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Windows for Small and Midsize Business

Windows 7 system requirements

If you want to run Windows 7 on your PC, here's what it takes:

  • 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor

  • 1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)

  • 16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)

  • DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver

Additional requirements to use certain features available in some Windows 7 Editions:

  • Internet access (fees may apply)

  • Depending on resolution, video playback may require additional memory and advanced graphics hardware

  • Some games and programs might require a graphics card compatible with DirectX 10 or higher for optimal performance

  • For some Windows Media Center functionality a TV tuner and additional hardware may be required

  • Windows Touch and Tablet PCs require specific hardware

  • HomeGroup requires a network and PCs running Windows 7

  • DVD/CD authoring requires a compatible optical drive

  • BitLocker requires Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 1.2

  • BitLocker To Go requires a USB flash drive

  • Windows XP Mode* requires an additional 1 GB of RAM, an additional 15 GB of available hard disk space, and a processor capable of hardware virtualization with Intel VT or AMD-V turned on

  • Music and sound require audio output

Product functionality and graphics may vary based on your system configuration. Some features may require advanced or additional hardware.

Learn more about Windows 7

Discover everything Windows 7 Professional can do for you.

Licensing overview

Microsoft Volume Licensing solutions provide the most flexible, cost-effective way to give your organization access to the latest Windows desktop technologies.

Upgrade existing PCs

Easy-to-follow guidance will show you efficient ways to install Windows 7 upgrades on existing PCs.

Buy new PCs

Buy a brand new PC with Windows 7 Professional preinstalled and be ready to do business like never before.

Compatibility Center
Check Windows 7 compatibility information

Make sure you are up to date Compatibility Center. Compatibility Center

We've got you covered
We've got you covered

Windows XP Mode* allows you to run many older Windows XP programs from your Windows 7 desktop. Windows XP Mode.* Windows XP Mode

Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor
Is your PC ready?

Free tools are available to help you make the move. Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor. Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor

*Windows XP Mode requires either original equipment manufacturer (OEM) pre-installation or post-purchase installation of Windows XP Mode (which runs on Windows 7 Professional or Windows 7 Ultimate) and a virtualization technology such as Windows Virtual PC. Windows XP Mode requires a PC with 2 GB of RAM (32-bit) or 3 GB RAM (64-bit), 15 GB available disk space, and a processor capable of hardware virtualization, with Intel VT or AMD-V turned on. Both Windows XP Mode and Windows Virtual PC can be downloaded from the Windows Virtual PC site. For more information on system requirements, go to the Windows Virtual PC site.