There are two options to choose from during the Windows 7 installation process:
Upgrade. This option replaces your current version of Windows with Windows 7, and keeps your files, settings, and programs in place on your computer.
Custom. This option replaces your current version of Windows with Windows 7, but doesn't preserve your files, settings, and programs. It's sometimes referred to as aclean installation for that reason.
In this article you'll find detailed instructions for installing Windows 7 and reinstallingWindows 7.
For more information about installing Windows 7, see Installing Windows: frequently asked questions and Windows installation problems: frequently asked questions. For more information about upgrade options, go to Upgrading to Windows 7: frequently asked questions on the Windows website.
| Where to purchase Windows 7 |
Purchasing and downloading Windows 7 online is an easy way to install Windows 7 on a netbook or other computer that doesn't have a DVD drive. For more information about the options available in your country or region, go online to the Microsoft Store. You can also purchase Windows 7 at retail locations.
The Windows 7 installation disc package includes both 32-bit and 64-bit versions ofWindows 7. If you download Windows 7 from the Microsoft Store, you'll need to choose either a 32-bit version or 64-bit version to download. For help deciding which version to install, see 32-bit and 64-bit Windows: frequently asked questions.
Notes
Windows 7 comes in two versions: upgrade and full. To find out which version you should purchase, go to Upgrading to Windows 7: frequently asked questions on the Windows website.
If you purchase an upgrade copy of Windows 7, you'll need to installWindows 7 on a computer running Windows XP or Windows Vista.
| Using the Upgrade installation option |
The Upgrade option keeps your files, settings, and programs from your current version of Windows. To learn more about which versions of Windows can be upgraded toWindows 7, go to Upgrading to Windows 7: frequently asked questions on theWindows website.
Notes
If you use a fingerprint reader or other biometric device to log on to your computer, write down your password before upgrading. You must log on by typing your user name and password the first time that you use Windows 7 after upgrading.
Some programs such as Windows Mail and Outlook Express are no longer included in Windows 7. If you used Windows Mail or Outlook Express as your e‑mail program, you'll need to install a new e‑mail program after you finish installing Windows 7 to read your messages or to send and receive e‑mail. For more information about programs you can use, go to Looking for Windows Mail? on the Windowswebsite.
To install Windows 7 using the Upgrade option
Turn on your computer so that Windows starts normally. (To perform an upgrade, you can't start, or boot, your computer from the Windows 7 installation media.)
After Windows has started, do one of the following:
If you downloaded Windows 7, browse to the installation file you downloaded, and then double-click it.
If you have a Windows 7 installation disc, insert the disc into your computer. Setup should start automatically. If it doesn't, click the Start button
, clickComputer, double-click your DVD drive to open the Windows 7 installation disc, and then double-click setup.exe.If you've downloaded Windows 7 installation files onto a USB flash drive, insert the drive into your computer. Setup should start automatically. If it doesn't, click the Start button
, click Computer, double-click the drive, and then double-click setup.exe.
On the Install Windows page, click Install now.
On the Get important updates for installation page, we recommend getting the latest updates to help ensure a successful installation and to help protect your computer against security threats. You need an Internet connection to get installation updates.
On the Please read the license terms page, if you accept the license terms, clickI accept the license terms, and then click Next.
On the Which type of installation do you want? page, click Upgrade to begin the upgrade. You might see a compatibility report.
The Which type of installation do you want? pageFollow the instructions to finish installing Windows 7.
Note
You might need to update drivers after Windows 7 installation is complete. To do so, click the Start button , click All Programs, and then clickWindows Update. If Windows Update doesn't have the driver you need, see Update a driver for hardware that isn't working properly, or go to theWindows 7 Compatibility Center webpage.
To share printers
If you shared any printers in Windows Vista, you'll need to re-share them by following these steps:
Click the Start button
, and then click Devices and Printers.Right-click the printer you want to share, and click Printer properties.
On the Sharing tab, select the Share this printer check box, and then click OK.
If other computers still can't access the printer, delete the printer from the other computers, and then add the printer again.
| Using the Custom installation option without formatting the hard disk |
The Custom option installs a new copy of Windows 7 on the partition you choose. This erases your files, programs, and settings.
Back up any files and settings you want to keep so that you can restore them after the installation is complete. You'll need to reinstall your programs, so make sure you have the installation discs and product keys for the programs you want to use in Windows 7, or setup files for any programs you downloaded from the Internet.
Notes
Some programs such as Windows Mail and Outlook Express are no longer included in Windows 7. If you used Windows Mail or Outlook Express as your e‑mail program, you'll need to install a new e‑mail program after you finish installing Windows 7 to read your messages or to send and receive e‑mail. For more information about programs you can use, go to Looking for Windows Mail? on the Windowswebsite.
If you're running a 64-bit version of Windows and plan to install a 32-bit version of Windows 7, programs that were designed to run only on a 64-bit operating system might not work. Check the software manufacturer's website for more information, or go to the Windows 7Compatibility Center webpage to search for hardware and software tested to be compatible with both 32-bit and 64-bit versions ofWindows 7.
If you don't format your hard disk during installation, data files are saved to a Windows.old folder on the partition you installedWindows 7 on. However, you should still back up your files. If you have data files that are encrypted, you might not be able to access them after installing Windows 7. If you've backed up your data files and then restored them after installing Windows 7, you can delete theWindows.old folder.
To install Windows 7 using the Custom option without formatting the hard disk
Turn on your computer so that Windows starts normally, then do one of the following:
If you downloaded Windows 7, browse to the installation file you downloaded, and then double-click it.
If you have a Windows 7 installation disc, insert the disc into your computer. Setup should start automatically. If it doesn't, click the Start button
, clickComputer, double-click your DVD drive to open the Windows 7 installation disc, and then double-click setup.exe.If you've downloaded Windows 7 installation files onto a USB flash drive, insert the drive into your computer. Setup should start automatically. If it doesn't, click the Start button
, click Computer, double-click the drive, and then double-click setup.exe.
On the Install Windows page, follow any instructions that are displayed, and then click Install now.
On the Get important updates for installation page, we recommend getting the latest updates to help ensure a successful installation and to help protect your computer against security threats. You need an Internet connection to get installation updates.
On the Please read the license terms page, if you accept the license terms, clickI accept the license terms, and then click Next.
On the Which type of installation do you want? page, click Custom.
On the Where do you want to install Windows? page, choose the partition containing your previous version of Windows (this is often the computer's C:drive), and then click Next.
In the Windows.old dialog box, click OK.
Follow the instructions to finish installing Windows 7, which include naming your computer and setting up an initial user account.
Note
You might need to update drivers after Windows 7 installation is complete. To do so, click the Start button , click All Programs, and then clickWindows Update. If Windows Update doesn't have the driver you need, see Update a driver for hardware that isn't working properly, or go to theWindows 7 Compatibility Center webpage.
| Using the Custom installation option and formatting the hard disk |
Formatting your hard disk during a custom installation of Windows 7 permanently erases everything on the partition that you are formatting, including your files, settings, and programs.
Back up any files and settings you want to keep so that you can restore them after the installation is complete. You'll need to reinstall your programs, so make sure you have the installation discs and product keys for the programs you want to use in Windows 7, or setup files for any programs you downloaded from the Internet.
Notes
If you're using an upgrade version of Windows 7, don't use a program from another software manufacturer to reformat your hard disk before installing Windows 7. Instead, follow the instructions in this section.
Some programs such as Windows Mail and Outlook Express are no longer included in Windows 7. If you used Windows Mail or Outlook Express as your e‑mail program, you'll need to install a new e‑mail program after you finish installing Windows 7 to read your messages or to send and receive e‑mail. For more information about programs you can use, go to Looking for Windows Mail? on the Windowswebsite.
If you're running a 64-bit version of Windows and plan to install a 32-bit version of Windows 7, programs that were designed to run only on a 64-bit operating system might not work. Check the software manufacturer's website for more information, or go to the Windows 7Compatibility Center webpage to search for hardware and software tested to be compatible with both 32-bit and 64-bit versions ofWindows 7.
To install Windows 7 using the Custom option and formatting the hard disk
To format your hard disk during Windows 7 installation, you'll need to start, or boot, your computer using the Windows 7 installation disc or USB flash drive.
Turn on your computer so that Windows starts normally, insert the Windows 7installation disc or USB flash drive, and then shut down your computer.
Restart your computer.
Press any key when prompted, and then follow the instructions that appear.
On the Install Windows page, enter your language and other preferences, and then click Next.
If the Install Windows page doesn't appear, and you're not asked to press any key, you might need to change some system settings. To learn how to do this, see Start your computer from a Windows 7 installation disc or USB flash drive.
On the Please read the license terms page, if you accept the license terms, clickI accept the license terms, and then click Next.
On the Which type of installation do you want? page, click Custom.
On the Where do you want to install Windows? page, click Drive options (advanced).
Click the partition that you want to change, click the formatting option you want to perform, and then follow the instructions.
When you've finished formatting, click Next.
Follow the instructions to finish installing Windows 7, which include naming your computer and setting up an initial user account.
Notes
If you're using the upgrade version of Windows 7 on a computer without an operating system installed, you need to leave the product key box empty during setup. The upgrade version requiresWindows XP or Windows Vista to be installed on the computer to activate Windows 7. To activate Windows 7, go to the Microsoft Support website. For more information, see Windows 7 activation error: invalid product key and Windows 7 activation error: 0xC004F061.
You might need to update drivers after Windows 7 installation is complete. To do so, click the Start button
, click All Programs, and then click Windows Update. If Windows Update doesn't have the driver you need, see Update a driver for hardware that isn't working properly, or go to the Windows 7 Compatibility Center webpage.
| Using the Custom installation option if no operating system is installed |
The Custom option installs a new copy of Windows 7 on the partition you choose. This erases your files, programs, and settings. If there are any files on the partition, back them up before proceeding.
To install Windows 7 on a computer without an operating system
To do this, you'll need to start, or boot, your computer using the Windows 7installation disc or USB flash drive.
Turn on your computer, insert the Windows 7 installation disc or USB flash drive, and then shut down your computer.
Restart your computer.
Press any key when prompted, and then follow the instructions that appear.
On the Install Windows page, enter your language and other preferences, and then click Next.
If the Install Windows page doesn't appear, and you're not asked to press any key, you might need to change some system settings. To learn how to do this, see Start your computer from a Windows 7 installation disc or USB flash drive.
On the Please read the license terms page, if you accept the license terms, clickI accept the license terms, and then click Next.
On the Which type of installation do you want? page, click Custom.
On the Where do you want to install Windows? page, choose the partition that you want to install Windows 7 on, or click Unallocated Space if no partitions are listed, and then click Next.
If a dialog box appears saying that Windows might create additional partitions for system files, or that the partition you chose might contain recovery files or other types of files from your computer manufacturer, click OK.
Follow the instructions to finish installing Windows 7, which include naming your computer and setting up an initial user account.
Notes
If you're using the upgrade version of Windows 7 on a computer without an operating system installed, you need to leave the product key box empty during setup. The upgrade version requiresWindows XP or Windows Vista to be installed on the computer to activate Windows 7. To activate Windows 7, go to the Microsoft Support website. For more information, see Windows 7 activation error: invalid product key and Windows 7 activation error: 0xC004F061.
You might need to update drivers after Windows 7 installation is complete. To do so, click the Start button
, click All Programs, and then click Windows Update. If Windows Update doesn't have the driver you need, see Update a driver for hardware that isn't working properly, or go to the Windows 7 Compatibility Center webpage.
| Installing a 64-bit version of Windows 7 on a computer running a 32-bit version of Windows |
Before you begin, make sure that your computer can run a 64-bit version of Windows. For more information, see 32-bit and 64-bit Windows: frequently asked questions.
The Custom option installs a new copy of Windows 7 on the partition you choose. This erases your files, programs, and settings.
Back up any files and settings you want to keep so that you can restore them after the installation is complete. You'll need to reinstall your programs, so make sure you have the installation discs and product keys for the programs you want to use in Windows 7, or setup files for any programs you downloaded from the Internet.
Notes
Some programs such as Windows Mail and Outlook Express are no longer included in Windows 7. If you used Windows Mail or Outlook Express as your e‑mail program, you'll need to install a new e‑mail program after you finish installing Windows 7 to read your messages or to send and receive e‑mail. For more information about programs you can use, go to Looking for Windows Mail? on the Windowswebsite.
If you don't format your hard disk during installation, data files are saved to a Windows.old folder on the partition you installedWindows 7 on. However, you should still back up your files. If you have data files that are encrypted, you might not be able to access them after installing Windows 7. If you've backed up your data files and then restored them after installing Windows 7, you can delete theWindows.old folder.
To install a 64-bit version of Windows 7 on a computer running a 32-bit version of Windows
To do this, you'll need to start, or boot, your computer using the Windows 7installation disc or USB flash drive.
Turn on your computer so that Windows starts normally, insert the Windows 7installation disc or USB flash drive, and then shut down your computer.
Restart your computer.
Press any key when prompted, and then follow the instructions that appear.
On the Install Windows page, enter your language and other preferences, and then click Next.
If the Install Windows page doesn't appear, and you're not asked to press any key, you might need to change some system settings. To learn how to do this, see Start your computer from a Windows 7 installation disc or USB flash drive.
On the Please read the license terms page, if you accept the license terms, clickI accept the license terms, and then click Next.
On the Which type of installation do you want? page, click Custom.
On the Where do you want to install Windows? page, choose the partition containing your previous version of Windows (this is often the computer's C:drive), and then click Next.
In the Windows.old dialog box, click OK.
Follow the instructions to finish installing Windows 7, which include naming your computer and setting up an initial user account.
Note
You might need to update drivers after Windows 7 installation is complete. To do so, click the Start button , click All Programs, and then clickWindows Update. If Windows Update doesn't have the driver you need, see Update a driver for hardware that isn't working properly, or go to theWindows 7 Compatibility Center webpage.
| Reinstalling Windows 7 |
You can reinstall Windows 7 using Recovery in Control Panel, under Advanced recovery methods. This method reinstalls Windows 7, either from a recovery image provided by your computer manufacturer, or from your original Windows 7 installation files. You need to reinstall all of the programs that you added, and restore all of your files from a backup. For more information, see Choosing an advanced recovery method.
If Windows 7 doesn't run at all, you can reinstall Windows using your originalWindows 7 installation disc. To do this, follow the instructions in "Using the Custom installation option and formatting the hard disk" earlier in this topic.
Note
Back up your files before you begin reinstalling Windows 7 if possible, even if you're reinstalling Windows 7 on a hard disk partition, and you have personal files on a separate partition. For example, if you have encrypted files, you might not be able to access them after reinstallingWindows. A custom installation replaces the current version of Windows 7and all personal files.
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