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Windows 7 Upgrade Option Requirements
Microsoft currently lists the following as the minimum recommended hardware specifications for running Windows 7. Although this is still subject to change, it is unlikely to change much at this late stage.
- 32-bit or 64-bit processor @ 1 GHz
- 1 GB of system memory
- 16 GB of available disk space
- Support for DirectX 9 graphics with 128MB memory (to enable the Aero theme)
- DVD-R/W drive
- Internet access
Note : Some product features of Windows 7, such as the ability to watch and record live TV or navigation through the use of "touch," may require advanced or additional hardware.
Pre-installed Windows Vista Service Pack 1 or Windows Vista Service Pack 2 will be required for the Windows 7 Upgrade option. Windows XP that was installed as a downgrade from a Windows Vista license is also eligible under the program but it will not support a direct upgrade to Windows 7. A clean install is necessary.
In summary, the hardware and software requirements for the Windows 7 Upgrade Program are :
- Running an eligible Microsoft Windows operating system (Windows Vista, Windows XP Downgrade)
- Latest installed Service Pack and security patches (SP1/2 for Windows Vista, SP3 for Windows XP Downgrade).
- Meet the hardware requirements mentioned above.
- Clean install for Windows XP Downgrade Systems.
New! Storage Requirements
This is the current summary of the minimum free hard disk drive space required for an upgrade to Windows 7. Do note that this summary is based on a pre-RTM version of Windows 7 and is subject to change.
SKU |
Space Required On x86 |
Space Required On AMD 64 |
|
Windows 7 Business Edition |
12,838 MB |
16,622 MB |
|
Windows 7 Ultimate Edition |
13,008 MB |
16,623 MB |
|
Windows Vista Home Premium |
12,831 MB |
16,614 MB |
- A clean X86 install.wim is ~2.15 GB (pre-RTM size, subject to change), fits on a single DVD, and takes up ~8GB of HDD space when installed.
- A clean AMD64 install.wim and lp.cab files are ~30% larger.
- The size increase of installing language packs to a WIM file is approximately equal to lp.cab size.
No. Of Languages |
Windows 7 OS (LP.CAB) |
Windows 7 OS (Expanded Setup Files) |
Windows PE (LP.CAB) |
|
Average |
87.20 MB |
2.18 MB |
2.11 MB |
|
Minimum |
65.72 MB |
1.66 MB |
1.79 MB |
|
Maximum |
185.44 MB |
5.5 MB |
2.97 MB |
|
Total |
3,139.30 MB |
78.52 MB |
76.03 MB |
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