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How to Install Windows 7 from USB?

Published in Windows Installation 5 mins read

Installing Windows 7 from a bootable USB drive is a common method for setting up a new computer or reinstalling the operating system. This process involves configuring your computer to start from the USB drive and then following the on-screen setup instructions.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have:

  • A bootable USB drive containing the Windows 7 installation files. (You can create this using the Windows 7 USB DVD Download Tool or other similar software).
  • The product key for your copy of Windows 7.
  • A computer that meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 7.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Follow these steps carefully to install Windows 7 from your USB drive:

1. Prepare Your Computer and Boot Media

First, you need to make sure your computer is ready to boot from the USB drive.

  • Locate an available USB port on your computer and insert the USB Windows Installation Setup boot media.
  • You may need to configure your computer's BIOS or UEFI settings to boot from the USB drive. Power on your computer and look for a message indicating which key to press to enter Setup, BIOS, or the Boot Menu. Common keys include F2, Del, F10, F12, Esc.
  • Navigate through the BIOS/UEFI settings to find the Boot Order or Boot Sequence options. Change the order so that the USB drive is listed before the computer's hard drive. Save the changes and exit BIOS/UEFI (usually by pressing F10).

2. Start the Setup Process

With the USB drive connected and boot order configured, you can begin the installation.

  • Power on the computer (or it will restart automatically after exiting BIOS/UEFI) to start the Windows Installation Setup process.
  • As the computer starts, you will likely see a message on the screen prompting you to boot from the connected media, such as "Press any key to boot from USB..." or similar. You must press a key (like Spacebar, Enter, or any other key) when prompted to force the computer to start from the Windows Installation Setup boot media. If you miss this prompt, the computer may attempt to boot from the next device in the boot order (usually the hard drive), and you'll need to restart.

3. Windows Setup Initialization

  • After booting from the USB, Windows 7 installation files will begin to load.
  • Once loaded, the Install Windows screen will appear. Here, you can select your Language, Time and currency format, and Keyboard or input method.
  • Click Next to continue.

4. Begin Installation

  • On the next screen, click the Install now button.
  • The setup will start, and you'll see a "Setup is starting" message.

5. Accept License Terms

  • Read the Microsoft Software License Terms.
  • Check the box that says "I accept the license terms".
  • Click Next.

6. Choose Installation Type

  • You will be asked "Which type of installation do you want?"
    • Upgrade: If you are upgrading from a previous version of Windows (like Vista) while keeping your files and settings. (Less common for USB installs on a clean drive).
    • Custom (advanced): This is the standard method for installing Windows 7 on a new partition or performing a clean installation, which is typical when booting from USB.
  • Choose Custom (advanced).

7. Select and Prepare Partition

  • On the "Where do you want to install Windows?" screen, you will see a list of drives and partitions.
  • If installing on a new hard drive or performing a clean install, you may need to create or format partitions.
    • You can select an existing partition and click Format to erase all data on it.
    • Alternatively, you can click Drive options (advanced) to delete existing partitions, create new ones, and format them as needed.
  • Select the partition where you want to install Windows 7. Make sure it has enough free space.
  • Click Next.

8. Install Windows Files

  • Windows setup will now begin copying files and installing the operating system. This process will take some time and involves several stages:
    • Copying Windows files
    • Expanding Windows files (This is the longest step)
    • Installing features
    • Installing updates
    • Completing installation
  • Your computer will restart multiple times during this stage. Do not remove the USB drive until the installation is fully complete and you reach the desktop setup stage. The computer should automatically boot from the hard drive after the initial files are copied.

9. Complete Setup and Configuration

  • After the final restart, Windows 7 will continue setting up.
  • You will be prompted to:
    • Set up a user account: Create a username and password.
    • Type a computer name: Give your computer a name.
    • Type your Windows product key: Enter the 25-character key (you can usually skip this and enter it later, but it's recommended to do it now).
    • Choose recommended settings: Select your preferred update and security settings.
    • Review your time and date settings: Confirm your time zone and current time/date.
    • Select your computer's current location: Choose Home network, Work network, or Public network.

10. Finalization

  • Windows will finalize settings and prepare your desktop.
  • Once complete, you will see the Windows 7 desktop, indicating the installation is finished.

Following these steps will guide you through installing Windows 7 using a bootable USB drive.

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