Step 1: Back Up Your Data

If you’re upgrading or installing on an existing system, back up important files to an external drive or cloud storage. This process will erase all data on the selected partition.

Step 2: Create a Bootable Installation Media

Use the ISO file downloaded to create a bootable USB drive or DVD:

For USB Drive (Recommended)

1. Download and Install Rufus
   • Go to Rufus and download the latest version of the tool.
   • Install and open Rufus on your computer.
2. Insert the USB Drive
   • Connect a USB drive with at least 8 GB of storage capacity to your computer. Ensure that all important data on the USB drive is backed up because the process will erase the USB drive.
3. Select the ISO File
   • In Rufus, under the Boot selection section, click SELECT and choose the Windows 7 Home Premium ISO file you downloaded.
4. Configure Rufus Settings
   • Ensure the Partition scheme is set to MBR (for most older systems) or GPT (for UEFI systems). If unsure, select MBR for better compatibility.
   • File system: Select NTFS.
   • Leave other options as default unless instructed otherwise.
5. Start the Process
   • Click Start, and Rufus will create a bootable Windows 7 installation USB. This process may take a few minutes.
6. Verify the Bootable USB
   • Once completed, you’ll see a “Ready” status. Your USB drive is now bootable and ready for installation.

For DVD

1. Insert a Blank DVD
   1. Insert a blank DVD into your computer’s DVD writer. Make sure it has enough space for the Windows 7 ISO file (at least 4.7 GB).
2. Use Built-in DVD Burning Tool (Windows)
   • Right-click on the ISO file you downloaded and select Burn disc image.
   • In the Windows Disc Image Burner dialog, select the DVD drive where you inserted the blank disc.
3. Start the Burning Process
   • Click Burn to start writing the ISO file to the DVD. This process may take a few minutes.
4. Verify the Disc
   • Once the burning is complete, test the DVD by restarting your computer and booting from the DVD (access the Boot Menu using F2, F12, or DEL).

Step 3: Boot from USB or DVD

Insert the Installation Media

• For USB: Plug the bootable USB drive into an available USB port on your computer.
• For DVD: Insert the installation DVD into your computer’s DVD drive.

Restart Your Computer and Access the Boot Menu

1. Restart Your PC
   • Restart your computer. If it’s already powered off, turn it on.
2. Access the Boot Menu
   • As soon as the computer starts, you will see the manufacturer’s logo. At this point, repeatedly press the Boot Menu key to access the Boot Menu. The key varies depending on the brand of your computer. Below are the common Boot Menu keys for popular manufacturers:
     

     Brand	Boot Menu Key	Notes
     Dell	F12	Sometimes requires holding Fn + F12.
     HP	ESC or F9	ESC for startup options, F9 for Boot Menu.
     Lenovo (Laptops)	F12	On some models, a “Novo” button (small button near power button) opens boot options.
     Lenovo (Desktops)	F12 or F8	Dependent on the model.
     Acer	F12	May need to enable Boot Menu in BIOS first.
     ASUS	ESC or F8	ESC for Boot Menu, F8 for direct boot from USB.
     Toshiba	F12	Some older models use F2 or ESC.
     MSI	F11	Common for gaming PCs.
     Samsung	F10	For newer Samsung laptops.
     Sony VAIO	F10	May vary; consult manual if needed.

     Tip: If none of these keys work, consult your computer’s user manual or search online for the Boot Menu key specific to your model.

3. Select the Boot Device
   • Once in the Boot Menu, use the arrow keys to navigate and highlight the USB drive or DVD drive (depending on your installation media).
   • Press Enter to confirm your selection.

Note: If your computer does not boot from the selected media, ensure that the USB or DVD drive is properly connected and retry the steps. For older systems, you might need to change the Boot Priority in the BIOS settings (accessed using F2, DEL, or ESC during startup).

Step 4: Start Installation

Once you’ve successfully booted from the USB or DVD, follow these detailed steps to install your operating system:

1. Language and Regional Settings
   • After booting, the Windows Setup screen will appear.
   • Select your preferences:
     • Language to Install: Choose your preferred language (e.g., English).
     • Time and Currency Format: Choose the correct region for your system (e.g., United States, United Kingdom).
     • Keyboard or Input Method: Select the appropriate keyboard layout (e.g., US QWERTY).
   • Click Next to proceed.
2. Start Installation
   • Click Install Now on the next screen to begin the installation process.
   • You’ll see the message, “Setup is starting.”
3. Accept the License Agreement
   • Read the Windows 7 License Terms.
   • Check the box to Accept the License Agreement.
   • Click Next to proceed.
4. Choose Installation Type
   • You’ll be presented with two options:
     • Upgrade: Use this if you’re upgrading from an older version of Windows, and you want to keep your files and settings (if applicable).
     • Custom (Advanced): Select this for a fresh installation. This option will erase the selected partition, so back up your data beforehand.
   • Choose Custom (Advanced) for a clean installation.
5. Partition the Hard Drive
   • On the “Where do you want to install Windows?” screen:
     • Choose a Partition: Select the partition where you want to install Windows 7 Home Premium.
     • Format the Partition (Optional):
       • If the partition contains old data, click Drive Options (Advanced), then choose Format to erase it.
       • You can also delete the partition and create a new one if needed.
     • Create a New Partition:
       • If your hard drive is unallocated (empty), click New, specify the size (use the default for the full disk), and click Apply.
       • Windows will create a System Reserved Partition (100 MB) for boot files. This is normal.
   • Click Next once you’ve selected the correct partition.
6. Copying and Installing Files
   • Windows Setup will begin copying files, expanding them, and installing features. This process involves the following steps:
     • Copying Windows files: Moves installation files to the hard drive.
     • Expanding Windows files: Extracts and installs the core OS files.
     • Installing features: Configures system features like networking and hardware support.
     • Installing updates: Installs any updates bundled in the installation media.
   • This process will take 15–30 minutes, depending on your system’s speed.
7. Reboot Automatically
   • Once the installation reaches the end of this stage, the computer will restart automatically.
   • Remove the USB drive or DVD during the restart to prevent booting from it again.
   • If prompted, don’t press any key during reboot. The system will boot into the newly installed Windows 7.
8. Configure Initial Settings
   • After the restart, Windows will finalize settings, and you’ll be asked to configure the following:
   • Create a User Account
     • Enter a name for the primary user and a name for the computer (e.g., “MyPC”).
     • Click Next.
   • Set a Password (Optional)
     • Enter a password for the user account and a password hint (optional). You can leave it blank if you don’t want a password.
   • Enter the Product Key
     • Enter your Windows 7 Home Premium Product Key (25-character code) found on the email receipt.
     • You can skip this step and activate later, but you will only have 30 days of trial mode without a key.
   • Configure Windows Updates
     • Choose Use Recommended Settings to enable automatic updates.
     • Alternatively, select Ask me later to manually configure updates.
   • Set Time and Date
     • Set your time zone, date, and time accurately.
     • Click Next.
   • Connect to a Network
     • If connected to Wi-Fi or Ethernet, Windows will detect your network.
     • Choose the appropriate network type:
       • Home Network: For private networks.
       • Work Network: For office use.
       • Public Network: For public Wi-Fi or shared networks.
9. Complete Installation
   • Windows will finalize the setup process and load the desktop.
   • Once the desktop appears, your installation of Windows 7 Home Premium is complete!