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Want to remove Windows 7 from your computer? We'll show you how to replace Windows 7 with a different operating system, such as Ubuntu or Windows 8.1, as well as how you can delete Windows 7 from a PC that has multiple operating systems installed.
Steps
Back up your files. When replacing Windows 7 with a different operating system, you will lose some or all of your files. The best way to prevent permanent loss is by transferring all of the files that you want to keep to an external hard drive.- Even though most modern operating systems give you the option of keeping your files when installing the operating system, backing up your files is a safety precaution that you shouldn't skip.
Insert the installation disk or flash drive. To install a new operating system on Windows, you must have the operating system's install tool on a DVD or flash drive, and the disk or flash drive must be inserted into your computer. If you don't have a version of the operating system you want to download, you can download one for the following operating systems:Advertisement
Open Start. Click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen.
Click the Power button. It's in the bottom-left corner of the Start window. A pop-up window will appear.
Click Restart. You'll see this option at the top of the pop-up window. Clicking it will prompt your computer to restart.
Press and hold Del or F2 to open the BIOS. Most computers will display a message on startup that says "Press [key] to enter setup" or something similar. This key may vary, so look for this message when your computer restarts to confirm the key you should press to access the BIOS.- Consult your computer's manual or online support page to confirm your computer's BIOS key.
Select the Boot tab. You'll use the arrow keys to select this tab.- The Boot tab may instead say Boot Options, depending on your computer's manufacturer.
Select a boot device. Use the arrow keys to highlight a device from which to boot. There will be two options you can use:- For a USB flash drive, select the Removable Devices option.
- For a disc installation, select the CD-ROM Drive option.
Move your boot option to the top of the list. Press the + key until your boot option is first. This will cause your computer to restart from your selected boot option, thereby beginning the installation process for your selected operating system.- On some computers, you'll instead press one of the function keys (e.g., F5) to navigate an option up to the top of the menu. The key will be listed on the right side of the screen.
Save your settings. You should see a key prompt (e.g., F10) at the bottom of the screen that has "Save and Exit" written next to it. Press this key to save and exit the BIOS.- You may have to press ↵ Enter to confirm before you can exit the BIOS page.
Wait for your computer to restart. Once it does, you should see your chosen operating system's first setup window.
Follow the on-screen installation directions. Once you complete these, Windows 7 will be completely replaced by the new operating system. These directions will vary depending on the operating system you're installing:
Back up your files. When you remove Windows 7, you will lose any files that aren't backed up. The easiest way to back up your Windows 7 files is by booting your computer into Windows 7, attaching an external hard drive, and transferring all of the files you want to keep onto the hard drive.
Make sure you're using the operating system you want to keep. You cannot delete Windows 7 while using it. If you aren't using a different operating system, restart your computer and then select the operating system you want to keep during the restart process.
Open Start. Click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen. You can also press the ⊞ Win key on your keyboard.- If you're on Windows 8, place the mouse cursor in the top- or bottom-right corner of the screen, then click the magnifying glass icon.
Type system configuration into Start. This will search your computer for the System Configuration utility.- On Windows 8, type into the search bar instead.
- System Configuration is available on most versions of Windows.
Click System Configuration. It's either at the top of the Start window (Windows 10) or below the search bar (Windows 8). Doing so opens the System Configuration window.
Click the Boot tab. You'll see this at the top of the System Configuration window.
Select your current operating system. Click the operating system (e.g., Windows 10 or Windows 8) that you want to set as the default. You can't delete an operating system if it's set as your default.- If your current operating system is already the default, skip this step and the next one.
Click Set as default. This will change the default operating system from Windows 7 to your current operating system.
Select Windows 7. Click this operating system to do so.
Click Delete. This button is below the window that shows the currently installed operating systems.
Click Apply, then click OK. These are both at the bottom of the window. Doing so will indicate that you want to delete Windows 7.
Restart your computer. Once your computer finishes rebooting, Windows 7 should be gone.- You won't be able to use the Windows 7 hard drive space until you remove the partition that Windows 7 was using.
Common Questions: Removing Windows 7
How do I delete everything on Windows 7?
You can wipe your computer using Backup and Restore. Navigate to Control Panel > System and Security > Backup and Restore. Then, click Recover system settings and select Advanced recovery methods. Click on Return Your Computer to Factory Condition to erase your hard drive and start over.
Do I have to uninstall Windows 7 to install Windows 10?
No, you don't need to uninstall Windows 7 to upgrade to Windows 10. All you need is a Windows 10 product key and one of the following: the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool, a Windows 10 ISO file, or a Windows 10 USB installation drive. When you begin updating, Windows will take care of removing the Windows 7 files.
How can you uninstall Windows 7 without losing data?
To avoid losing files, you can use Backup and Restore. You'll need an external hard drive or USB drive to store your files. Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Backup and Restore, then select Set up backup and follow the on-screen instructions to back up your files.
Tips
- You don't have to install a subsequent version of Windows over the top of Windows 7—you can install a previous version (e.g., Vista) if you have the installation disk, or you can install a version of Linux.Thanks
Warnings
- Incorrectly changing BIOS settings can ruin your computer. Don't change anything in the BIOS that isn't discussed in this article.Thanks
About This Article
To uninstall Windows 7 from a computer with only one operating system on it, you will have to install a new operating system via an installation DVD or a USB stick. If you have a computer that uses multiple operating systems at once, you can remove Windows 7 from the Boot tab in the System Configuration menu.
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