Windows 7 System Requirements
Are you ready to upgrade your PC to Windows 7?
You may not know that in fact, not all PCs can run Windows 7. Many are able to use this popular upgrade, but there are a few technical requirements your machine will have to meet first.
In order to upgrade, you need to check a few things out. You’ll have to see if your computer is fast enough, has enough space, and a number of other checks.
Want to know if your computer makes the cut or not?
Keep reading, you’re about to find out all of the Windows 7 PC requirements.
SEE ALSO: Windows Dedicated Server Hosting
Processor Speed and RAM
The requirements for a Windows 7 PC installation are 1 GB RAM for a 32-bit system. For a 64 bit system, you’ll need 2 GB of RAM.
RAM or Random Access Memory allows the computer to multi-task efficiently. It’s especially important to the performance you’ll get after the installation.
For example, you can you upgrade it from 1 GB to 2 GB on a 32-bit system. This will give you a huge boost in speed and responsiveness.
You’ll also need a 1 GHz processor. GHz measures the speed of your computer.
In order to check your computer’s specifications, you’ll need to do the following.
Click on My Computer, and then choose Properties. All of the specs will be laid out in front of you there.
Disk Space
The amount of space on your disk will also affect if your PC is Windows 7-ready. The minimum requirement you need to have is 16 GB of disk space for a 32-bit system. For a 64-bit system, you need at least 20 GB.
Disk space is a type of memory too. However, it differs from RAM in that it measures the amount of storage on your hard drive. Note this is the minimum for the operating system and doesn’t include space for data or applications.
Other Windows 7 PC Requirements
In addition to RAM and disk space, you’ll also need some other basics.
A DirectX 9 graphics processor is one. The other is WDDM 1.0 or higher. WDDM is the Windows Display Driver Model.
Access to the internet is also ideal when you are doing the installation.
Recommended Requirements for Optimal Performance
If your system only meets the bare minimum requirements, your computer may run more slowly once you upgrade.
For really optimal performance you’ll want at least a 2 GHz dual-core processor with 4 GB of RAM and 60 GB of solid storage space.
People have tried using older and slower machines for Windows 7. However, in general, a faster processor along with more RAM and disk space means a better computing experience.
Get Started with Your Windows 7 PC
If you’re unsure about your PC’s specs, you can download the Microsoft Upgrade Advisor. It will assess if your system is compatible with an installation. Don’t forget to back up your data before you make the switch over to Windows 7.
Fun fact: Windows 10 has the same system requirements as Windows 7, despite there being six years between their releases!
Our server experts are standing by to discuss your server needs. Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation.
Have any questions? Leave a comment and we’ll add it to future topics we discuss.
About the author
