This wikiHow teaches you how to reinstall Windows 7 when you don't have the disc or installation disc. To reinstall the operating system, you will need a Windows 7 product key/code and a blank USB flash drive or DVD.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Making Installation Tools
Step 1. Check your computer's bit number
When you download a new version of Windows 7, you need to find out if your computer is running a 32-bit or 64-bit processor.
Step 2. Locate the Windows 7 product code
This is the 25-character code that you get with your installation copy of Windows 7. You can usually find this code at the bottom of your computer (on laptops) or in the box of your Windows 7 installation disc.
- If you have registered a copy of Windows 7 online, Microsoft will usually send a confirmation message containing the product key to the email account you registered with.
- If you can't find a hard copy of the product code, you can check it on your computer using the Command Prompt or specialized software.
Step 3. Select the installation method
You can use a USB flash drive or a blank DVD to create installation tools. Keep in mind that if you choose the fast drive method, the drive needs to have a capacity greater than 4 gigabytes.
- Before selecting DVD as the installation method, make sure that your computer is equipped with a DVD drive. You can check this by looking for the DVD logo in the disc section (or near it).
- If you don't have a DVD drive, you can't burn DVDs on a computer.
Step 4. Go to the Windows 7 download page on the Microsoft website
This page is the official Windows 7 software download webpage.
Step 5. Swipe the screen and enter the product code
You can find the " Enter your product key " column at the bottom of the page. Click the column and type in the 25 character product code that you got earlier.
Step 6. Click the Verify button
This blue button appears below the product code field. Once clicked, the code will be verified and you will be taken to the language selection page.
Step 7. Select the language
Click the drop-down box Choose one ” and select the desired language in the drop-down menu.
Step 8. Click Confirm
It's below the language drop-down box.
Step 9. Select download
Click option " 64-bit Download " or " 32-bit Download ” in the middle of the page. The selected download must match the computer's bit number. After that, the installation file will be downloaded.
You may need to select a save location or confirm the download first, depending on your browser settings
Step 10. Wait for the file to finish downloading
The Windows 7 installation file is downloaded in ISO format. When you're done, you'll be able to find the file in your computer's downloads folder (“ Downloads ”).
Step 11. Create the mounting kit
After the installation tools have been created, you can install Windows 7. Mount a USB flash drive or insert a blank DVD, then follow these steps:
- Fast drive – Select the ISO file, press the Ctrl+C key combination to copy it, click the name of the fast drive in the lower-left side of the window, and press the Ctrl+V key combination to paste the ISO file to the fast drive.
-
DVD – Copy or burn the installation file to DVD by searching and selecting the file via Windows Explorer, click “ Burn disc images, and select Burn ” at the bottom of the pop-up window.
You can also burn ISO files through Windows 10
Part 2 of 3: Preparing for Installation
Step 1. Back up_up_on_PC_.28Windows_7.2C_8_and_Next.29_sub Make a copy of the files on the computer
While most modern operating systems usually provide the option of saving existing files when you want to reinstall the operating system, creating a backup file is a safer precaution and shouldn't be skipped.
Step 2. Make sure the mounting kit is included
The USB flash drive or DVD must be installed/inserted into the computer.
Step 3. Restart the computer
Click the menu Start ”
in the lower-left corner of the screen, click the arrow next to the “ Shut down, and select Restart ”.
Step 4. Press the computer's BIOS key
You need to press it as soon as the computer restarts. Typically, the BIOS key is represented by the Esc, Delete, or F2 key, although the BIOS key on your computer may be different. Do not stop pressing the key until the BIOS page is displayed.
- If you miss the BIOS activation window, you will need to restart your computer and try to access it again.
- For a moment, you'll see the key you need to use at the bottom of the screen (usually the "Press X to enter startup" message).
- You can check your computer's user manual or product pages online to find out which BIOS key to press.
Step 5. Locate the "Boot Order" section
Every computer has a slightly different BIOS, but you can usually find a "Boot Order" or "Boot Options" tab, which you can access using the arrow keys.
- In some BIOS layouts, you can find the “Boot Order” option on the “ Advanced Options ”.
- Some BIOS layouts display a "Boot Order" segment right on the first page.
Step 6. Determine the choice of installation equipment
Choose Removable Storage ” (or another option with a description resembling a fast drive) or “ CD Drive ” (or similar) using the arrow keys. The choice will depend on the installation device you created earlier (USB fast drive or DVD).
Step 7. Move the mounting kit to the top of the segment
Usually, you need to press the + button after the tool is selected to move it up. If the installation option is placed at the top of the "Boot Order" list, the computer normally finds and recognizes the Windows 7 installation file.
Usually, there's a hint or "legend" of the button that tells you the button and its function in the lower right corner of the BIOS page
Step 8. Save and exit the BIOS page
Press the "Save and Exit" BIOS button (find out through the instructions or button legend), then wait for the BIOS page to close.
You may need to confirm your selection by selecting “ YES ” and pressing a certain button.
Part 3 of 3: Reinstalling Windows 7
Step 1. Press any key when prompted
After that, the installation process will begin.
Step 2. Check the box " I agree " and click Next
By checking the box, you agree to the applicable Microsoft terms of use. After the button Next ” in the lower right corner of the window is clicked, you will be taken to the next page.
Step 3. Uninstall or install existing Windows 7
Select the hard disk that contains the Windows 7 installation, then click “ Delete ” which is below the storage room window.
Step 4. Click Yes when prompted
After that, the old copy of Windows 7 will be erased from the hard disk.
Step 5. Select the installation location, and click Next
Click the now empty hard disk to select it as the installation location.
Step 6. Wait for Windows 7 to finish installing
This process can take from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the speed of the computer.
The computer will restart several times during the installation process
Step 7. Enter the desired username, then click Next
Type the username you want to use in the text field at the top of the window.
Step 8. Create an account password, then click Next
Fill in the following fields to create an account password:
- “ Type a password (recommended) ” – Type in the password you want to use.
- “ Retype your password ” – Type the password again.
- “ Type a password hint ” – Create a password hint (optional).
Step 9. Click Use recommended settings when prompted
With this option, Windows can customize its own security settings for you.
Step 10. Wait for Windows 7 to finish installing
Once the installation is complete, you are ready to use the computer.
Tips
- The first step that must be done after reinstalling Windows 7 is to connect the computer to the internet.
- Once the installation is complete, you will be asked to go through additional initial setup procedures, such as specifying the time, area, and WiFi network.
Warning
- When you enter BIOS mode, do not change any settings other than the settings mentioned in this article.
- If you previously used the computer's default version of Windows 7 (pre-installed by the manufacturer), Microsoft may require you to purchase a new copy of Windows 7.
