Upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7

Overview Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5

Step 1: Make sure that your programs and devices will work with Windows 7

To help find potential compatibility problems with your computer's hardware, devices, or programs that might affect installing Windows 7, download and run the free Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor. It provides a report listing any issues that it finds and gives recommendations on what to do before you upgrade to improve your PC's compatibility with Windows 7.

Picture of an Upgrade Advisor reportA report lists any actions needed to prepare your computer for Windows 7.

Download and install Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor

Follow the steps below to download the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor.

  1. Go to the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor webpage.

  2. Click Download the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor.

  3. Click Download, and then save the installation file to your PC.

  4. Double-click the installation file saved to your PC.

    If you're asked to install .NET 2.0

    Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor requires .NET Framework 2.0. If your computer doesn't have it installed, follow these steps. If you're not asked to install .NET 2.0, you can skip this and proceed to step 5.

    1. Click Yes.

    2. Click Next.

    3. If you agree to the license terms, click Install.

    4. Click Finish.

  5. If you agree to the license terms, click Install.

  6. Click Close.

    If you see a preselected check box, clicking Close will run Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor.

Run Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor

  1. If Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor isn't already running, double-click the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor shortcut on your PC's desktop.

  2. In the security warning dialog box, click Yes.

  3. Click Start check. The Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor will scan your PC's hardware, devices, and installed software. This might take a few minutes. When finished, it will provide you with a compatibility report that you can print or save for your reference.

  4. Read the report carefully, and make note of any issues that the Upgrade Advisor finds and what the recommended steps are to fix these issues.

  5. If you want to save the report and print or refer to it later, click Save Report, type a name in the File Name box, and then click Save.

  6. Click Close.

You can scan your PC more than once. We recommend running the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor again after taking any of the recommended steps or making any changes to your PC's hardware, devices, or installed software before upgrading to Windows 7. Be sure to save your updated report.

Next: Use Windows Easy Transfer to save your files and settings.



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