Upgrading Windows 7

Windows 7 is the most advanced and stable Windows NT 6.1-based operating system. However, updating the system from a vanilla RTM or SP1 install can be a bit of a nightmare. People have made custom ISOs with tons of updates and drivers slipstreamed in, but I don't trust those. Thankfully, installing updates manually is super easy with the Convenience Rollup!

Pre-Requisites

As far as I'm aware, Windows only shipped as either RTM or with Service Pack 1. This makes it really easy to figure out which you have!

Open winver with whatever means you like. Next to "Version 6.1", you'll see either "(Build 7600)" or "(Build 7601: Service Pack 1)". If you're on Build 7600, you'll need to install Service Pack 1 (KB976932: x64, x32) before you install the Convenience Rollup.^{[TODO —Screenshot of winver?]}

Convenience Rollup

Now this is where things get good. At some point, Microsoft realized nobody wanted to install hundreds of updates every time they brought a new system online, and not everybody knows what slipstreaming is—let alone who was responsible for that term.

First, install the April 2015 Servicing Stack Update (KB3020369: x64, x32) and reboot your system.

Then, install the Convenience Rollup (KB3125574: x64, x32). Welcome to 2016!

Last Non-ESU Updates

These updates are a bit more boring than SP1 and the Convenience Rollup, so I'm throwing them into a table with a little blurb about what they do. Make sure you install them in the order shown!

KB Number	Download Links	Notes
KB4474419	x64, x32	Adds SHA-2 code signing support to Windows 7.
KB4490628	x64, x32	Servicing Stack Update for March 2019.[TODO —Could this replace Apr2015 SSU?]
KB4539601	x64, x32	Monthly Rollup for January 31, 2020. Technically a Preview Rollup, but this fixes an issue in the Jan 14 Rollup where your wallpaper won't appear.[TODO —Link to MS KB]

What about ESU?

Say what you will about C&Ds, but I'm just not a fan.