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This article provides a detailed guide on installing Windows 7 on a Windows computer using a USB drive instead of a traditional installation disc.
Steps to Follow
Preparing for Windows 7 Installation
Back up your computer files if necessary. If you plan to erase the current hard drive to install Windows 7, consider backing up your data to another storage device before proceeding.
Locate your Windows 7 product key. To download the Windows 7 installation file (ISO), you’ll need to enter your Windows 7 product key on Microsoft’s website.
Prepare your USB drive. You can purchase or find a USB 3.0 with at least 8GB of free space.
Download and install the USB creation tool. Microsoft provides a dedicated tool to create a bootable USB drive for copying the Windows 7 installation files:
Partition your hard drive if desired. If you want to install Windows 7 without erasing your current operating system, you can create a partition on your hard drive for the installation.
Find your computer’s BIOS key. You’ll need to press the BIOS key during startup to access the BIOS, a crucial step in installing Windows 7.
Download the Windows 7 ISO file
Open the Windows 7 download page. Visit https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7 using your computer’s browser.
Enter your Windows 7 product key. Input the 25-character product key into the data entry field near the bottom of the page.
Click Verify (Verify). This option is located below the data entry field.
Select your language. Click the language selection box at the top of the page, then choose the language you want to use for the Windows 7 installation.
Click Confirm (Confirm). This option is located below the language selection box.
Click 64-bit Download. This option is in the middle of the page. This will download the Windows 7 ISO file to your computer.
Create a Bootable USB Drive
Connect the USB drive to your computer. Plug the USB into one of the rectangular USB ports on your computer.
Open the Windows USB creation tool. Double-click the Windows 7 DVD USB Download Tool application, then click Yes when prompted.
Add the Windows 7 ISO file to the tool. Click Browse on the right side of the window, then select the Windows 7 ISO file and click Open.
Click Next (Next). This button is located at the bottom-right corner of the window.
Click USB device (USB Device). This option is located at the bottom of the window.
Select the USB drive (if needed). If another drive appears in the selection box, click it and choose the name of your USB drive.
Click Begin copying (Begin ing). This option is located at the bottom-right corner of the window.
Wait for the USB to finish copying. It may take up to an hour for Windows to complete the creation of the bootable USB drive. Once the tool notifies you that the process is complete, you can proceed.
Change the Computer's Boot Order
Turn off your computer. You can do this by holding down the "Power" button or clicking Start, selecting the Power icon, and clicking Shut Down.
Restart your computer. Press the "Power" button to turn it back on. Your computer will begin booting up.
Press the BIOS key. As soon as the computer starts booting, quickly press the BIOS key. Stop pressing once the BIOS screen appears.
Locate the "Boot Order" section. Use the left and right arrow keys to navigate through the BIOS tabs until you find the list of bootable drives.
Select the name of your USB drive. Use the arrow keys to scroll down until the USB drive's name is highlighted.
Move the USB to the top of the list. In most cases, press the + key until the USB name appears at the top of the list. If this doesn't work, refer to the on-screen instructions or BIOS notes for guidance.
Save and exit. Press the "Save and Exit" key as indicated. This will save your changes and exit the BIOS screen.
Restart your computer if necessary. If the computer has already booted up, restart it to proceed. This will open the Windows 7 setup page, allowing you to install Windows 7.
Install Windows 7
Select your language and region. Click the "Language" dropdown and choose your preferred language for Windows 7, then do the same for the "Country" dropdown.
Click Next (Next). This option is located at the bottom-right corner of the window.
Click Install now (Install Now). This option is located at the top of the page.
Agree to the terms of use. Check the "I accept" box, then click Next (Next).
Click Custom (advanced) (Custom (Advanced)). This option is located at the bottom of the window.
Select a partition. Click the partition (e.g., "0") where you want to install Windows 7.
Click Next (Next). This option is located at the bottom-right corner of the window. The Windows 7 installation process will begin immediately.
Wait for the Windows 7 installation to complete. This may take some time, so ensure your computer is in a well-ventilated area and is plugged in. When the "Set up Windows" window appears, you can proceed.
Set Up Windows 7
Enter your username and computer name when prompted. Add your preferred username to the top input field, type the name you want for your computer in the field below, and click Next.
Create a password. Enter your desired password in the two fields at the top, then click Next. The password must match in both fields to be valid.
Enter your Windows 7 product key. Type the 25-character product key into the field in the middle of the window, then click Next.
Click Use recommended settings (Use Recommended Settings). This option is located at the top of the window. It applies the default Windows 7 security settings to your computer.
Select your time zone. If the time zone is incorrect, click the dropdown menu at the top of the window and choose the correct one. Click Next to complete the setup.
Wait for the Windows 7 setup to complete. Once Windows 7 finishes setting up your account, the desktop will appear, and you can start using Windows 7.
Tips
- Each computer has a different BIOS setup; it’s best to consult your computer’s manual or online documentation before accessing the BIOS.
Warnings
- You cannot install Windows 7 without a valid product key.
