5 What you need to know before installing Windows 7

Windows 7 RC will soon be available for download to everyone, and as such, there are a few things you may want to know before you decide to install it on your PC.

Things to know before installing Windows 7

April 2021 Update:

We now recommend using this tool for your error. Additionally, this tool fixes common computer errors, protects you against file loss, malware, hardware failures and optimizes your PC for maximum performance. You can fix your PC problems quickly and prevent others from happening with this software:

• Step 1 : Download PC Repair & Optimizer Tool (Windows 10, 8, 7, XP, Vista – Microsoft Gold Certified).
• Step 2 : Click “Start Scan” to find Windows registry issues that could be causing PC problems.
• Step 3 : Click “Repair All” to fix all issues.

1) This is a pre-version and should NOT be installed on computers and/or production systems that require high availability. If you do not have access to a second computer, you may want to boot with another operating system.

2) Make sure your critical information is backed up before installation. Windows Easy Transfer makes it easy to transfer files, user and application settings from one computer running Windows to another.

3) Windows 7 Beta upgrades are blocked. Microsoft recommends NOT bypassing this problem Valid test cases are clean installations and upgrades of Windows Vista. Upgrades from beta to RC servers are supported.

Upgrading from an earlier beta version is not supported. However, the following operating systems are fully supported:
Windows Vista SP1
Windows Vista SP2
Windows Vista SP2
Windows Server 2008
Windows Server 2008 SP2

4) Problem report links have been removed from the user interface to get closer to a final product experience.

But you can run the Feedback Tool with the command’Run-ning’ :

5) You should only use Microsoft keys. You can reuse your product key from Windows 7 beta version 7000 for RC.

See also the hardware requirements for Windows 7.

I am sure you will enjoy installing and using Windows 7 RC. Installation takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

About Genuine Windows

Support for Windows 7 ended on January 14, 2020

We recommend you move to a Windows 10 PC to continue to receive security updates from Microsoft.

Genuine versions of Windows are published by Microsoft, properly licensed, and supported by Microsoft or a trusted partner. You’ll need a genuine version of Windows to access the optional updates and downloads that help you get the most from your PC.

To learn how to activate Windows, see Activate Windows 7 or Windows 8.1. If you’re using Windows 10, see Activation in Windows 10.

Here are answers to some common questions about genuine Windows software.

Look for key features of genuine Windows software, such as the Certificate of Authenticity (COA), a proof of license label, and an edge-to-edge hologram. For more information, visit the What to look for page on the Microsoft How to Tell website. Your safest option is always to buy Windows from Microsoft, or to buy a PC with Windows preinstalled directly from Microsoft or a store you know and trust.

If you’re seeing these notifications, it’s likely that your copy of Windows wasn’t properly activated. Click the notification and follow the steps to repair Windows or buy a genuine version of Windows if you find out the software is counterfeit.

Until you correct the issue, you’ll receive periodic reminders that Windows is not genuine. Your desktop may also turn black to emphasize the messages. You can reset it, but it will return to black every 60 minutes until the issue is resolved.

Windows will always be able to get critical security updates, even if your version isn’t genuine. However, other updates and benefits are available exclusively for genuine Windows software.

Activation helps verify that your copy of Windows is used only on PCs that the Microsoft Software License Terms allow. It pairs your product key or digital entitlement with your hardware configuration. Usually, you only need to activate Windows once, unless you make a significant hardware change.

When your PC downloads updates, Windows checks to see if your product key or digital entitlement is valid. If it is, you’re eligible to receive the latest updates from Microsoft. If it’s not, your PC is running non-genuine Windows.

You can’t install Windows on more PCs than the Microsoft Software License Terms allow. Usually, a copy of Windows can only be installed on one PC. To learn more about licensing Windows on more than one PC, go to the Microsoft Volume Licensing website.

Yes. You’ll still be able to get critical security updates. However, many updates are exclusively for customers with genuine versions of Windows. We strongly recommend that you get genuine Microsoft software immediately to keep you safer while using your PC.

Validation is an online process. It verifies that your copy of Windows is genuine and that critical Windows licensing files haven’t been damaged, deleted, or removed. It takes only a few moments and lets Microsoft create a match between your PC’s hardware profile and your 25-character product key or digital entitlement.

Your copy of Windows may need to be validated before you can get downloads and the updates which are reserved for PCs that are running genuine Windows. Windows might also prompt you to run genuine validation if activation isn’t properly completed.

If your copy of Windows fails validation, you’ll see a results page that tells you why it isn’t genuine. You’ll also see info about how to resolve the issue.

There are a few common scenarios in which Windows running on a PC might be discovered to be non-genuine during validation.

Repairs. If your PC has been repaired, you might start to see messages on your desktop that Windows isn’t genuine. If the repairs required Windows to be reinstalled, the technician may have activated Windows with a different key than you used when it was originally installed. You might not see the messages until you try to download something from the Microsoft Download Center that requires validation, and validation fails. To fix the issue, you can properly activate Windows by reentering your original product key.

For other issues, you may need to buy a genuine version of Windows.

1 License = 1 PC. Another common cause of Windows validation failure happens when you try to install Windows on more PCs than your license allows. For instance, if you purchased a copy of Windows and installed it on more than one PC, online validation might fail because the product key has already been used on another PC. The rule for most copies of Windows is that only one copy of Windows can be installed on one PC. To learn about licensing more than one PC, go to the Microsoft Volume Licensing website.

Counterfeit software. Validation will also fail if you’ve inadvertently acquired and installed counterfeit Windows software. The Microsoft How to Tell website can help you identify counterfeit software and file a counterfeit software report if needed. Validation failure is common for versions of Windows that were purchased from an online auction site, or if Windows was on a used PC that you purchased. Remember to ask the seller for the Certificate of Authenticity and the original Windows disc, if there was one.

To file a counterfeit report, go to the Microsoft How to Tell website.

You can file an online report if you inadvertently bought or received counterfeit software, or have information about a person, business, or online site that might be selling counterfeit software. The report you submit will be treated as confidential. Microsoft devotes substantial time and energy to fighting software counterfeiting, and you can be assured that we will take appropriate action in response to your report.

If you got an error when you were activating Windows, you can find what it means. For details, go to Get help with activation errors.

You’ll need a product key when you install Windows. To learn more, go to Find a product key.

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What You Need To Know Before Installing Windows and Doors

George Fowler, owner of Heritage Windows, shares some important “do’s” and “don’ts” when it comes to installing windows and doors:

The two key questions that potential Heritage customers should ask themselves are, “What is the correct product for this application?” and “Who is the most qualified person to install this product?”

Never install a wooden window in your house!

Windows in older homes of 50 to 75 years were built out of trees that were 100 to 200 years old. The wood in today’s windows is usually only 10 to 15 years old. There is no sap in the wood that will protect windows from rotting out. I have seen windows in houses that are just 18 months old that have totally rotted out. You need a cladded wooden window or some other type such as vinyl to stand up to the elements.

Never install a “builder’s grade” window or door on the lakeside of a house!

Weather coming off a lake can be 10 times worse than the other side of the house. The wind and rain is usually hitting the house horizontally and “builder’s grade” windows and doors will not hold up. You need excellent architectural windows and doors. I recommend an “out swing” door with a high performance sill. The harder the wind blows, the tighter the door shuts. The same is true for windows; I recommend a casement window, which opens out, shuts back tight and locks down for minimal infiltration.

Never have a novice install your windows or doors!

I have often seen expensive windows or doors that have been installed by someone who doesn’t know what they are doing, and the window or door leaks. Just as bad as a poor installation is the wrong product installed in the wrong situation. You need someone who has been in the business for many years to advise you.

Never install a wooden door in a house that is not covered by some type of porch!

There are wooden doors in 100 to 150 year old churches and old buildings that look great, but what we are not aware of is that these doors were made from trees that were 100 to 200 years old. Some of today’s wooden doors are made from “young growth” trees that do not have the sap to withstand weather. They need to be protected by a porch or awning.

If your windows have failed or rotted out, do not replace them with the same kind of window again!

If the glass in your aluminum windows have fogged in just a few years, don’t replace them with more aluminum windows. Move up to a vinyl window. If your wooden windows have rotted out, replace with a cladded one. Do it correctly the second time around. Don’t waste good money by installing cheap windows. Also, only buy a window and door with at least a 10-year factory warranty. Anything less is not worth it.

Upgrade in glass quality whenever you replace!

Low-e glass was first introduced to the residential market in 1977. Low-e glass features transparent, microscopic layers of silver placed between layers of anti-reflective metal oxide coatings. These coatings block 83% of harmful UV rays and 96% of the sun’s infrared heat, so homes stay cooler in the summer and interior furnishings fade less. In the winter, Low-e helps keep homes warmer for improved comfort and reduces condensation. It also delivers greater visible light transmittance than tinted glass. When I was building houses 15 years ago, Low-e was expensive, so we just installed them on the south and west side of the house. Today the price is so reasonable that you should install them in the whole house.

Choosing the wrong product for your new home the first time will only hasten the demise of your home and cost you additional installation!

Talk to a professional windows and doors man before you buy anything. Find out about all the different glass options and windows types first. Don’t just go to the building supply store and buy whatever they are selling. Do your research.

There are basically six types of windows on the market today: Wood, Cladded Wood, Vinyl, PVC, Aluminum, and Fiberglass.

Wood windows are by far the most popular but also the most expensive to buy and maintain. As far as I know there is only one “all wood” window with a 20 years rot and termite resistance warranty. This is the only window I would recommend.

A cladded wood window is the best wooden window on the market. It is a true wooden window but has a heavy extruded aluminum cladding that completely covers the exterior surfaces for low-maintenance durability. They also come in 5 or 6 standard colors with a baked-on finish that doesn’t need to be repainted.

The best window for the money is a vinyl window. They are custom sized, have several color choices and many profiles and glass options. They are reasonably priced and some have a lifetime warranty that is also transferable to the new owner.

PVC windows are great windows. They too are priced economically and they look just like a wooden window.

I recommend aluminum windows only in commercial application.

Fiberglass windows are gaining in sales, they are stronger than vinyl and come in an additional darker color.

Windows Update: FAQ

Note: If you’re looking for Microsoft Office update info, see Install Office updates.

In Windows 10, you decide when and how to get the latest updates to keep your device running smoothly and securely. When you update, you’ll get the latest fixes and security improvements, helping your device run efficiently and stay protected. In most cases, restarting your device completes the update. Make sure your device is plugged in when you know updates will be installed.

If other questions come up when you update Windows 10, here are some other areas that might interest you:

When you only want info about updating Windows 10, you’ll find answers to many of your questions here:

When the Windows 10 May 2020 Update is ready for your device, it will be available to download and install from the Windows Update page in Settings. Choose a time that works best for you to download the update. You’ll then need to restart your device and complete the installation. After that, your device will be running Windows 10, version 2004.

To manually check for the latest recommended updates, select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Windows Update .

To get help updating to the latest version of Windows 10, go to the Microsoft software download page and download the Update Assistant.

Some updates may not be available on all devices at the same time—we’re making sure updates are ready and compatible.

To stay up to date, select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Windows Update , and then select Check for updates.

If a feature update is available for your device, it will appear separately on the Windows Update page. To install it, select Download and install now.

Here are a few things you can try if you’re having trouble installing updates:

Make sure that your device is connected to the internet. Downloading updates requires an internet connection.

If you’re connected the internet, try to install the updates manually. Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Windows Update , and then view available updates.
Check for updates

Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter. Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot . Under Get up and running, select Windows Update.

The time required to download updates primarily depends on internet connection speed, network settings, and update size. Make sure your device is plugged in and connected to the internet to download updates faster.

You can’t stop updates entirely—because they help keep your device safe and secure, updates will eventually need to be installed and downloaded, regardless of your update settings. Here’s how to temporarily pause updates from being downloaded and installed. Note that after the pause limit is reached, you’ll need to install the latest updates before you can pause updates again.

In the Windows 10 November 2019 Update (version 1909) or later, or in Windows version 1809 for Pro or Enterprise, select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update . Then choose one of the following options:

Select Pause updates for 7 days.

Select Advanced options. Then, in the Pause updates section, select the drop-down menu and specify a date for updates to resume.

To finish installing an update, your device will need to restart. Windows will try to restart your device when you’re not using it. If it can’t, you’ll be asked to schedule the restart for a more convenient time. Or, you can schedule anytime by following these steps:

Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Windows Update .

Select Schedule the restart and choose a time that’s convenient for you.

You can set active hours to make sure automatic restarts for updates only happen when you’re not using your device. Learn about active hours for Windows 10.

Try deleting files you don’t need, uninstalling apps you don’t use, or moving files to another drive like an external USB drive or OneDrive. For more tips on freeing up disk space, see Free up drive space in Windows 10.

We recommend keeping devices like laptops and tablets plugged in when you’re not using them. This way, if updates are installed outside active hours, your device will have enough power to complete the installation. Windows updates don’t consume more battery than other typical system processes.

An update history is available so you can see which updates were installed, and when. You can also use this list to remove specific updates, although we don’t recommend this unless it’s necessary.

Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Windows Update > View update history .

For more info about what’s included in updates for Windows 10, see Windows 10 update history.

We don’t recommend that you remove any installed updates. However, if you must remove an update, you can do so in update history.

Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history > Uninstall updates.

Select the update you want to remove, then select Uninstall.

Feature updates are typically released twice per year and include new functionality and capabilities as well as potential fixes and security updates. Quality updates are more frequent and mainly include small fixes and security updates. Windows is designed to deliver both kinds of updates to devices through Windows Update.

To double check that your device is up to date, open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and see your update status and available updates.

To find which version of Windows you’re running, see Which version of Windows operating system am I running?

Reserved storage is not automatically turned on by Windows in any update scenarios. It is only turned on for new devices with the Windows 10 May 2019 Update (version 1903) or later preinstalled, or devices on which a clean install was performed.

Note: If you’re looking for Microsoft Office update info, see Install Office updates.

The best way to keep Windows 8.1 up to date is to turn on automatic updates. With automatic updates, you don’t have to search for updates online or worry about missing critical fixes or device drivers for your PC. Instead, Windows Update automatically installs important updates as they become available.

To turn on automatic updates:

Open Windows Update by swiping in from the right edge of the screen (or, if you’re using a mouse, pointing to the lower-right corner of the screen and moving the mouse pointer up), select Settings > Change PC settings > Update and recovery > Windows Update. If you want to check for updates manually, select Check now.

Select Choose how updates get installed, and then, under Important updates, select Install updates automatically (recommended).

Under Recommended updates, select Give me recommended updates the same way I receive important updates.

Under Microsoft Update, select Give me updates for other Microsoft products when I update Windows, and then select Apply.

Click the questions below to see answers about how Windows Update keeps your device up to date.

Note: If your PC is connected to a network where updates are managed by Group Policy, you might not be able to change settings related to Windows Update. For more info, contact your organization’s technical support.

Open Windows Update by swiping in from the right edge of the screen (or, if you’re using a mouse, pointing to the lower-right corner of the screen and moving the mouse pointer up), select Settings > Change PC settings > Update and recovery > Windows Update. To check for updates manually, select Check now.

An update history is available so you can see which updates were installed, and when. You can also use this list to remove specific updates, although we don’t recommend this unless it’s necessary.

To see your PC’s update history, open Windows Update by swiping in from the right edge of the screen (or, if you’re using a mouse, pointing to the lower-right corner of the screen and moving the mouse pointer up), select Settings > Change PC settings > Update and recovery > Windows Update > View your update history.

We don’t recommend that you remove any installed updates. However, if you must remove an update, you can do so in update history.

Open Windows Update by swiping in from the right edge of the screen (or, if you’re using a mouse, pointing to the lower-right corner of the screen and moving the mouse pointer up), select Settings > Change PC settings > Update and recovery > Windows Update > View your update history.

Select the update you want to remove, then select Uninstall.

Here are a few things to try if you’re having problems installing updates:

Make sure that your PC is connected to the internet. Some updates can’t be installed if you’re using a metered internet connection.

If you’re connected the internet and updates aren’t installed automatically, wait a few minutes and then try to install the updates manually.

See the Fix Windows Update errors guided walkthrough to try to fix the problem.

Support for Windows 7 ended on January 14, 2020

We recommend you move to a Windows 10 PC to continue to receive security updates from Microsoft.

Click the questions below to see answers about how Windows Update keeps your device up to date.