Windows 7 FAQ

There are dozens of reasons, big and small, to get Windows 7. We designed it to simplify your everyday tasks, work the way you want, and make new things possible. To see what we mean, you can start with the top 10 reasons to buy. Then learn more about the features and see it in action with these videos. Want to see how it's different than what you have? See how it compares with recent versions of Windows. And, to find the right one for you, check to see what's in each edition.

If you're checking system requirements because you want to see if your PC can run Windows 7, the best way to check is to download and run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor.

Meanwhile, here's what you need:

• 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor

• 1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)

• 16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)

• DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver

Additional requirements to use certain features:

• Internet access (fees may apply)

• Depending on resolution, video playback may require additional memory and advanced graphics hardware

• For some Windows Media Center functionality a TV tuner and additional hardware may be required

• Windows Touch and Tablet PCs require specific hardware

• HomeGroup requires a network and PCs running Windows 7

• DVD/CD authoring requires a compatible optical drive

• BitLocker requires Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 1.2

• BitLocker To Go requires a USB flash drive

• Windows XP Mode requires an additional 1 GB of RAM, an additional 15 GB of available hard disk space, and a processor capable of hardware virtualization with Intel VT or AMD-V turned on

• Music and sound require audio output

Product functionality and graphics may vary based on your system configuration. Some features may require advanced or additional hardware.

Windows 7 is offered in both Upgrade and Full versions. If you're running a genuine version of Windows XP or Windows Vista, you qualify for an upgrade version of Windows 7. Here's the price for each edition. If you're ready to buy, you can click through to the Microsoft Store from the links below.

Edition		Upgrade	Full
Windows 7 Ultimate Designed for people who want it all		$219.99 Buy now	$319.99 Buy now
Windows 7 Professional Everything you need for work and home		$199.99 Buy now	$299.99 Buy now
Windows 7 Home Premium The best entertainment experience on your PC		$119.99 Buy now	$199.99 Buy now

NOTE: Before you buy Windows 7, please review this information.

If you're running a genuine version of Windows XP or Windows Vista, you qualify for an upgrade copy of Windows 7. When you buy Windows 7, you can choose between the upgrade and full version. Both include the same features. If you have Windows XP or Windows Vista on your PC, you can use the upgrade version. If you don't, you'll need to get the full version.

Windows 7 is designed to make new technology, including advances in digital media, hardware and devices, really shine. We partner with the top PC manufacturers to help ensure that Windows 7 will work great with your new PC. And rest assured, moving into a new PC is simple.

Windows 7 may also greatly improve the PC you're using today. To know if your own PC can run Windows 7, download and run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor. If you find out your PC is capable of running Windows 7, take a look at the information describing the upgrade process. That should help you decide which path is right for you.

Download and run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor to see if your PC can run Windows 7. If you choose to install Windows 7 on a PC running Windows XP, you'll need to back up your PC, install Windows 7, then reinstall your programs, files, and settings. Windows Easy Transfer is a free tool you can use to copy your information (but not programs) off your PC and then put them back after you install Windows 7. If you want to see if other devices or software work with Windows 7, check out the Windows 7 Compatibility Center.

Windows 7 is designed to run well on PCs running Windows Vista. Download and run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor to see if your PC can run Windows 7. If you want to see if other devices or software work with Windows 7, check out the Windows 7 Compatibility Center.

Generally speaking, if you use your PC strictly at home and for entertainment, Windows 7 Home Premium is a good choice. If you plan to do work on your home PC, Windows 7 Professional is a good alternative. If you want it all, get Windows 7 Ultimate. Here's where you can get more info about what's in each edition, and compare the editions side by side.

Offers will vary throughout the year so check the Special Offers page for the latest ones. And, to keep up with the latest, be sure to subscribe to the Exploring Windows Newsletter.

To see what works with Windows 7, check out the Windows 7 Compatibility Center.

Generally speaking, Windows 7 supports programs compatible with Windows XP and Windows Vista. Some specific productivity programs designed for Windows XP, may require you to download Windows XP Mode (requires Windows 7 Professional or Windows 7 Ultimate). If you're having problems running older software with Windows 7, this information may help.

We offer a variety of licensing options for companies buying five or more copies of Windows.

Windows 7 is designed to be compatible with the most popular hardware and software products you use every day. You can use the Windows 7 Compatibility Center to see what works.

Most programs designed for the 32-bit version of Windows will work on the 64-bit version of Windows. Notable exceptions are many antivirus programs.

Device drivers designed for the 32-bit version of Windows don't work on computers running a 64-bit version of Windows. If you're trying to install a printer or other device that only has 32-bit drivers available, it won't work correctly on a 64-bit version of Windows. To learn how to check for drivers, see Update a driver for hardware that isn't working properly or go to the device manufacturer's website. You can also get information about drivers by using the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor. Here's more information about 32- and 64-bit Windows.

If the program is specifically designed for the 64-bit version of Windows, it won't work on the 32-bit version of Windows. (However, most programs designed for the 32-bit version of Windows do work on the 64-bit version of Windows.)

Device drivers designed for the 64-bit version of Windows don't work on computers running a 32-bit version of Windows. To learn how to check for drivers, see Update a driver for hardware that isn't working properly or go to the device manufacturer's website. You can also get information about drivers by going to the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor webpage. Here's more information about 32- and 64-bit Windows.

To find programs and devices that work with Windows 7, look for products that display the "Compatible with Windows 7" logo. They've been tested to be compatible with both the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 7.

You can also go online to the Windows 7 Compatibility Center and check to see whether the program or device is compatible with the 64-bit version of Windows 7. Hardware and software manufacturers continue to update this information, so check back often. Here's more information about 32- and 64-bit Windows.

Yes. All hardware devices need 64-bit drivers to work on a 64-bit version of Windows. Drivers designed for 32-bit versions of Windows don't work on computers running 64-bit versions of Windows.

To learn how to check for drivers, see Update a driver for hardware that isn't working properly or go to the device manufacturer's website. You can also get information about drivers by going to the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor webpage. Here's more information about 32- and 64-bit Windows.

To get detailed instructions, just choose the type of installation you're doing:

• I'm installing Windows 7 on a PC running Windows XP

• I'm installing Windows 7 on a PC running Windows Vista

• I've got a new PC and I'm moving into it

Upgrade means you can install Windows 7 by simply inserting the Windows 7 upgrade software into your PC's DVD drive and follow the instructions on your screen. While you're not required to backup and reinstall your files, or reinstall your programs, it's a very good idea to back up your files and settings before you start any software upgrade. Get more information about software upgrades and best practices.

A custom (clean) installation erases the contents of your PC's hard drive. Your files, settings, and programs will not be transferred to Windows 7. That means that to install Windows 7, you'll need to:

• Backup all the files and settings you want to keep

• Install Windows 7

• Reinstall all your files

• Reinstall all the programs you want to use.

These four steps take time, some technical skill and Windows Easy Transfer can help. However, if you're not comfortable with this process, please consider having the installation done by a local service provider.

Here's a collection of information and resources to help you find answers to you installation and set up questions.

See detailed upgrade instructions on WOL

A program called Windows Live Mail offers e-mail and Windows Live Photo Gallery offers great photo editing and sharing. Both Windows Live Mail and Photo Gallery are now part of Windows Live Essentials—a set of free downloadable programs.

Windows Live Mail makes it possible to get multiple e-mail accounts in one program—Hotmail, Gmail, Yahoo!*, and more. Windows Live Mail has a calendar, too. Mail combines the ease of use of Outlook Express, with the speed of Windows Live. Download Windows Live Mail here.

With Windows Live Photo Gallery, it's a snap to get your photos and videos from your camera to your PC. You can find your favorite photos and share them with friends and family, make your great photos look even better, and create impressive panoramic photos too. Download Windows Live Photo Gallery here.

Windows Live Essentials gives you instant messaging, e-mail, blogging, photos, and more—in one free installation.

The following table lists some familiar programs and the corresponding Windows Live program. Find them all here.

Old program		New program	Read more about it
Windows Mail		Windows Live Mail	Looking for Windows Mail?
Outlook Express		Windows Live Mail	So long, Outlook Express!
Windows Address Book		Windows Live Mail	Looking for Windows Address Book?
Windows Calendar		Windows Live Mail	Looking for Windows Calendar?
Windows Messenger		Windows Live Messenger	Looking for Windows Messenger?
Windows Photo Gallery		Windows Live Photo Gallery	Looking for Windows Photo Gallery?
Windows Import Video		Windows Live Photo Gallery	Looking for Windows Photo Gallery?
Windows Movie Maker		Windows Live Movie Maker	Looking for Windows Movie Maker?
Windows Parental Controls web filter and activity report		Windows Live Family Safety	Looking for web filtering and activity reports in Windows Parental Controls?

Activation is required. It's how you provide your product key to help ensure that your copy of Windows is used according to Microsoft Software license terms. You have 30 days after installing Windows to activate it online or by telephone. For more information, see Activating Windows: frequently asked questions.

Registration is optional—when you register Windows 7, we'll help you get started with helpful articles, tips, and tricks.