Installing and reinstalling Windows 7

There are two options to choose from during the Windows 7 installation process:

• Upgrade. This option replaces your current version of Windows with Windows 7, and keeps your files, settings, and programs in place on your computer.
• Custom. This option replaces your current version of Windows with Windows 7, but doesn't preserve your files, settings, and programs. It's sometimes referred to as a clean installation for that reason.

In this article you'll find detailed instructions for installing Windows 7 and reinstalling Windows 7.

For more information about installing Windows 7, see Installing Windows 7: frequently asked questions and Windows 7 installation problems: frequently asked questions. For more information about upgrade options, go to Upgrading to Windows 7: frequently asked questions on the Windows website.

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How to buy Windows 7

Common ways to install Windows 7

Before you begin installing Windows 7

Using the Upgrade installation option

Using the Custom installation option without formatting the hard disk

Using the Custom installation option and formatting the hard disk

Using the Custom installation option if no operating system is installed

Installing a 64-bit version of Windows 7 on a computer running a 32-bit version of Windows

Reinstalling Windows 7

Activating Windows 7

To learn how to activate Windows 7, see Activate Windows 7 on this computer. For more information, see Activating Windows 7: frequently asked questions.

Article ID: MSW700061