Hi all.
Here's my setup at the present time:

• Mid-range Dell PC, dual monitors.  Windows 7 Pro, computer dedicated to music system.
• Cakewalk Music Creator 6 Touch (registered user, purchased off Steam)
• Xenyx 1622USB Mixer, successfully connected USB to the computer/MC6.
• Korg M1 Synth connected to computer via Roland UM-ONE MK2. I can control MC6 midi instruments with the keyboard.
• Various mics and guitars, etc.

Pretty bare-bones, I know, but the above setup is all working correctly. Now I'm working on learning the ins-outs of the Cakewalk software.
My question: I can get the Music Creator 7 upgrade for $20 American. Should I do this, or should I stick with version 6 for now, just for learning purposes? My 6 (purchased off Steam) came with Sound Center and Loop Control. Will a 7 upgrade be able to take advantage of these extras from 6, or will I need to repurchase Sound Center? I've looked online and can't find the differences between the two software packages, and don't want to upgrade just for the heck of it. Plus I don't want to lose the functionality I already have.
If anyone would be willing to give me their thoughts on this, I would greatly appreciate it! Thanks!! Bill

Sorry.  Forgot to add:  PC is running Windows 7, and is dedicated to music.  I don't do anything else with this computer but Cakewalk.  Bill

I think you should look into Home Studio as well as (instead of) MC7.  While HS really shines with Windows 10 and you are still on Win 7, you never know when you might decide to upgrade your OS as well.

I also have MC6 and have been looking at the various upgrade paths.  To answer your question, everything you received with MC6 Touch will work with MC7, with the recently released Home Studio or with any current version of Sonar.
 
$20 is a nice upgrade rice, very tempting I'm sure but, assuming you have the money, I would skip MC7 and instead get Home Studio while it is still $49.99.  Online retailer Sweetwater is showing a SRP of $99.
 
MC6 is only available as a 32 bit program while both MC7 and Home Studio are available in 32 and 64 bit versions so upgrading for that feature is a wash.  However, MC7 is built with the Sonar X3 audio engine while Home Studio is built with the current audio engine so you gain a software generation with Home Studio.
 
Home Studio can handle more audio tracks than MC7.
 
Home Studio includes a different set of loops.
 
Home Studio includes all four Studio Instruments (strings, keyboard, piano and bass).  I BELIEVE MC7 still only includes drums (like MC6).
 
Most of all, Home Studio includes all eight (one knob) style effect modules.  For me, this is the game changer as the style effect modules can help a beginner mix sound professional.

Thanks for the GREAT info!  I did not consider the differences in engines so thanks for explaining that.  Based in part of your answer I've been looking at the various SONAR options and think I might spend some extra money and go with SONAR Artist (for 99). Unlimited tracks and busses, more instruments, and the Anderton Collection.  Plus the freebies CW drops occasionally will shoehorn nicely into this version, I believe.  Should work fine with my machine, and will rock with Win10, once I upgrade.
Thanks for taking the time to reply!  Bill

Thanks for your thoughts and help.  I appreciate it.  Honestly, you'd get two thumbs up based on the Bill the Cat avatar alone, lol!

Sonar Artist is also a good choice.  I didn't suggest it because, at least to me, going from paying $20 to $99 is a huge jump while jumping from $20 to $49.99 I can (kind of) justify to myself.  Trying to justify any non necessary expenditure to my wife?  Not so easy! 
 
Of course the best thing about Sonar Artist is it is the exact same program as Sonar Platinum, only the accessories are different.  The second best is in the future you have a less expensive upgrade path and will be adding accessories not the core program.
 
I'm glad you made a decision and feel comfortable with the decision.