Depending on the version of Windows you’re currently running, installing Windows 7 on your PC may be a lengthy process. Before you buy or install Windows 7 on your PC:
Run Windows Upgrade Advisor to make sure your PC can run Windows 7.
Understand the upgrade process for your PC
Moving to Windows 7 Ultimate from any edition of Windows XP or from a 64-bit edition of Windows Vista to a 32-bit edition of Windows 7 requires a lengthier, re-installation process. Moving from other editions of Windows Vista to Windows 7 qualifies as an upgrade.
Determine if 32 or 64-bit is right for you
Each package contains two disks: one with the 32-bit edition and one with the 64-bit edition of Windows 7. Please make sure you know which to install on your PC.The benefits of 64-bit are most apparent when you have a large amount of random access memory (RAM) installed on your computer, typically 4 GB of RAM or more. In such cases, because a 64-bit operating system can handle large amounts of memory more efficiently than a 32-bit operating system can, a 64-bit system can be more responsive when running several programs at the same time and switching between them frequently. Please note: if you are presently running 64-bit software on a PC running a 64-bit edition of Windows Vista and you move to a 32-bit edition of Windows 7, your 64-bit software may no longer work.
Use the Compatibility Center to ensure your other hardware and software will work with Windows 7.
Find out how easy it is to upgrade to Windows 7 with the Getting Started Guide.
Do you use a small notebook PC (also known as a netbook)?
If you’ve got a netbook, you probably don’t have a CD or DVD drive – so you may be wondering how you can upgrade to Windows 7.
We’ve got your answer.
The Microsoft Store is the only place where you can download Windows 7 directly to your netbook. Learn how it works.