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Applies to all editions of Windows 7

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Installing and reinstalling Windows 7

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 a clean installation for that reason.

In this article you'll find detailed instructions for installing Windows 7 and reinstalling Windows 7.

For more information about installing Windows 7, see Installing Windows: frequently asked questions and Windows installation problems: frequently asked questions.

Show all

 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, go online to the Microsoft Store. You can also purchase Windows 7 at retail locations.

The Windows 7 installation disc includes both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 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.

If you're a student, you might be eligible to buy Windows 7 at a discount. For more information, go to the student offer webpage.

Notes

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 install Windows 7 on a computer running Windows XP or Windows Vista.

Common ways to install Windows 7

The table below lists common ways to install Windows 7, and links to more information on the Windows website.

If you want to do this

Go here for more information

Install Windows 7 on a computer running Windows XP.

Go to Upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7.

Install a 32-bit version of Windows 7 on a computer running a 32-bit version of Windows Vista.

Go to Upgrading from Windows Vista to Windows 7.

Install a 64-bit version of Windows 7 on a computer running a 32-bit version of Windows Vista.

See "Installing a 64-bit version of Windows 7 on a computer running a 32-bit version of Windows" later in this topic.

Install a 32-bit version of Windows 7 on a computer running a 64-bit version of Windows Vista (less common).

Go to Upgrading from Windows Vista to Windows 7 (custom installation).

Install a 64-bit version of Windows 7 on a computer running a 64-bit version of Windows Vista.

Go to Upgrading from Windows Vista to Windows 7.

Install Windows 7 on a computer and format the hard disk during installation.

See "Using the Custom installation option and formatting the hard disk" later in this topic.

Install Windows 7 on a computer without an operating system.

See "Using the Custom installation option if no operating system is installed" later in this topic.

Install Windows 7 on a computer without a DVD drive.

Go to Installing Windows 7 on a netbook.

Before you begin installing Windows 7

To save time and help avoid problems during installation:

  • Find your product key. You can find your product key on your computer or on the installation disc holder inside the Windows package—or in a confirmation e‑mail if you purchased and downloaded Windows 7 online. A product key sticker looks similar to this:

    PRODUCT KEY: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX

    Go to the Microsoft website to see examples of product key stickers.

  • Write down your computer name. If your computer is currently connected to a network, you might need you computer name after Windows 7 installation is complete. For more information, see Find your computer name.

  • Back up your files. You can back up files to an external hard disk, a DVD or CD, or a network folder. We recommend using Windows Easy Transfer to back up your files and settings. For more information, go to the Windows Easy Transfer webpage.

  • Download and run the free Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor. It will help find any potential compatibility issues with your computer's hardware, devices, or programs that might affect installing Windows 7. For more information, go to the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor webpage.

  • Update your antivirus program, run it, and then turn it off. After you install Windows, remember to turn your antivirus program back on, or install new antivirus software that works with Windows 7.

  • Connect to the Internet. Make sure your Internet connection is working so that you can get the latest installation updates, such as security updates and driver updates that can help with installation. If you don't have an Internet connection, you can still install Windows 7.

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 to Windows 7, go to Upgrading to Windows 7: frequently asked questions on the Windows website.

Notes

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 Windows website.

To install Windows 7 using the Upgrade option

  1. 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.)

  2. 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 Picture of the Start button, click Computer, double-click your DVD drive to open the Windows 7 installation disc, and then double-click setup.exe.

  3. On the Install Windows page, click Install now.

  4. 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.

  5. On the Please read the license terms page, if you accept the license terms, click I accept the license terms, and then click Next.

  6. On the Which type of installation do you want? page, click Upgrade to begin the upgrade. You might see a compatibility report.

    Picture of the Which type of installation do you want? pageThe Which type of installation do you want? page

  7. Follow the instructions to finish installing Windows 7.

Note

Note

You might need to update drivers after Windows 7 installation is complete. To do so, click the Start button Picture of 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.

To share printers

If you shared any printers in Windows Vista, you'll need to re-share them by following these steps:

  1. Click the Start button Picture of the Start button, and then click Devices and Printers.

  2. Right-click the printer you want to share, and click Printer properties.

  3. 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

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 Windows website.

  • 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 7 Compatibility Center webpage to search for hardware and software tested to be compatible with both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 7.

  • If you don't format your hard disk during installation, data files are saved to a Windows.old folder on the partition you installed Windows 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 the Windows.old folder.

To install Windows 7 using the Custom option without formatting the hard disk

  1. 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 Picture of the Start button, click Computer, double-click your DVD drive to open the Windows 7 installation disc, and then double-click setup.exe.

  2. On the Install Windows page, follow any instructions that are displayed, and then click Install now.

  3. 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.

  4. On the Please read the license terms page, if you accept the license terms, click I accept the license terms, and then click Next.

  5. On the Which type of installation do you want? page, click Custom.

  6. 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.

  7. In the Windows.old dialog box, click OK.

  8. Follow the instructions to finish installing Windows 7, which include naming your computer and setting up an initial user account.

Note

Note

You might need to update drivers after Windows 7 installation is complete. To do so, click the Start button Picture of 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 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

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 Windows website.

  • 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 7 Compatibility Center webpage to search for hardware and software tested to be compatible with both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 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.

  1. Turn on your computer so that Windows starts normally, insert the Windows 7 installation disc, and then shut down your computer.

  2. Restart your computer.

  3. Press any key when prompted, and then follow the instructions that appear.

  4. 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 a key to start from DVD or CD, you might need to change some system settings. To learn how to do this, see Start Windows from a CD or DVD.

  5. On the Please read the license terms page, if you accept the license terms, click I accept the license terms, and then click Next.

  6. On the Which type of installation do you want? page, click Custom.

  7. On the Where do you want to install Windows? page, click Drive options (advanced).

  8. Click the partition that you want to change, click the formatting option you want to perform, and then follow the instructions.

  9. When you've finished formatting, click Next.

  10. Follow the instructions to finish installing Windows 7, which include naming your computer and setting up an initial user account.

Notes

Notes

 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 7 installation disc.

  1. Turn on your computer, insert the Windows 7 installation disc, and then shut down your computer.

  2. Restart your computer.

  3. Press any key when prompted, and then follow the instructions that appear.

  4. 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 a key to start from a CD or DVD, you might need to change some system settings. To learn how to do this, see Start Windows from a CD or DVD.

  5. On the Please read the license terms page, if you accept the license terms, click I accept the license terms, and then click Next.

  6. On the Which type of installation do you want? page, click Custom.

  7. 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.

  8. Follow the instructions to finish installing Windows 7, which include naming your computer and setting up an initial user account.

Notes

Notes

 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

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 Windows website.

  • If you don't format your hard disk during installation, data files are saved to a Windows.old folder on the partition you installed Windows 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 the Windows.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 7 installation disc.

  1. Turn on your computer so that Windows starts normally, insert the Windows 7 installation disc, and then shut down your computer.

  2. Restart your computer.

  3. Press any key when prompted, and then follow the instructions that appear.

  4. 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 a key to start from DVD or CD, you might need to change some system settings. To learn how to do this, see Start Windows from a CD or DVD.

  5. On the Please read the license terms page, if you accept the license terms, click I accept the license terms, and then click Next.

  6. On the Which type of installation do you want? page, click Custom.

  7. 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.

  8. In the Windows.old dialog box, click OK.

  9. Follow the instructions to finish installing Windows 7, which include naming your computer and setting up an initial user account.

Note

Note

You might need to update drivers after Windows 7 installation is complete. To do so, click the Start button Picture of 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.

 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 original Windows 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

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 reinstalling Windows. A custom installation replaces the current version of Windows 7 and all personal files.

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