How to Uninstall Windows 7 from Your Computer

Replacing Windows 7

1. 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.

   1. 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.

2. 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:

   1. Windows 10
   2. Windows 8
   3. Windows 7

3. Open Start

   . Click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen.

4. Click the Power button

   . It's in the bottom-left corner of the Start window. A pop-up window will appear.

5. Click Restart. You'll see this option at the top of the pop-up window. Clicking it will prompt your computer to restart.

6. 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.

   1. Consult your computer's manual or online support page to confirm your computer's BIOS key.

7. Select the Boot tab. You'll use the arrow keys to select this tab.

   1. The Boot tab may instead say Boot Options, depending on your computer's manufacturer.

8. Select a boot device. Use the arrow keys to highlight a device from which to boot. There will be two options you can use:

   1. For a USB flash drive, select the Removable Devices option.
   2. For a disc installation, select the CD-ROM Drive option.

9. 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.

   1. 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.

10. 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.

    1. You may have to press ↵ Enter to confirm before you can exit the BIOS page.

11. Wait for your computer to restart. Once it does, you should see your chosen operating system's first setup window.

12. 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:

    1. Windows 10
    2. Windows 8
    3. Windows 7