Windows 7 allows you to add new font files if you have Administrator privileges. The new font lets you create different documents. If you don't have Administrator privileges, there are still ways you can add fonts without needing to contact IT or change account permissions.
Step
Method 1 of 2: With Administrator Access
Step 1. Log in as Administrator
You must be logged in as Administrator in order to install font files'. If you don't have Administrator access, read the next section to get around this limitation.
You can use a command line trick to reset your password if you don't remember the Administrator password. To reset your password using the command line, you'll need a Windows 7 installation DVD. Look for guides on how to do this online
Step 2. Find the font to download
Various sites provide fonts that you can download and use, but make sure you download fonts from trusted sites. Popular font sites include dafont.com, fontspace.com, and fontsquirrel.com.
- Fonts may be packaged as ZIP or RAR, or they may come in the form of a font file (usually TTF or OTF). If you downloaded a ZIP file, double-click on it to open the downloaded file, and find the font file inside. If you're downloading RAR files, you'll need a program that can open RAR files, such as WinRAR or 7-Zip.
- Avoid fonts in the form of EXE, or fonts that have an installation program.
Step 3. Double click the font to open the Font Preview window
The program lets you see the fonts on the screen. The font file extension may not be visible, but the file should have a paper icon with a small "A".
Extract the font from the ZIP/RAR file before opening it in Font Preview
Step 4. Click the button
Install at the top of the Font Preview window to install the font.
- You can also right-click a font file (or multiple files at once), and select Install from the menu.
- Another way to install fonts is to open Control Panel from the Start menu. Choose View by > Small icons, open the Fonts option and drag the file into the list.
Step 5. Confirm your changes, and enter the Administrator password if prompted
Depending on your computer and account settings, you may see a User Account Control window asking for confirmation of adding fonts, and a security warning window if your fonts were downloaded from the internet. You may also be asked to enter an Administrator password.
Step 6. Use the new font
The font will be installed after you confirm the installation. Once installed, you can use the font in a program that supports changing fonts, such as ffice or Photoshop.
Old fonts may not install properly. Make sure the font you want to install is compatible with Windows 7
Step 7. Delete fonts that are no longer used
If you no longer want a font that you have installed, delete the font with the Fonts setting in Control Panel.
- Click Start, then open Control Panel.
- Select the View by menu, then select "Small icons" or "Large icons".
- Open up the Fonts option.
- Find the font you want to remove in the list. Use the search bar at the top of the window if necessary.
- Right-click on the font you want to delete, then click Delete. You will be asked to confirm the deletion. Documents you've created with these fonts will revert to using the system's default fonts.
Method 2 of 2: No Administrator Access
Step 1. Download PortableApps Platform
This program allows you to make the program portable, so you don't need to have Administrator access to install. This option is great if you're at school or work and can't keep asking IT to install fonts.
Download the PortableApps Platform from portableapps.com/download
Step 2. Begin the installation process
Generally, you need Administrator access to install the program, but you can install PortableApps Platform in your user directory, so that limitation does not apply.
Step 3. Select "Set a custom location" as the installation location
Choose the Desktop directory, as your private directory does not require Administrator access to write to. You can also install the Platform in "My Documents".
Step 4. Open the "PortableApps" directory on your desktop, then navigate to the "PortableApps.com" directory, then "Data"
Step 5. Create a "Fonts" directory in the "Data" folder
The directory may already exist, but if not, right-click and select "New" → "Folder". Name your new directory "Fonts".
Step 6. Put all the fonts you want to install into that directory
You can copy and paste it into a directory, or click and drag it from the Downloads directory.
Only download fonts from trusted locations. If you want to use a font for commercial purposes, it must be licensed freely
Step 7. Close the Platform by right-clicking the icon in the system bar and selecting "Exit"
Restart the Platform after the program closes.
Step 8. Use a new font
The font will appear in any program that supports the new font. You can add fonts to the Fonts subdirectory in the Platforms directory at any time.
