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.

Decide to buy an Upgrade or Full product

All editions of Windows XP and Windows Vista qualify you to upgrade. So, if you’re running either on your PC today, buy a package labeled “Upgrade”.

Understand the upgrade process for your PC

Moving to Windows 7 Professional from Windows Vista Business qualifies as an upgrade. All other paths, including a move from a 64-bit edition of Windows Vista to a 32-bit edition of Windows 7, require a more detailed re-installation process.

Processor Required

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

Hard disk

16 GB available disk space (32-bit) / 20 GB (64-bit); for the download version, an additional 3 GB is required

Memory Required

1 GB RAM (32-bit) / 2 GB RAM (64-bit)

Video card

DirectX 9 graphics processor with WDDM 1.0 or later driver

Other

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
• 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 makes the things you do every day easier. With fewer clicks, faster searching, easier browsing, and simpler ways to connect, there’s less between you and what you want to do. Windows 7 is designed to improve the performance of your PC, so it’s faster, more secure, and more reliable. PCs with Windows 7 simply work the way you want them to work.

Take a look at these highlighted features in Windows 7 Home Basic:

• Features like Jump Lists, Pin, Snap, and Windows Search all make using the PC simple and easy.
• Connecting to printers and devices is easier than ever.
• Windows 7 supports the latest hardware and software.
• Joining home networks with other PCs running Windows 7 is easy and simple.
• Connecting to wireless networks is fast and easy.
• Internet Explorer 8 improves the safety of web browsing.