installing them. This is often problematic and ends with a message about restoring previous computer settings, since so many updates cannot be installed (the solution is to install them in small batches).
Fortunately, after several years, Microsoft decided to do something about this problem, due to the fact that many users do not properly update the "seven" to the latest version. The company decided to put cumulative packages for download on the Microsoft Catalog website. The packages are constantly updated and are currently available for 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 7 and 64-bit Windows Server 2008 R2.
The huge advantage of such packaging is that we do not need to download hundreds of individual packages through the Windows Update center.
In order to install them, the "seven" should include:
- installed Service Pack 1 (SP1)
- kB3020369 since April 2015
When these conditions are met, we can download the rollup package, which will refresh our system to the latest version in one click. To do this, go to the following link using the Internet Explorer browser (unfortunately, the following page only works under IE):
Download update rollup for Windows 7 / Server 2008
Upon entering the site, a list of found updates will be displayed. Three will be available for download:
- for Windows 7 (32-bit only)
- for Win 7 computers based on x64 processors (only for 64-bit version);
- for Windows Server 2008 R2 x64 (64-bit only).
Download the package that corresponds to the bit depth of your Windows and install it as a standard by running the installation file. A rollup package requires a minimum of 4 GB of free disk space.
Quite often, many users are wondering how to update Windows 7 for free without incurring disaster. Today we will discuss this topic. In addition, we also ...
Quite often, many users are wondering how to update Windows 7 for free without incurring disaster. Today we will discuss this topic. In addition, we also ...