How to upgrade your PC to Windows 7

If you read our feature outlining 10 reasons you should upgrade to Windows 7, you’ll know that the latest version of Microsoft's Windows operating system (OS) brings with it a number of useful benefits, including new desktop features, improved home networking support, better overall performance and more.

In this feature we’re going to look at the practical question of how you upgrade; which version to opt for, how to make sure your PC is ready for Windows 7, what you need to do before installation and how to make the transition as smooth and painless as possible.

There are two main ways to get hold of Windows 7; you can buy a new PC with the operating system pre-installed or buy a copy of the software on its own and install it on an existing computer yourself (although PCs with Vista pre-installed are still on sale, and many offer a free upgrade to Windows 7). If you take the former route, you won’t have to worry about installation at all.

What you will need to do, though, is transfer the documents and folders from your old PC. This can be done using a handy utility called Windows Easy Transfer, which enables you to import user accounts, personal files, contacts, emails preferences and so on from one computer to another via a network, USB cable or external storage device.

On your Windows 7 PC, go to Start, click All Programs, go to Accessories, then go to System Tools, where you’ll find Windows Easy Transfer. Click it to run it and follow the simple wizard-based instructions to complete the process.

Windows 7 on a new PC
First of all, you’ll have to find out whether or not your current computer is up to running the task. As a general rule, if the PC is currently running Vista, it will be able to run Windows 7.

The minimum hardware requirements set out by Microsoft for Windows 7 are surprisingly low, which means that even if your computer runs Windows XP, there’s a good chance it will be able to run Windows 7 too.

As well as the computer itself, you’ll need to consider all the other hardware and software you want to continue using: printers, scanners, cameras and other external devices, along with any third-party programs and utilities you regularly rely on, such as CD/DVD-burning tools, photo-editing applications, office suites, games and security software.

There’s an easy way to test the compatibility of both the PC and all your other bits and bobs, by using the free Microsoft’s Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor. Download Upgrade Advisor, double-click the 6.3MB file to install the utility, then start it by double-clicking the desktop icon and follow the on-screen prompts to run the test. Make sure all your external devices are plugged in before you start and, once the test is finished, check through the results to note any potential problem areas.

Most of the things it picks up are usually minor driver issues that can be fixed easily by running Windows Update once you have finished upgrading the operating system (OS). Other issues will be flagged up by a red cross icon. These may include known issues with incompatible hardware/software or items that the Upgrade Advisor utility has failed to identify.

Assuming the Upgrade Advisor gives you the all clear (or, at least only points out a few easily solvable issues), you can move on to the next stage.

Version confusion
Assuming you’re going to purchase a boxed copy of Windows 7, there are a number of choices to make before you part with your cash. As with previous iterations of Microsoft’s OS, Windows 7 is available to buy in a number of different versions, each with its own set of features.

The most suitable version for Computeractive readers is Windows 7 Home Premium. All versions can be purchased as either a ‘full’ or an ‘upgrade’ edition; if the computer you plan to install the software on already has a licensed copy of Windows XP or Vista installed on it, then all you need is the upgrade edition.

To confuse matters further, you’ll find that your boxed copy of Windows 7 contains two discs. This is because all versions of Windows 7 come in two forms – 32-bit and 64-bit. If you're interested in the technical detail, read our short guide to the differences between 32-bit and 64-bit computing.

If you’re upgrading an older computer, the most likely scenario is that your current PC will need the 32-bit disc. If you own a more recent computer it’s worth double-checking which version you need. Open the Start menu, right-click on Computer and select ‘Properties’. Look under System Type in the Window that appears to see whether the current OS is 32- or 64-bit.