Upgrade to Windows 7

Windows XP

Windows 7

Upgrading from Windows XP

Get help installing your upgrade

If you've already purchased Windows 7 and need help upgrading, you can get help from a local computer service provider or can follow our step-by-step instructions, which will guide you through the entire process.

Step-by-step upgrade instructions

Still deciding? Learn about upgrading to Windows 7

If you're thinking about purchasing Windows 7, you can either buy a new PC that comes with Windows 7 or upgrade your current PC.

Buy a new PC

We recommend that you experience Windows 7 on a new PC.

Upgrade your current PC

If your current PC can run Windows 7, you can upgrade it. Note that you can use upgrade media, but you must perform a custom installation of Windows 7, which doesn't keep any of your files, programs, or settings.

Upgrading from Windows Vista

Get help installing your upgrade

If you've already purchased Windows 7, just follow our step-by-step instructions for either an upgrade or a custom installation. Which type of installation you use will depend on which edition of Windows Vista you're currently running and which edition of Windows 7 you want to install (for more information, see the "Which installation type do I need to use?" section later on this page).

Upgrading from Windows Vista to Windows 7
An upgrade installation keeps your files, settings, and programs in place.

Performing a custom installation of Windows 7
A custom installation doesn't preserve your files, programs, or settings.

Still deciding? Learn about upgrading to Windows 7

If you're running Windows Vista, in most cases you can upgrade your PC to Windows 7. Here are some links to information about choosing an edition, purchasing, and upgrading:

Which installation type do I need to use?

The type of Windows 7 installation you'll need to use—upgrade or custom—will depend on the edition of Windows Vista you've got and the edition of Windows 7 you want to install.

	Windows 7 Home Premium installation type	Windows 7 Professional installation type	Windows 7 Ultimate installation type
If you're running:
Windows Vista Home Basic	Upgrade*	Custom*	Upgrade
Windows Vista Home Premium	Upgrade	Custom	Upgrade
Windows Vista Business	Custom	Upgrade	Upgrade
Windows Vista Ultimate	Custom	Custom	Upgrade

* An upgrade installation keeps your files, settings, and programs in place. A custom installation does not preserve your files, settings, and programs. Learn more about upgrading to Windows 7.

What edition of Windows Vista am I running?

Click the Start button , right-click Computer, and then click Properties.

The edition of Windows Vista you're running is displayed under Windows edition near the top of the window.