Windows 7 answer centre
Answers to the most frequently asked questions
I have recently purchased a computer with Windows Vista® installed. Am I entitled to a free upgrade?
If you purchase a computer with Windows Vista Home Premium, Windows Vista Business or Windows Vista Ultimate installed between 26th June 2009 and 23rd October 2009 you may be entitled to a free upgrade to Windows 7. For more information please visit the Windows 7 Upgrade website.
I want to install Windows 7 on my old computer. How do I know if my computer is able to run the software?
Microsoft® recommends you have the following hardware to run Windows 7:
- 1 GHz or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
- 1 GB RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
- 16 GB available disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)
- DirectX® 9 graphics processor with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver
Please note these specifications could change. And, some product features of Windows 7, such as the ability to watch and record live TV or navigation through the use of 'touch', may require advanced or additional hardware.
You can check your systems comaptibility and learn more about system requirements by downloading the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor.
I've started Windows 7 for the first time and can't find Windows Live™ Mail, Messenger or Movie Maker. What do I need to do?
These are no longer installed as standard in Windows 7. You can download Windows Live Essentials for free from Microsoft which includes Windows Live Mail, Messenger, Movie Maker, Photo Gallery, Family Safety and more. Windows Live software is being constantly improved and updated so you'll always get the latest features and benefits.
Learn more about Windows Live Essentials
I've heard there's a new taskbar in Windows 7?
Microsoft have revamped the taskbar and replaced all those long buttons for open programs and files with simple big icons for each program. When you hover over an icon you'll see a preview of all files open in that program allowing you to quickly choose the item you want to use.
I'm having some problems with Windows 7 how do I fix them?
Microsoft has included a new tool called the Troubleshooting platform in Windows 7. This is a collection of diagnostic tools designed to help you track down and fix common problems. It will automatically connect to the Internet and access the latest "troubleshooters" from Microsoft so that you're always up to date.
To start the Troubleshooting process, click the Start button, type Troubleshoot in the search box and press the 'Enter' key.
I hear that setting up a home network has been made easy in Windows 7?
Yes, it has! A new feature called HomeGroup has been introduced with Windows 7. This is set up automatically when you add your first Windows 7 computer to your network. It makes sharing files, printers and the Internet simple and painless.
All you need to do is add additional Windows 7 computers to your HomeGroup and Windows 7 will take care of the rest.
Can I access my media files when I'm away from home?
A brand new feature of Windows 7 is the ability to access your music, movies, photos and recorded TV when you're away from home. Take your Windows 7 laptop with you when you are travelling and you'll be able to access your media files on your Windows 7 PC at home. No need to carry a clunky external hard drive with you any longer.
What is Windows Media Center?
Media Center is a media tool included with Windows 7. It provides a simple, easy to use interface that allows you to view your photos, watch movies and listen to music. If you install a USB TV adaptor you'll also be able to watch, pause, rewind and record live TV.
To see what Media Center can do click the Start button, type Media Center into the search box and press the 'Enter' key.
Is it true that Windows 7 will not have an Internet browser in Europe?
Following a ruling by the EU, Microsoft originally planned to have a special European version of Windows 7 which would not be supplied with a web browser. However, this plan has now been scrapped and the full version will now be supplied.
When you first run Internet Explorer® you will see a ballot screen which will give you the option to choose which browser you would like to use, for example, Mozilla® FireFox®, Google™ Chrome or Opera.
