This wikiHow teaches you how to remove Windows 7 from a Windows computer. If you want to remove Windows 7 from a regular computer, the only way to do that is to install another operating system to replace it. If there is more than one version of Windows-or multiboot (multiboot)- on your computer (such as Windows 10 and Windows 7), you can delete Windows 7 and leave only one operating system.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Replacing Windows 7
Step 1. Back up files
When replacing Windows 7 with another operating system, some or all of the files will be deleted. To prevent these files from being permanently lost, you can move all the files you want to save to an external hard drive.
Although most modern operating systems provide the option to save files when you install the operating system, take precautions by backing up important files
Step 2. Insert the installation disc or flash drive
To install a new operating system on a Windows computer, you must first install the operating system installation tool into a DVD disc or flash drive, and the disc or flash drive must be inserted into the computer. If you do not already have the desired operating system, download the operating system at the following address:
- Windows 10
- Windows 8
- Windows 7
Step 3. Go to Start
This can be done by clicking on the Windows logo in the lower-left corner of the screen.
Step 4. Click the Power button
It's in the lower-left corner of the Start window. A pop-up window will be displayed.
Step 5. Click Restart
It's at the top of the pop-up window. Once you click on it, the computer will restart.
Step 6. Open BIOS by pressing and holding Del. key or F2.
Most computers will display a message at startup that says " Press [key] to enter setup " or something similar. The keys to press will vary so you should check the message that appears when the computer restarts if you want to know the key to access the BIOS.
Refer to the computer manual or the support page on the manufacturer's site to find out the computer's BIOS key
Step 7. Select the Boot tab
Select this tab using the arrow keys.
Depending on the computer manufacturer, tab Boot this can be named Boot Options.
Step 8. Select the device to boot (boot)
Highlight the device you want to use to boot with the arrow keys. You will be given two options:
- If you want to use USB flash disk, select an option Removable Devices.
- If you use installation disc, select an option CD-ROM Drive.
Step 9. Move the desired boot options to the top of the list
Press the + button until the boot option is in the first order. With this setting, the computer will restart from the selected boot option, and start installing the specified operating system.
On some computers, you must press a function key (such as F5) to move the boot options to the top of the menu. The key to be pressed will be displayed on the right side of the screen
Step 10. Save the settings you made
The computer screen will display a command key (eg F10) at the bottom of the screen with "Save and Exit" next to it. Save your changes and exit BIOS by pressing this key.
You may have to press Enter to confirm the setting before exiting the BIOS
Step 11. Wait while the computer restarts
When the computer has finished restarting, the setup window for the operating system you selected will be displayed.
Step 12. Follow the on-screen installation instructions
When the installation is complete, Windows 7 will be replaced with a completely new operating system. The installation instructions will vary depending on the selected operating system:
- Windows 10
- Windows 8
- Windows 7
Method 2 of 2: Removing Windows 7 from a Windows Multibutton Computer
Step 1. Back up files
When you uninstall Windows 7, all files that were not backed up are deleted. The easiest way to back up Windows 7 files is to turn on your computer and log in to Windows 7, then plug in an external hard drive, and move all important files to it.
Step 2. Make sure you turn on the computer and enter the operating system you want to keep
Windows 7 will not be uninstalled if you are using it. If you haven't logged into another operating system, restart the computer and select the operating system you want to keep.
Step 3. Go to Start
Do this by clicking the Windows logo in the lower-left corner. You can also press Win on your computer keyboard.
If you're running Windows 8, place the mouse cursor in the lower or upper right corner of the screen, then click the icon that looks like a magnifying glass
Step 4. Type system configuration into Start
The computer will search for the System Configuration utility.
- In Windows 8, type that text into the search field.
- System Configuration is available in almost all versions of Windows.
Step 5. Click System Configuration
This option is below the search bar (Windows 8) or at the top of the Start window (Windows 10). The System Configuration window will open.
Step 6. Click Boot
This tab is at the top of the System Configuration window.
Step 7. Select the current operating system
Select the operating system (e.g. Windows 8 or Windows 10) you want to set as the default. The operating system that is set as the default cannot be deleted.
If the operating system you are currently using is set as the default, skip this step and the next
Step 8. Click Set as default
The default operating system will be changed from Windows 7 to the current operating system.
Step 9. Select Windows 7
Select this operating system by clicking on it.
Step 10. Click Delete
The button is located at the bottom of the window showing the currently installed operating system.
Step 11. Click Apply → OK.
These two buttons are at the bottom of the window. This will confirm that you do want to remove Windows 7.
Step 12. Restart the computer
Windows 7 will disappear once the computer finishes restarting.
