This article describes how to reinstall Windows 7 without using the installation disc. To do this, you need your Windows 7 product key and a blank USB flash drive or blank DVD.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Create the Installation Tool
Step 1. Check your computer's bit count
When you download a new version of Windows 7, you need to know if your system's processor architecture is 32-bit or 64-bit.
Step 2. Find the product key of your copy of Windows 7
This is the 25-character code you received along with the original copy of the operating system. You can usually find it on the bottom of your computer (laptops only) or inside the operating system box.
- If you registered your copy of Windows 7 over the internet, Microsoft has probably sent a confirmation email with the code to the inbox you used to register.
- If you can't find the original copy of your product key, you can check it on your computer using Command Prompt or a specific program.
Step 3. Choose an installation method
You can use a USB flash drive or blank DVD to create the installation tool. Remember that if you are using a flash drive, its capacity must be greater than 4GB.
- Before choosing DVD as the installation method, make sure your computer has a DVD burner. You can check by looking for the DVD logo on the player;
- If you don't have a DVD burner, you can't write discs using your computer.
Step 4. Open the Windows 7 downloads page of the Microsoft site
This is the official website from which to download the operating system.
Step 5. Scroll down and enter your product key
You will find the text field "Enter your product key" at the bottom of the page; click on that field and type the 25-character code you found earlier.
Step 6. Click Verify
It's a blue button below the code field. This way your key will be verified and the language selection page will open.
Step 7. Choose a language
Click the drop-down menu Choose a language, then click on the one you prefer.
Step 8. Click Confirm
You will find this button under the language drop-down menu.
Step 9. Choose a download link
Click on Download 64-bit or Download 32-bit in the center of the page. Select the system version compatible with the bit number of your processor. The download will start immediately after the click.
Depending on your browser settings, you may need to choose a location to download the file or confirm the download
Step 10. Wait for the download to finish
The Windows 7 installation file is distributed in ISO format. At the end of the download, you will usually be able to find it in the folder Download Of computer.
Step 11. Create the installation tool
Once done, you can continue with the Windows 7 installation. Insert the USB flash drive or DVD, then follow these steps:
- Flash drive: select the ISO file, press Ctrl + C to copy it, click the name of the flash drive in the lower left part of the window and press Ctrl + V to paste it into that drive;
-
DVD: write the installation file on the DVD by finding and selecting the file in Windows Explorer, clicking Write disc image come on write at the bottom of the window that opens.
You can also write an ISO file on Windows 10
Part 2 of 3: Configure the Installation
Step 1. Back up your files
While almost all modern operating systems give you the option to keep your files after installation, making a backup copy is a safety measure you shouldn't overlook.
Step 2. Make sure you have entered the installation tool
The USB drive should be connected to the computer or the DVD should be inside the player.
Step 3. Restart your computer
Click Start
in the lower left corner of the screen, then the arrow to the right of Switch off and finally Restart.
Step 4. Start pressing the computer's BIOS key
You have to do this as soon as the reboot begins. Usually the key is Esc, Del, or F2, although for your system it may be another. Don't stop pressing the key until you see the BIOS open.
- If you were unable to press the key in time to activate the BIOS, you need to restart your computer and try again;
- For a brief moment, you can usually see the key to press at the bottom of the screen, with a message like "Press [X] for boot options";
- You can check your computer manual or product page on the internet to find out which key is to enter the BIOS.
Step 5. Find the "Boot order" or "Boot order" section
Each computer has a slightly different BIOS, but you will usually see a "Boot Order" or "Boot Options" tab that you can select with the directional arrows.
- In some types of BIOS, you will find the "Boot Order" option in the tab Advanced options;
- In other types of BIOS the "Boot Order" section is in the main menu.
Step 6. Select the drive where the installation tool is located
Using the directional arrows, select Removable drive (or a similar description indicating a flash drive) or CD player (or something similar). Change the choice based on the media you used to create the installation tool.
Step 7. Move the drive where the installation tool is located to the top of the list
Usually, to do this you have to press the + key after selecting the drive you are interested in. Once this is done, your computer will be able to find and recognize the Windows 7 installation file.
Usually inside the BIOS page, at the bottom right, there is a legend that shows which keys you must use to perform the actions you want
Step 8. Save and exit the BIOS
Press the "Save and Exit" button in your BIOS (check the legend to find out what it is) and wait for the operation to complete.
You may need to confirm your decision by selecting Yup and pressing a key.
Part 3 of 3: Reinstall Windows 7
Step 1. Press any key when prompted to do so
This will start the installation.
Step 2. Check the "I agree" box and click Next
By checking the box you accept Microsoft's terms of use, by clicking Come on in the lower right corner of the window proceed to the next page.
Step 3. Delete the current Windows 7 installation
Select the hard drive where the operating system is located, then click Delete below the storage devices window.
Step 4. Click Yes when asked
This will completely erase the old copy of Windows 7 from your hard drive.
Step 5. Select an installation path, then click Next
Click the drive that is now empty and set it as the path.
Step 6. Wait for the Windows 7 installation to finish
It can take several minutes or more than an hour, depending on the speed of your computer.
The system will reboot several times during the operation
Step 7. Enter your username, then click Next
Type the username you want to use in the text field at the top of the window.
Step 8. Create a password, then click Next
Fill in the following fields:
- Write a password (recommended): type the password you want to use;
- Repeat password: repeat the password you chose in the previous step;
- Write a hint for the password- Create a clue to remember the password (optional).
Step 9. Click Use recommended settings when prompted
This way Windows will automatically configure your system's security settings.
Step 10. Wait for the installation to finish
Once the process is complete, you should see your computer desktop.
Advice
- The first step after reinstalling Windows 7 should be to connect to the internet.
- At the end of the installation, you may be asked to continue configuring the system, for example by choosing the time, region and preferred Wi-Fi network.
Warnings
- Within the BIOS, do not change any settings other than those suggested in the article.
- If your version of Windows 7 was installed on your computer by the manufacturer, you may need to purchase a new copy to reinstall the operating system.
