Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor

We explain how to install Windows 7 on a laptop or PC running Windows XP.

Can you install Windows 7 on your XP PC or laptop?

First download and run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor to cheque whether your current organization tin can successfully run Windows 7. Most PCs that run XP should run Windows vii, but the Upgrade Advisor will tell you for sure. It is always worth calculation more than retentiveness, regardless.

Buy Windows 7 for your XP PC or laptop

If you can run Windows 7, you need to purchase the software. Because XP to Windows 7 (or Windows 8) is not a unmarried-stride upgrade, you'll demand to practise a fresh install, and so yous need a full re-create of Windows seven. Shopping around online yous can selection up a boxed DVD version of Windows 7 Home Premium for around £50. This is the OEM or 'original equipment manufacturer' version. Alternatively you tin download Windows 7 from some vendors.

Either way brand sure you get a 32-scrap version, unless your PC is a 64-fleck organisation which is unlikely for an XP PC. The Windows vii Upgrade Advisor will tell you lot this. (You could also run into if yous want to install Windows 8. For more than, see How to upgrade to Windows 8.ane)

Earlier you install Windows seven on your XP PC or laptop

Before you install Windows 7 on your XP system, you need to back up all of your data, and all of your programs. Windows 7 will in issue wipe and reinstall your system, so everything on it will be lost unless you save it. Fortunately Microsoft provides the Windows Piece of cake Transfer for Windows XP programme to help.

Backing up files and data is relatively straightforward, only bear in mind that yous will demand the install files and codes for all software programs you desire to. Yous'll also desire to update and run your antivirus, before disabling information technology.

Install Windows seven on XP PC or laptop

Now with your computer on and Windows XP running, insert the disc into your estimator. Setup should start automatically. If it doesn't, click Start, click My Computer, open the Windows seven installation disc on your DVD drive, and and then double-click setup.exe.

If yous've downloaded Windows 7 rather than ownership a DVD, scan to the installation file y'all downloaded, and then double-click it (frequently identified as an Application file under the Type column).

If you've created a bootable Windows 7 installation USB pollex drive, insert the drive into your calculator. Setup should start automatically. If information technology doesn't, click the Start push, click Reckoner, double-click the drive, and and then double-click setup.exe.

On the Install Windows page, click Install now. On the Get important updates for installation page, go the latest updates to assist ensure a successful installation, and to help protect your computer against security threats. At present click I accept the licence terms, and then click Side by side.

At present on the Which type of installation do you want? page, click Custom. Choose the division containing Windows XP (this is often the computer's C: drive), and then click Next.

In the Windows.former dialog box, click ok. Follow the instructions to finish installing Windows vii, which include naming your computer and setting upward an initial user business relationship. You lot can use the same names that you used in Windows XP, or cull new ones.

You will at present need to copy back over all the files yous backed upwards, and reinstall all your XP software packages.