Windows 7 64 bit system requirements

Support for Windows 7 ended on January 14, 2020

We recommend you move to a Windows 11 PC to continue to receive security updates from Microsoft.

Learn more

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:

• 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 and an additional 15 GB of available hard disk space.

• 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.

PCs with multi-core processors:

Windows 7 was designed to work with today’s multi-core processors. All 32-bit versions of Windows 7 can support up to 32 processor cores, while 64‑bit versions can support up to 256 processor cores.

PCs with multiple processors (CPUs):

Commercial servers, workstations, and other high-end PCs may have more than one physical processor. Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate allow for two physical processors, providing the best performance on these computers. Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic, and Home Premium will recognize only one physical processor.

* Prior versions of Windows, including Windows 7 and Windows 8.1, have limited support when running on new processors and chipsets from manufacturers like Intel, AMD, NVidia, and Qualcomm. For more information, please see the Support Lifecycle FAQ. A device may not be able to run prior versions of Windows if the device hardware is incompatible, lacking current drivers, or otherwise outside of the Original Equipment Manufacturer’s (“OEM”) support period.

Поддержка Windows 7 закончилась 14 января 2020 года.

Чтобы продолжить получать обновления системы безопасности от Майкрософт, мы рекомендуем перейти на Windows 11.

Подробнее

Если вы хотите запускать Windows 7 на компьютере, выполните указанные ниже действия.

• 32-разрядный (x86) или 64-разрядный (x64) процессор* с тактовой частотой 1 ГГц или выше.

• 1 ГБ (для 32-разрядного процессора) или 2 ГБ (для 64-разрядного процессора) ОЗУ.

• 16 ГБ (для 32-разрядной системы) или 20 ГБ (для 64-разрядной системы) свободного места на жестком диске.

• Графическое устройство DirectX 9 с драйвером WDDM 1.0 или более поздней версии.

Дополнительные требования для использования некоторых функций:

• Доступ в Интернет (может взиматься плата).

• В зависимости от разрешения экрана для воспроизведения видео может требоваться дополнительная память и более современное графическое оборудование.

• Для обеспечения оптимальной производительности в некоторых играх и программах может потребоваться графическая плата, совместимая с DirectX 10 или более высокой.

• Для некоторых функций Windows Media Center может требоваться ТВ-тюнер и дополнительное оборудование.

• Для технологии Windows Touch и планшетных ПК требуется специальное оборудование.

• Для домашней группы требуется сеть и компьютеры под управлениемWindows 7 

• Для записи DVD- и компакт-дисков требуется совместимый оптический дисковод.

• Для функции BitLocker требуется доверенный платформенный модуль TPM 1.2.

• Для функции BitLocker To Go требуется USB-накопитель.

• Для режима Windows%%amp;#160;XP требуется дополнительно 1 ГБ ОЗУ и 15 ГБ свободного места на жестком диске.

• Для воспроизведения музыки и звука требуется аудиовыход.

Графика и функции продукта зависят от конфигурации системы. Для некоторых функций может требоваться дополнительное или более современное оборудование.

На компьютерах с многоядерными процессорами:

Windows 7 предназначен для работы с современными многоядерными процессорами. Все 32-разрядные версии Windows 7 могут поддерживать до 32 ядер процессоров, в то время как 64-разрядные версии могут поддерживать до 256 процессорных ядер.

Компьютеры с несколькими процессорами (ЦП):

Коммерческие серверы, рабочие станции и другие высокопроизводительные компьютеры могут быть оснащены несколькими физическими процессорами. Windows 7 Профессиональная, Корпоративная и максимальная разрешены для двух физических процессоров, обеспечивая оптимальную производительность на этих компьютерах. Windows 7 Starter, Главная базовая и Home Premium распознает только один физический процессор.

* Более ранние версии Windows, в том числе Windows 7 и Windows 8,1, имеют ограниченную поддержку при работе с новыми процессорами и наборами микросхем от производителей, таких как Intel, AMD, NVidia и Qualcomm. Дополнительные сведения можно найти в разделе вопросы и ответы о жизненном цикле поддержки. На устройстве могут не работать предыдущие версии Windows, если аппаратное обеспечение устройства не является совместимым, на нем нет актуальных драйверов или истек срок его поддержки, предоставляемой изготовителем оборудования (OEM).

Windows 7 system requirements

Support for Windows 7 ended on January 14, 2020

We recommend you move to a Windows 11 PC to continue to receive security updates from Microsoft.

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:

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 and an additional 15 GB of available hard disk space.

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.

PCs with multi-core processors:

Windows 7 was designed to work with today’s multi-core processors. All 32-bit versions of Windows 7 can support up to 32 processor cores, while 64‑bit versions can support up to 256 processor cores.

PCs with multiple processors (CPUs):

Commercial servers, workstations, and other high-end PCs may have more than one physical processor. Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate allow for two physical processors, providing the best performance on these computers. Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic, and Home Premium will recognize only one physical processor.

* Prior versions of Windows, including Windows 7 and Windows 8.1, have limited support when running on new processors and chipsets from manufacturers like Intel, AMD, NVidia, and Qualcomm. For more information, please see the Support Lifecycle FAQ. A device may not be able to run prior versions of Windows if the device hardware is incompatible, lacking current drivers, or otherwise outside of the Original Equipment Manufacturer’s (“OEM”) support period.

Источник

Windows Processor Requirements

This specification details the processors that can be used with Customer Systems that include Windows Products (including Custom Images). Updates to this specification may be released in the future as requirements change.

For each listed edition, Company must use only the processors listed, as specified in the tables below. The requirements below apply whenever the edition below is pre-installed or provided on external media, including as downgrade or down edition software.

For clarity, Company must also meet all processor and other requirements specified in Minimum Hardware Requirements for Windows, available at Windows minimum hardware requirements.

If after the inclusion of a processor series in this specification («Listed Processor»), a processor becomes commercially available that uses the same naming convention or identifier as a Listed Processor but has additional or different features or functionality («New Processor»), Company must not use New Processor for Customer Systems without Microsoft’s prior written permission. If Company believes a processor has been omitted from this list, please contact Company’s Microsoft OEM or ODM Account Manager.

The processors listed in the tables below, represent the latest processor generations and models which are supported for the listed Windows Edition.

Some product editions or edition/processor configurations listed below may have no or limited support. Information on support is available at Microsoft Support Policy and Microsoft Lifecycle FAQ. For specific hardware support, please refer to your Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) provider.

Windows Client Edition Processors

Windows Edition	AMD Processors	Intel Processors	Qualcomm Processors
Windows 7 and earlier editions	Supported AMD Processors	Supported Intel Processors	N/A
Windows 8.1	Supported AMD Processors	Supported Intel Processors	N/A
Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 1507	Supported AMD Processors	Supported Intel Processors	N/A
Windows 10 1511	Supported AMD Processors	Supported Intel Processors	N/A
Windows 10 1607	Supported AMD Processors	Supported Intel Processors	N/A
Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 1607	Supported AMD Processors	Supported Intel Processors	N/A
Windows 10 1703	Supported AMD Processors	Supported Intel Processors	N/A
Windows 10 1709	Supported AMD Processors	Supported Intel Processors	Supported Qualcomm Processors
Windows 10 1803	Supported AMD Processors	Supported Intel Processors	Supported Qualcomm Processors
Windows 10 1809	Supported AMD Processors	Supported Intel Processors	Supported Qualcomm Processors
Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 1809	Supported AMD Processors	Supported Intel Processors	N/A
Windows 10 1903	Supported AMD Processors	Supported Intel Processors	Supported Qualcomm Processors
Windows 10 1909	Supported AMD Processors	Supported Intel Processors	Supported Qualcomm Processors
Windows 10 2004	Supported AMD Processors	Supported Intel Processors	Supported Qualcomm Processors
Windows 10 20H2	Supported AMD Processors	Supported Intel Processors	Supported Qualcomm Processors
Windows 10 21H1	Supported AMD Processors	Supported Intel Processors	Supported Qualcomm Processors
Windows 10 21H2	Supported AMD Processors	Supported Intel Processors	Supported Qualcomm Processors
Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021	Supported AMD Processors	Supported Intel Processors	N/A
Windows 11 version 21H2	Supported AMD Processors	Supported Intel Processors	Supported Qualcomm Processors
Windows 11 version 22H2	Supported AMD Processors	Supported Intel Processors	Supported Qualcomm Processors

Windows IoT Core Processors

Windows Edition	Intel Processors	Qualcomm Processor	Broadcom	NXP Processors
Windows 10 1703	Up through currently enabled Intel Joule, Atom, Celeron and Pentium Processors [3]	Up through currently enabled Qualcomm Snapdragon Processors [3]	Up through currently enabled Broadcom Processors [3]	N/A
Windows 10 1709	Up through currently enabled Intel Joule, Atom, Celeron and Pentium Processors [3]	Up through currently enabled Qualcomm Snapdragon Processors [3]	Up through currently enabled Broadcom Processors [3]	N/A
Windows 10 1803	Up through currently enabled Intel Joule, Atom, Celeron and Pentium Processors [3]	Up through currently enabled Qualcomm Snapdragon Processors [3]	Up through currently enabled Broadcom Processors [3]	N/A
Windows 10 IoT Core 1809 (SAC)	Up through currently enabled Intel Atom, Celeron and Pentium Processors [3]	Up through currently enabled Qualcomm Snapdragon Processors [3]	Up through currently enabled Broadcom Processors [3]	Up through currently enabled NXP i.MXProcessors [3]
Windows 10 IoT Core 1809 (LTSC)	Up through currently enabled Intel Atom, Celeron and Pentium Processors [3]	Up through currently enabled Qualcomm Snapdragon Processors [3]	Up through currently enabled Broadcom Processors [3]	Up through currently enabled NXP i.MXProcessors [3]

[3] Information on which processors are currently enabled is available atВ SoCs and custom boards.

Windows 10 IoT Enterprise

Review the Windows Client Edition Processors support matrix above for Windows 10 IoT Enterprise.

NOTE: The processor support matrix only reflects the core OS support for the processor. There may be other dependencies like hardware-specific drivers which are not reflected in this matrix. Please contact your OEM or processor manufacturer for hardware-specific support.

Windows Server Processors

Windows Edition	Intel Processors	AMD Processors	Hygon Processors [6]
Windows Server 2012 R2 [4]	Up through the following 7th Generation Intel Processors (Intel Core i3-7xxx/Celeron/Pentium; Xeon E3 v6); Xeon SP 32xx, 42xx, 52xx, 62xx, and 82xx; Xeon D 15xx; and Atom C33xx	Up through the following AMD 7th generation processors (AMD A-Series Ax-9xxx & E-Series Ex-9xxx & FX-9xxx), AMD Ryzen Family, AMD EPYC 7xx1, AMD EPYC 7xx2, and AMD EPYC 7xx3	N/A
Windows Server 2016 [5]	Up through the following 9th Generation Intel Processors (Core i3-9xxx, Pentium G5xxx, Celeron G49xx); Xeon E22xx; Xeon SP 32xx, 43xx, 53xx, 63xx, and 83xx; Xeon D 21xx; and Atom C33xx	Up through the following AMD 7th generation processors (AMD A-Series Ax-9xxx & E-Series Ex-9xxx & FX-9xxx), AMD Ryzen Family, AMD EPYC 7xx1, AMD EPYC 7xx2, and AMD EPYC 7xx3	N/A
Windows Server 2019	Up through the following 12th Generation Intel Processors (Core i3-12xxx, Pentium G5xxx, Celeron G49xx); Xeon E23xx; Xeon SP 32xx, 43xx, 53xx, 63xx, and 83xx; Xeon D 21xx; and Atom C33xx	Up through the following AMD 7th generation processors (AMD A-Series Ax-9xxx & E-Series Ex-9xxx & FX-9xxx), AMD Ryzen Family, AMD EPYC 7xx1, AMD EPYC 7xx2, AMD EPYC 7xx3, and AMD EPYC 9xx4	Hygon C86 7xxx
Windows Server 2022	Up through the following 12th Generation Intel Processors (Core i3-12xxx, Pentium G5xxx, Celeron G49xx); Xeon E23xx; Xeon SP 32xx, 43xx, 53xx, 63xx, and 83xx; Xeon D 21xx; and Atom C33xx	Up through the following AMD 7th generation processors (AMD A-Series Ax-9xxx & E-Series Ex-9xxx & FX-9xxx), AMD Ryzen Family, AMD EPYC 7xx1, AMD EPYC 7xx2, AMD EPYC 7xx3, and AMD EPYC 9xx4	N/A

[4] The processor list for Windows Server 2012 R2 is final. New system submissions are no longer accepted for certification.

[5] The processor list for Windows Server 2016 is final. Company may submit for certification (in the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program) Server Systems running Windows Server 2016 and the identified processors until December 31, 2021; after such date, no new Server Systems will be certified running Windows Server 2016.

[6] China Market Only

NOTE: The list of supported processors above does not in itself determine Microsoft support for Windows Server. The listing is a prerequisite for system certification. Only systems based on the above approved processors can be certified for Windows Server. Unless otherwise noted, Microsoft will continue to evaluate the processor list for a given OS release and update the list as new appropriate processors are available in market.

Источник

Требования к процессору Windows

В этой спецификации подробно описаны процессоры, которые могут использоваться с клиентскими системами, включающими продукты Windows (включая пользовательские образы). Обновления этой спецификации могут быть выпущены в будущем по мере изменения требований.

Для каждого указанного выпуска компания должна использовать только перечисленные процессоры, как указано в таблицах ниже. Приведенные ниже требования применяются всякий раз, когда указанный ниже выпуск предварительно установлен или предоставляется на внешнем носителе, в том числе в качестве программного обеспечения для понижения или понижения версии.

Для ясности компания также должна выполнить все требования к процессору и другие требования, указанные в разделе Минимальные требования к оборудованию для Windows, доступные в минимальных требованиях к оборудованию Windows.

Если после включения серии процессоров в эту спецификацию («Перечисленный процессор») процессор становится доступным на коммерческом уровне, который использует то же соглашение об именовании или идентификатор, что и указанный в списке процессор, но имеет дополнительные или другие функции или функции («Новый процессор»), компания не должна использовать новый процессор для клиентских систем без предварительного письменного разрешения Майкрософт. Если компания считает, что процессор был опущен в этом списке, обратитесь к Майкрософт OEM компании или менеджеру по работе с клиентами ODM.

Процессоры, перечисленные в приведенных ниже таблицах, представляют последние поколения процессоров и модели, которые поддерживаются для указанного выпуска Windows.

Некоторые выпуски продукта или конфигурации выпусков или процессоров, перечисленные ниже, могут не поддерживаться или иметь ограниченную поддержку. Сведения о поддержке см. в статье Часто задаваемые вопросы о политике служба поддержки Майкрософт и жизненном цикле Майкрософт. Чтобы получить поддержку конкретного оборудования, обратитесь к поставщику изготовителя оборудования (OEM).

Обработчики клиентских выпусков Windows

Выпуск для Windows	Процессоры AMD	Процессоры Intel	Процессоры Qualcomm
Windows 7 и более ранние выпуски	Поддерживаемые процессоры AMD	Поддерживаемые процессоры Intel	Недоступно
Windows 8.1	Поддерживаемые процессоры AMD	Поддерживаемые процессоры Intel	Недоступно
Windows 10 Корпоративная LTSB 1507	Поддерживаемые процессоры AMD	Поддерживаемые процессоры Intel	Недоступно
Windows 10 1511	Поддерживаемые процессоры AMD	Поддерживаемые процессоры Intel	Недоступно
Windows 10 1607	Поддерживаемые процессоры AMD	Поддерживаемые процессоры Intel	Недоступно
Windows 10 Корпоративная LTSB 1607	Поддерживаемые процессоры AMD	Поддерживаемые процессоры Intel	Недоступно
Windows 10 1703	Поддерживаемые процессоры AMD	Поддерживаемые процессоры Intel	Недоступно
Windows 10 1709	Поддерживаемые процессоры AMD	Поддерживаемые процессоры Intel	Поддерживаемые процессоры Qualcomm
Windows 10 1803	Поддерживаемые процессоры AMD	Поддерживаемые процессоры Intel	Поддерживаемые процессоры Qualcomm
Windows 10, 1809	Поддерживаемые процессоры AMD	Поддерживаемые процессоры Intel	Поддерживаемые процессоры Qualcomm
Windows 10 Корпоративная LTSC 1809	Поддерживаемые процессоры AMD	Поддерживаемые процессоры Intel	Недоступно
Windows 10 1903	Поддерживаемые процессоры AMD	Поддерживаемые процессоры Intel	Поддерживаемые процессоры Qualcomm
Windows 10 1909	Поддерживаемые процессоры AMD	Поддерживаемые процессоры Intel	Поддерживаемые процессоры Qualcomm
Windows 10 2004	Поддерживаемые процессоры AMD	Поддерживаемые процессоры Intel	Поддерживаемые процессоры Qualcomm
Windows 10 20H2	Поддерживаемые процессоры AMD	Поддерживаемые процессоры Intel	Поддерживаемые процессоры Qualcomm
Windows 10 21H1	Поддерживаемые процессоры AMD	Поддерживаемые процессоры Intel	Поддерживаемые процессоры Qualcomm
Windows 10 21H2	Поддерживаемые процессоры AMD	Поддерживаемые процессоры Intel	Поддерживаемые процессоры Qualcomm
Windows 10 Корпоративная LTSC 2021	Поддерживаемые процессоры AMD	Поддерживаемые процессоры Intel	Недоступно
Windows 11 версии 21H2	Поддерживаемые процессоры AMD	Поддерживаемые процессоры Intel	Поддерживаемые процессоры Qualcomm
Windows 11 версии 22H2	Поддерживаемые процессоры AMD	Поддерживаемые процессоры Intel	Поддерживаемые процессоры Qualcomm

Основные процессоры Windows IoT

Выпуск для Windows	Процессоры Intel	Процессор Qualcomm	Broadcom	Процессоры NXP
Windows 10 1703	До процессоров Intel Joule, Atom, Celeron и Xeon с поддержкой в настоящее время [3]	До процессоров Qualcomm Snapdragon с поддержкой в настоящее время [3]	До процессоров Broadcom с поддержкой в настоящее время [3]	Недоступно
Windows 10 1709	До процессоров Intel Joule, Atom, Celeron и Xeon с поддержкой в настоящее время [3]	До процессоров Qualcomm Snapdragon с поддержкой в настоящее время [3]	До процессоров Broadcom с поддержкой в настоящее время [3]	Недоступно
Windows 10 1803	До процессоров Intel Joule, Atom, Celeron и Xeon с поддержкой в настоящее время [3]	До процессоров Qualcomm Snapdragon с поддержкой в настоящее время [3]	До процессоров Broadcom с поддержкой в настоящее время [3]	Недоступно
Windows 10 IoT Базовая 1809 (SAC)	До процессоров Intel Atom, Celeron и Xeon с поддержкой в настоящее время [3]	До процессоров Qualcomm Snapdragon с поддержкой в настоящее время [3]	До процессоров Broadcom с поддержкой в настоящее время [3]	До текущего включения NXP i.MXProcessors [3]
Windows 10 IoT Базовая 1809 (LTSC)	До процессоров Intel Atom, Celeron и Xeon с поддержкой в настоящее время [3]	До процессоров Qualcomm Snapdragon с поддержкой в настоящее время [3]	До процессоров Broadcom с поддержкой в настоящее время [3]	До текущего включения NXP i.MXProcessors [3]

[3] Сведения о том, какие процессоры в настоящее время включены, доступны в soC и пользовательских платах.

Windows 10 IoT Корпоративная

Ознакомьтесь с приведенной выше матрицей поддержки процессоров Windows Client Edition для Windows 10 IoT Корпоративная.

ПРИМЕЧАНИЕ: Матрица поддержки процессора отражает только базовую поддержку ос для процессора. Могут существовать и другие зависимости, например драйверы оборудования, которые не отражены в этой матрице. Обратитесь за поддержкой оборудования к изготовителю оборудования или изготовителю процессора.

Процессоры Windows Server

Выпуск для Windows	Процессоры Intel	Процессоры AMD	Процессоры Hygon [6]
Windows Server 2012 R2 [4]	До следующих процессоров Intel 7-го поколения (Intel Core i3-7xxx/Celeron/Xeon; Xeon E3 v6); Xeon SP 32xx, 42xx, 52xx, 62xx и 82xx; Xeon D 15xx; и Atom C33xx	До следующих процессоров AMD 7-го поколения (AMD A-Series A-9xxx & E-Series Ex-9xxx & FX-9xxx), AMD Ryzen Family, AMD EPYC 7xx1, AMD EPYC 7xx2 и AMD EPYC 7xx3	Недоступно
Windows Server 2016 [5]	До следующих процессоров Intel 9-го поколения (Core i3-9xxx, Xeon G5xxx, Celeron G49xx); Xeon E22xx; Xeon SP 32xx, 43xx, 53xx, 63xx и 83xx; Xeon D 21xx; и Atom C33xx	До следующих процессоров AMD 7-го поколения (AMD A-Series A-9xxx & E-Series Ex-9xxx & FX-9xxx), AMD Ryzen Family, AMD EPYC 7xx1, AMD EPYC 7xx2 и AMD EPYC 7xx3	Недоступно
Windows Server 2019	До следующих процессоров Intel 12-го поколения (Core i3-12xxx, Xeon G5xxx, Celeron G49xx); Xeon E23xx; Xeon SP 32xx, 43xx, 53xx, 63xx и 83xx; Xeon D 21xx; и Atom C33xx	До следующих процессоров AMD 7-го поколения (AMD A-Series Ax-9xxx & E-Series Ex-9xxx & FX-9xxx), AMD Ryzen, AMD EPYC 7xx1, AMD EPYC 7xx2, AMD EPYC 7xx3 и AMD EPYC 9xx4	Hygon C86 7xxx
Windows Server 2022	До следующих процессоров Intel 12-го поколения (Core i3-12xxx, Xeon G5xxx, Celeron G49xx); Xeon E23xx; Xeon SP 32xx, 43xx, 53xx, 63xx и 83xx; Xeon D 21xx; и Atom C33xx	До следующих процессоров AMD 7-го поколения (AMD A-Series Ax-9xxx & E-Series Ex-9xxx & FX-9xxx), AMD Ryzen, AMD EPYC 7xx1, AMD EPYC 7xx2, AMD EPYC 7xx3 и AMD EPYC 9xx4	Недоступно

[4] Список процессоров для Windows Server 2012 R2 является окончательным. Новые системные отправки больше не принимаются для сертификации.

[5] Список процессоров для Windows Server 2016 является окончательным. Компания может подать на сертификацию (в рамках программы совместимости оборудования Windows) серверные системы, работающие под управлением Windows Server 2016 и идентифицированных процессоров, до 31 декабря 2021 г. После этой даты новые серверные системы не будут сертифицированы под управлением Windows Server 2016.

[6] Только рынок Китая

ПРИМЕЧАНИЕ: Приведенный выше список поддерживаемых процессоров не определяет Майкрософт поддержку Windows Server. Список является необходимым условием для сертификации системы. Для Windows Server можно сертифицировать только системы, основанные на указанных выше утвержденных процессорах. Если не указано иное, Майкрософт будет продолжать оценивать список процессоров для конкретного выпуска ОС и обновлять список по мере того, как на рынке появятся новые соответствующие процессоры.

Источник

Минимальные системные требования

• Разрядность: x86 (32-bit)
• ЦП [CPU]: с тактовой частотой 0.8 GHz или выше
• Видеоадаптер [GPU]: 3D адаптер
• Видеопамять [VRAM]: 32 Mb
• Винчестер [HDD]: 16 Gb
• Оперативная память [RAM]: 512 Mb
• Аудиокарта [AUDIO]: Любая
• Контроллер: Мышь, Клавиатура
• DirectX: 9
• Дополнительно: DVD/CD привод или USB

Рекомендуемые системные требования

• Разрядность: x86 (32-bit)
• ЦП [CPU]: от 1 GHz
• Видеоадаптер [GPU]: 3D адаптер
• Видеопамять [VRAM]: 128 Mb
• Винчестер [HDD]: 16 Gb
• Оперативная память [RAM]: 1024 Mb
• Аудиокарта [AUDIO]: Совместимая с DirectX 9.0
• Интернет: Широкополосный доступ
• DirectX: 10

Видеоадаптер с драйвером WDDM 1.0 или выше для Aero

Системные требования для 64 bit

• Разрядность: x64 (64-bit)
• ЦП [CPU]: 64-х битный от 1 GHz
• Видеоадаптер [GPU]: 3D адаптер с 128 Mb и WDDM
• Винчестер [HDD]: 20 Gb
• Оперативная память [RAM]: 2 Gb
• Контроллер: Клавиатура, Мышь
• DirectX: 9

Рекомендуемые требования к персональному компьютеру для установки Windows 7 от разработчиков:

Для операционной системы Win 7 на 32 битной системе рекомендуется использовать ЦП от 1 GHz и 3D адаптер видеоадаптер с 128 Mb видеопамяти. Оперативной памяти не менее 1024 Mb, а также 16 Gb на жестком диске. Аудиокарта подойдет Совместимая с DirectX 9.0.

Из периферии . Доступ в интернет.

Use this FAQ to learn about Windows 7 hardware requirements and notebook compatibility factors, and find out when you should recommend 32-bit vs. 64-bit architecture.

Your customers may have already decided that they are ready to upgrade to Windows 7, but it’s up to you to determine if their systems actually meet the minimum hardware requirements for Microsoft’s new operating system. Windows 7 expert Ed Tittel outlines these hardware requirements and answers other frequently asked questions on Windows 7 compatibility. Find out whether you should recommend Windows 7 in 32-bit or 64-bit architecture and learn about the impeding factors for upgrading Windows 7 on netbooks.

What are the minimum hardware requirements for Windows 7?

The minimum requirements for Windows 7 are modest by today’s standards:

• 1 GHz or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
• 1 GB RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
• 16 GB available disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit) — just for the OS, not applications or data files
• DirectX 9 graphics processor with Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) 1.0 or higher
• Internet access

As with any Windows-based OS, a faster processor, more RAM and ample free hard drive space generally mean a better computing experience. RAM is especially important. For example, upgrading the RAM from 1 GB to 2 GB on a 32-bit system should give the end user a dramatic increase in responsiveness and apparent speed.

Microsoft has an Upgrade Advisor tool to assess whether a system is prepared for a Windows 7 installation. You can obtain the Upgrade Advisor from the Microsoft Download Center, or visit the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor Web page.

Should solutions providers recommend Windows 7 in 32-bit or 64-bit architecture?

One of the essential differences between 32-bit and 64-bit systems is that a 64-bit computer lets you use more than 4 GB of RAM, which can be a huge boost for users who run graphics or CAD software, or multiple applications or multiple virtual machines (VMs) at the same time.

For best results, match a computer’s processor to the OS. A 32-bit computer should run a 32-bit OS, and it can’t run a 64-bit OS. However, you can run either OS on a 64-bit computer. If your 64-bit computer has 4 GB or more of RAM, and doesn’t run older, specialized 32-bit software or drivers, go with the 64-bit OS to get the best performance.

To check a system for 64-bit capability, open the Start menu, right-click Computer and select Properties. The System section states whether you have a 32-bit or 64-bit operating system.

Note: You cannot easily switch between Windows 7 32-bit (x86) and 64-bit (x64). If you’re using one and desire the other, your only option is to perform a clean, or custom, install.

How do solutions providers know if Windows 7 is compatible with their customers’ hardware and software?

Windows Vista drivers work in Windows 7, and Windows 7 provides more hardware compatibility than Vista. The new Windows 7 Devices and Printers applet displays icons for peripheral components connected to your PC — just click an icon to access any device’s settings. You can also use Devices and Printers to install non-Plug-and-Play hardware.

On the software side, Windows 7 should run most current software. In addition, Windows 7 XP Mode enables users to run applications designed for XP, extending the life span for legacy applications.

Can customers upgrade their netbooks to Windows 7?

As long as a netbook meets the minimum hardware requirements, it can run Windows 7. Because most netbooks lack optical drives, you can run the Windows 7 setup from a USB flash drive or external optical drive.

More resources on upgrading to Windows 7

• Microsoft Windows 7 cheat sheet
• Windows 7 troubleshooting tools and tips
• User Account Control: Windows 7 vs. Windows Vista
• Windows 7 performance monitoring tools
• Windows 7 news
• Windows 7 Center
• Windows 7 blog
• Read Ed Tittel’s answers to other frequently asked questions on upgrading to the Windows 7 operating system.

Dig Deeper on MSP technology services

• 

  Windows 7

  

  By: Eddie Lockhart

• 

  Top 5 methods to address Windows 10 performance issues

  

  By: Ed Tittel

• 

  3 FAQs to guide a VMware virtual lab setup

  

  By: Stefani Muñoz

• 

  Windows 10 vs. Windows 11 requirements force PC upgrades

  

  By: Maxim Tamarov

Can I Run Windows 7?

To determine whether your PC is capable of running Windows 7, you’ll first need to know what components you have, playing close attention to the CPU, storage space, and RAM as these have the most significant impact on the performance of the operating system. 

Should you be unsure how to go about doing this, fret not as we’ve compiled an easy to follow step-by-step guide, which you can find right here.

With your PC specifications in hand, compare them to the minimum and recommended requirements for Windows 7 that we’ve listed further down. While the minimum will get the OS running, we suggest aiming for the recommended requirements, if at all possible. 

The logic is that if you exceed them, you’re less likely to encounter performance issues when running the OS. Given that it’s your main window into using a PC, performance is crucial to everyday use.

We aren’t all that taken with how tedious it can be to ascertain whether a PC is equipped to run this or that software. In that spirit and in an effort to simplify the task, we are developing a bespoke utility to scan any given PC for its constituent parts and return a detailed list of the components. It’s still under wraps as of writing, but we’ll publish an update when it’s ready.

Windows 7 Details

• Release Date: October 22nd, 2009 (PC)
• System Requirements: Low
• Genre: Operating System
• Developer: Microsoft
• Publisher: Microsoft

Developed by Microsoft and released in 2009, Windows 7 was initially pushed as an update to rectify many of the issues that plagued the operating system’s previous iteration, Windows Vista. The changes mounted, and Microsoft opted to release it as its own standalone operating system. 

Features range from the integration of Internet Explorer 8, Windows Media Player, Windows Media Center, a brand new taskbar, and a new file-sharing system among a long list of improvements.

Windows 7 has since been superseded by first Windows 8, then Windows 10, but remains one of the most well-received Windows versions of the operating system’s history for its performance, user-friendly interface, and significant improvements on the disappointing Windows Vista.

• CPU: 1 GHz or faster 32-bit or 64-bit CPU
• RAM: 1 GB 32-bit / 2 GB 64-bit
• HDD: 16 GB 32-bit OS / 20 GB 64-bit OS of storage space
• GPU: Any dedicated/dedicated GPU with WDDM 1.0 driver
• OS: Windows Vista
• DirectX: Version 9
• Screen Resolution: 800 x 600
• Network: Broadband Internet connection

Windows 7 Recommended Requirements

• CPU: 2 GHz or faster
• RAM: 4 GB
• HDD: 100 GB of storage space
• GPU: Integrated GPU from Intel HD Graphics/Iris Graphics families
• OS: Windows Vista
• DirectX: Version 9
• Screen Resolution: 720p
• Network: Broadband Internet connection

Optimal Hardware Suggestions

Much like its predecessors, Windows 7 is designed to work on the broadest array of PCs in its role as an operating system. Given its age, most PCs in use today will be able to run Windows 7 without any issues. Nevertheless, it’s worth eyeing up the requirements if you plan to boot it up on a much older system.

The minimum requirements are geared to booting up Windows 7 in an operable state. Every day functions such as web browsing, office work, and media consumption will work relatively well. These requirements do not factor in the use of third-party programs, so check the specifications for these individually to see if your system can handle them.

Note that the 16 GB of hard drive space only includes the space required for the core operating system files and not any additional programs you may need to install. With that in mind, we recommend opting for a larger hard drive as a rule of thumb.

Although Microsoft never offers recommended requirements for Windows by virtue of wanting it to run on as many machines as possible, we’ve included our take on what is required to have the best Windows 7 experience possible. The demands remain reasonable and positively underwhelming by today’s standard. You can expect Windows 7 to perform spectacularly with a PC meeting the recommended requirements.

What Gaming PC Do We Recommend?

For Windows 7, we recommend our most budget-friendly option, our $300 build. It features an AMD Ryzen 3 2200G APU with integrated Vega graphics, 16 GB of 3000 MHz DDR4 RAM, and a 240 GB SSD, surpassing the recommended requirements quite significantly.

If you hope to use the system for a spot of gaming, then we suggest our $500 build, sporting a dedicated AMD Radeon RX 570 GPU, an AMD Ryzen 5 2600 CPU, and 16 GB of 3000 MHz DDR4 RAM. While not the most powerful or ideally geared system for gaming, it should offer a good run at a good portion of modern games.

Windows 7

Version of the Windows NT operating system
Screenshot of Windows 7 Ultimate, showing its Start Menu, desktop, taskbar, and the glass effect of Windows Aero
Developer	Microsoft
Source model	Closed-source Source-available (through Shared Source Initiative)
Released to manufacturing	July 22, 2009; 13 years ago[1]
General availability	October 22, 2009; 13 years ago[2]
Final release	Service Pack 1 (6.1.7601.24499) / February 9, 2011; 11 years ago[3]
Update method	Windows Update
Platforms	IA-32 and x86-64
Kernel type	Hybrid
Userland	Windows API, NTVDM, SUA
License	Proprietary commercial software
Preceded by	Windows Vista (2007)[4]
Succeeded by	Windows 8 (2012)
Official website	Windows 7 (archived at Wayback Machine)
Support status
Mainstream support ended on January 13, 2015.[5][6] Extended support ended on January 14, 2020.[5][6] Windows 7 was eligible for the Extended Security Updates (ESU) service. This service was available via specific volume licensing programs for Professional & Enterprise editions, and via OEMs for some embedded editions, in yearly installments. Security updates were available for the operating system until January 10, 2023, excluding some embedded editions.[7][8] Exceptions exist, see § Support lifecycle for details. Installing Service Pack 1 is required for users to receive updates and support after April 9, 2013.[5][6]

Windows 7 is a major release of the Windows NT operating system developed by Microsoft. It was released to manufacturing on July 22, 2009, and became generally available on October 22, 2009.^[9] It is the successor to Windows Vista, released nearly three years earlier. It remained an operating system for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops, tablet PCs and media center PCs, and itself was replaced in November 2012 by Windows 8, the name spanning more than three years of the product.

Until April 9, 2013, Windows 7 original release included updates and technical support, after which installation of Service Pack 1 was required for users to receive support and updates. Windows 7’s server counterpart, Windows Server 2008 R2, was released at the same time. Extended support ended on January 14, 2020, over ten years after the release of Windows 7, after which the operating system ceased receiving further updates. A paid support program was available for enterprises, providing security updates for Windows 7 for up to three years since the official end of life.^[10]

Windows 7 was intended to be an incremental upgrade to Microsoft Windows, addressing Windows Vista’s poor critical reception while maintaining hardware and software compatibility. Windows 7 continued improvements on the Windows Aero user interface with the addition of a redesigned taskbar that allows pinned applications, and new window management features. Other new features were added to the operating system, including libraries, the new file-sharing system HomeGroup, and support for multitouch input. A new «Action Center» was also added to provide an overview of system security and maintenance information, and tweaks were made to the User Account Control system to make it less intrusive. Windows 7 also shipped with updated versions of several stock applications, including Internet Explorer 8, Windows Media Player, and Windows Media Center.

Unlike Vista, Windows 7 received critical acclaim, with critics considering the operating system to be a major improvement over its predecessor because of its improved performance, its more intuitive interface, fewer User Account Control popups, and other improvements made across the platform. Windows 7 was a major success for Microsoft; even before its official release, pre-order sales for the operating system on the online retailer Amazon.com had surpassed previous records. In just six months, over 100 million copies had been sold worldwide, increasing to over 630 million licenses by July 2012. By January 2018, Windows 10 surpassed Windows 7 as the most popular version of Windows worldwide. As of September 2022, 11% of traditional PCs running Windows are running Windows 7.^[12] Windows 11 has recently taken second place from Windows 7 as the most popular Windows edition.^[13] It still remains popular in countries such as Syria, China, India, and Venezuela.^[14][15][16]

Windows 7 is the final version of Windows that supports processors without SSE2 or NX (although an update released in 2018 dropped support for non-SSE2 processors). Its successor, Windows 8, requires a processor with SSE2 and NX in any supported architecture.

Development history

Originally, a version of Windows codenamed «Blackcomb» was planned as the successor to Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 in 2000. Major features were planned for Blackcomb, including an emphasis on searching and querying data and an advanced storage system named WinFS to enable such scenarios. However, an interim, minor release, codenamed «Longhorn,» was announced for 2003, delaying the development of Blackcomb.^[17] By the middle of 2003, however, Longhorn had acquired some of the features originally intended for Blackcomb. After three major malware outbreaks—the Blaster, Nachi, and Sobig worms—exploited flaws in Windows operating systems within a short time period in August 2003,^[18] Microsoft changed its development priorities, putting some of Longhorn’s major development work on hold while developing new service packs for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. Development of Longhorn (Windows Vista) was also restarted, and thus delayed, in August 2004. A number of features were cut from Longhorn.^[19] Blackcomb was renamed Vienna in early 2006,^[20] and was later canceled in 2007 due to the scope of the project.^[21]

When released, Windows Vista was criticized for its long development time, performance issues, spotty compatibility with existing hardware and software at launch, changes affecting the compatibility of certain PC games, and unclear assurances by Microsoft that certain computers shipping with XP before launch would be «Vista Capable» (which led to a class-action lawsuit), among other critiques. As such, the adoption of Vista in comparison to XP remained somewhat low.^[22][23][24] In July 2007, six months following the public release of Vista, it was reported that the next version of Windows would then be codenamed Windows 7, with plans for a final release within three years.^[25][26] Bill Gates, in an interview with Newsweek, suggested that Windows 7 would be more «user-centric».^[27] Gates later said that Windows 7 would also focus on performance improvements.^[28] Steven Sinofsky later expanded on this point, explaining in the Engineering Windows 7 blog that the company was using a variety of new tracing tools to measure the performance of many areas of the operating system on an ongoing basis, to help locate inefficient code paths and to help prevent performance regressions.^[29] Senior Vice President Bill Veghte stated that Windows Vista users migrating to Windows 7 would not find the kind of device compatibility issues they encountered migrating from Windows XP.^[30] An estimated 1,000 developers worked on Windows 7. These were broadly divided into «core operating system» and «Windows client experience», in turn organized into 25 teams of around 40 developers on average.^[31]

In October 2008, it was announced that Windows 7 would also be the official name of the operating system.^[32][33] There has been some confusion over naming the product Windows 7,^[34] while versioning it as 6.1 to indicate its similar build to Vista and increase compatibility with applications that only check major version numbers, similar to Windows 2000 and Windows XP both having 5.x version numbers.^[35] The first external release to select Microsoft partners came in January 2008 with Milestone 1, build 6519.^[36] Speaking about Windows 7 on October 16, 2008, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer confirmed compatibility between Windows Vista and Windows 7, indicating that Windows 7 would be a refined version of Windows Vista.^[37]

At PDC 2008, Microsoft demonstrated Windows 7 with its reworked taskbar.^[38] On December 27, 2008, the Windows 7 Beta was leaked onto the Internet via BitTorrent.^[39] According to a performance test by ZDNet,^[40] Windows 7 Beta beat both Windows XP and Vista in several key areas, including boot and shutdown time and working with files, such as loading documents. Other areas did not beat XP, including PC Pro benchmarks for typical office activities and video editing, which remain identical to Vista and slower than XP.^[41] On January 7, 2009, the x64 version of the Windows 7 Beta (build 7000) was leaked onto the web, with some torrents being infected with a trojan.^[42][43] At CES 2009, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer announced the Windows 7 Beta, build 7000, had been made available for download to MSDN and TechNet subscribers in the format of an ISO image.^[44] The stock wallpaper of the beta version contained a digital image of the Betta fish.^[45]

The release candidate, build 7100, became available for MSDN and TechNet subscribers, and Connect Program participants on April 30, 2009. On May 5, 2009, it became available to the general public, although it had also been leaked onto the Internet via BitTorrent.^[46] The release candidate was available in five languages and expired on June 1, 2010, with shutdowns every two hours starting March 1, 2010.^[47] Microsoft stated that Windows 7 would be released to the general public on October 22, 2009, less than three years after the launch of its predecessor. Microsoft released Windows 7 to MSDN and Technet subscribers on August 6, 2009.^[48] Microsoft announced that Windows 7, along with Windows Server 2008 R2, was released to manufacturing in the United States and Canada on July 22, 2009. Windows 7 RTM is build 7600.16385.090713-1255, which was compiled on July 13, 2009, and was declared the final RTM build after passing all Microsoft’s tests internally.^[49]

Features

New and changed

Among Windows 7’s new features are advances in touch and handwriting recognition,^[50] support for virtual hard disks,^[51] improved performance on multi-core processors,^{[52][53][54][55]} improved boot performance, DirectAccess, and kernel improvements. Windows 7 adds support for systems using multiple heterogeneous graphics cards from different vendors (Heterogeneous Multi-adapter),^[56] a new version of Windows Media Center,^[57] a Gadget for Windows Media Center, improved media features, XPS Essentials Pack^[58] and Windows PowerShell^[59] being included, and a redesigned Calculator with multiline capabilities including Programmer and Statistics modes along with unit conversion for length, weight, temperature, and several others.^[60] Many new items have been added to the Control Panel, including ClearType Text Tuner^[61] Display Color Calibration Wizard,^[62] Gadgets, Recovery, Troubleshooting, Workspaces Center, Location and Other Sensors, Credential Manager, Biometric Devices, System Icons, and Display.^[63] Windows Security Center has been renamed to Windows Action Center (Windows Health Center and Windows Solution Center in earlier builds), which encompasses both security and maintenance of the computer. ReadyBoost on 32-bit editions now supports up to 256 gigabytes of extra allocation. Windows 7 also supports images in RAW image format through the addition of Windows Imaging Component-enabled image decoders, which enables raw image thumbnails, previewing and metadata display in Windows Explorer, plus full-size viewing and slideshows in Windows Photo Viewer and Windows Media Center.^[64] Windows 7 also has a native TFTP client with the ability to transfer files to or from a TFTP server.^[65]

The taskbar has seen the biggest visual changes, where the old Quick Launch toolbar has been replaced with the ability to pin applications to the taskbar. Buttons for pinned applications are integrated with the task buttons. These buttons also enable Jump Lists to allow easy access to common tasks, and files frequently used with specific applications.^[66] The revamped taskbar also allows the reordering of taskbar buttons. To the far right of the system clock is a small rectangular button that serves as the Show desktop icon. By default, hovering over this button makes all visible windows transparent for a quick look at the desktop.^[67] In touch-enabled displays such as touch screens, tablet PCs, etc., this button is slightly (8 pixels) wider in order to accommodate being pressed by a finger.^[68] Clicking this button minimizes all windows, and clicking it a second time restores them.

Window management in Windows 7 has several new features: Aero Snap maximizes a window when it is dragged to the top, left, or right of the screen.^[69] Dragging windows to the left or right edges of the screen allows users to snap software windows to either side of the screen, such that the windows take up half the screen. When a user moves windows that were snapped or maximized using Snap, the system restores their previous state. Snap functions can also be triggered with keyboard shortcuts. Aero Shake hides all inactive windows when the active window’s title bar is dragged back and forth rapidly.

Windows 7 includes 13 additional sound schemes, titled Afternoon, Calligraphy, Characters, Cityscape, Delta, Festival, Garden, Heritage, Landscape, Quirky, Raga, Savanna, and Sonata.^[70] Internet Spades, Internet Backgammon and Internet Checkers, which were removed from Windows Vista, were restored in Windows 7. Users are able to disable or customize many more Windows components than was possible in Windows Vista. New additions to this list of components include Internet Explorer 8, Windows Media Player 12, Windows Media Center, Windows Search, and Windows Gadget Platform.^[71] A new version of Microsoft Virtual PC, newly renamed as Windows Virtual PC was made available for Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate editions.^[72] It allows multiple Windows environments, including Windows XP Mode, to run on the same machine. Windows XP Mode runs Windows XP in a virtual machine, and displays applications within separate windows on the Windows 7 desktop.^[73] Furthermore, Windows 7 supports the mounting of a virtual hard disk (VHD) as a normal data storage, and the bootloader delivered with Windows 7 can boot the Windows system from a VHD; however, this ability is only available in the Enterprise and Ultimate editions.^[74] The Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) of Windows 7 is also enhanced to support real-time multimedia application including video playback and 3D games, thus allowing use of DirectX 10 in remote desktop environments.^[75] The three application limit, previously present in the Windows Vista and Windows XP Starter Editions, has been removed from Windows 7.^[76] All editions include some new and improved features, such as Windows Search, Security features, and some features new to Windows 7, that originated within Vista. Optional BitLocker Drive Encryption is included with Windows 7 Ultimate and Enterprise. Windows Defender is included; Microsoft Security Essentials antivirus software is a free download. All editions include Shadow Copy, which—every day or so—System Restore uses to take an automatic «previous version» snapshot of user files that have changed.^[77] Backup and restore have also been improved,^[78][79] and the Windows Recovery Environment—installed by default—replaces the optional Recovery Console of Windows XP.^[80]

A new system known as «Libraries» was added for file management; users can aggregate files from multiple folders into a «Library.» By default, libraries for categories such as Documents, Pictures, Music, and Video are created, consisting of the user’s personal folder and the Public folder for each. The system is also used as part of a new home networking system known as HomeGroup; devices are added to the network with a password, and files and folders can be shared with all other devices in the HomeGroup, or with specific users. The default libraries, along with printers, are shared by default, but the personal folder is set to read-only access by other users, and the Public folder can be accessed by anyone.^[81][82]

Windows 7 includes improved globalization support through a new Extended Linguistic Services API^[83] to provide multilingual support (particularly in Ultimate and Enterprise editions). Microsoft also implemented better support for solid-state drives,^[84] including the new TRIM command, and Windows 7 is able to identify a solid-state drive uniquely. Native support for USB 3.0 is not included because of delays in the finalization of the standard.^[85] At WinHEC 2008 Microsoft announced that color depths of 30-bit and 48-bit would be supported in Windows 7 along with the wide color gamut scRGB (which for HDMI 1.3 can be converted and output as xvYCC). The video modes supported in Windows 7 are 16-bit sRGB, 24-bit sRGB, 30-bit sRGB, 30-bit with extended color gamut sRGB, and 48-bit scRGB.^[86][87]

For developers, Windows 7 includes a new networking API with support for building SOAP-based web services in native code (as opposed to .NET-based WCF web services),^[88] new features to simplify development of installation packages and shorten application install times.^[89] Windows 7, by default, generates fewer User Account Control (UAC) prompts because it allows digitally signed Windows components to gain elevated privileges without a prompt. Additionally, users can now adjust the level at which UAC operates using a sliding scale.^[90]

Removed

Certain capabilities and programs that were a part of Windows Vista are no longer present or have been changed, resulting in the removal of certain functionalities; these include the classic Start Menu user interface, some taskbar features, Windows Explorer features, Windows Media Player features, Windows Ultimate Extras, Search button, and InkBall. Four applications bundled with Windows Vista—Windows Photo Gallery, Windows Movie Maker, Windows Calendar and Windows Mail—are not included with Windows 7 and were replaced by Windows Live-branded versions as part of the Windows Live Essentials suite.^[91][92]

Editions

Windows 7 is available in six different editions, of which the Home Premium, Professional, and Ultimate were available at retail in most countries, and as pre-loaded software on most new computers. Home Premium and Professional were aimed at home users and small businesses respectively, while Ultimate was aimed at enthusiasts. Each edition of Windows 7 includes all of the capabilities and features of the edition below it, and adds additional features oriented towards their market segments; for example, Professional adds additional networking and security features such as Encrypting File System and the ability to join a domain. Ultimate contained a superset of the features from Home Premium and Professional, along with other advanced features oriented towards power users, such as BitLocker drive encryption; unlike Windows Vista, there were no «Ultimate Extras» add-ons created for Windows 7 Ultimate.^[93][94][95] Retail copies were available in «upgrade» and higher-cost «full» version licenses; «upgrade» licenses require an existing version of Windows to install, while «full» licenses can be installed on computers with no existing operating system.^[96]

The remaining three editions were not available at retail, of which two were available exclusively through OEM channels as pre-loaded software. The Starter edition is a stripped-down version of Windows 7 meant for low-cost devices such as netbooks. In comparison to Home Premium, Starter has reduced multimedia functionality, does not allow users to change their desktop wallpaper or theme, disables the «Aero Glass» theme, does not have support for multiple monitors, and can only address 2GB of RAM.^[95][97] Home Basic was sold only in emerging markets, and was positioned in between Home Premium and Starter.^[93][94] The highest edition, Enterprise, is functionally similar to Ultimate, but is only sold through volume licensing via Microsoft’s Software Assurance program.^{[98][99][100]}

All editions aside from Starter support both IA-32 and x86-64 architectures, Starter only supports 32-bit systems.^[95] Retail copies of Windows 7 are distributed on two DVDs: one for the IA-32 version and the other for x86-64. OEM copies include one DVD, depending on the processor architecture licensed. The installation media for consumer versions of Windows 7 are identical, the product key and corresponding license determines the edition that is installed. The Windows Anytime Upgrade service can be used to purchase an upgrade that unlocks the functionality of a higher edition, such as going from Starter to Home Premium, and Home Premium to Ultimate.^[93] Most copies of Windows 7 only contained one license; in certain markets, a «Family Pack» version of Windows 7 Home Premium was also released for a limited time, which allowed upgrades on up to three computers.^[101] In certain regions, copies of Windows 7 were only sold in, and could only be activated in a designated region.^[102]

Support lifecycle

Support status summary

Expiration date
Mainstream support	January 13, 2015[5][6]
Extended support	January 14, 2020[5][6]
Applicable Windows 7 editions:
Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate,[5][6] as well as Professional for Embedded Systems and Ultimate for Embedded Systems[103]
Exceptions
Professional and Enterprise volume licensed editions, as well as Professional for Embedded Systems	Extended Security Updates (ESU) support ended on January 10, 2023[8]
Windows Thin PC	Mainstream support ended on October 11, 2016[104] Extended support ended on October 12, 2021[104]
Windows Embedded Standard 7	Mainstream support ended on October 13, 2015[103] Extended support ended on October 15, 2020[103] Extended Security Updates (ESU) support until October 10, 2023[8]
Windows Embedded POSReady 7	Mainstream support ended on October 11, 2016[103] Extended support ended on October 12, 2021[103] Extended Security Updates (ESU) support until October 14, 2024[8]

Support for Windows 7 without Service Pack 1 ended on April 9, 2013, requiring users to update in order to continue receiving updates and support after 3 years, 8 months, and 18 days.^[105] Microsoft ended the sale of new retail copies of Windows 7 in October 2014, and the sale of new OEM licenses for Windows 7 Home Basic, Home Premium, and Ultimate ended on October 31, 2014. OEM sales of PCs with Windows 7 Professional pre-installed ended on October 31, 2016.^[106] The sale of non-Professional OEM licenses was stopped on October 31, 2014.^[107]

Mainstream support for Windows 7 ended on January 13, 2015. Extended support for Windows 7 ended on January 14, 2020.^[108][109] In August 2019, Microsoft announced it will be offering a ‘free’ extended security updates to some business users.^[110][111]

On September 7, 2018, Microsoft announced a paid «Extended Security Updates» service that will offer additional updates for Windows 7 Professional and Enterprise for up to three years after the end of extended support.^[112]

Variants of Windows 7 for embedded systems and thin clients have different support policies: Windows Embedded Standard 7 support ended in October 2020. Windows Thin PC and Windows Embedded POSReady 7 had support until October 2021. Windows Embedded Standard 7 and Windows Embedded POSReady 7 also get Extended Security Updates for up to three years after their end of extended support date.^[8] The Extended Security Updates program on Windows Embedded POSReady 7 will expire on October 14, 2024. This will mark the final end of the Windows NT 6.1 product line after 15 years, 2 months, and 17 days.^[8]

In March 2019, Microsoft announced that it would display notifications to users informing users of the upcoming end of support, and direct users to a website urging them to purchase a Windows 10 upgrade or a new computer.^[113]

In August 2019, researchers reported that «all modern versions of Microsoft Windows» may be at risk for «critical» system compromise because of design flaws of hardware device drivers from multiple providers.^[114] In the same month, computer experts reported that the BlueKeep security vulnerability, CVE-2019-0708, that potentially affects older unpatched Microsoft Windows versions via the program’s Remote Desktop Protocol, allowing for the possibility of remote code execution, may now include related flaws, collectively named DejaBlue, affecting newer Windows versions (i.e., Windows 7 and all recent versions) as well.^[115] In addition, experts reported a Microsoft security vulnerability, CVE-2019-1162, based on legacy code involving Microsoft CTF and ctfmon (ctfmon.exe), that affects all Windows versions from the older Windows XP version to the most recent Windows 10 versions; a patch to correct the flaw is currently available.^[116]

In September 2019, Microsoft announced that it would provide free security updates for Windows 7 on federally-certified voting machines through the 2020 United States elections.^[117]

System requirements

Minimum hardware requirements for Windows 7^[118]

Component	Operating system architecture
32-bit	64-bit
Processor	1 GHz IA-32 processor Support for SSE2 required after May 2018 cumulative update[119]	1 GHz x86-64 processor
Memory (RAM)	1 GB	2 GB
Graphics card	DirectX 9 graphics processor with WDDM driver model 1.0
Storage space	16 GB	20 GB
Installation media	DVD drive or USB drive

Additional requirements to use certain features:^[118]

• Windows XP Mode (Professional, Ultimate and Enterprise): Requires an additional 1 GB of RAM and additional 15 GB of available hard disk space. The requirement for a processor capable of hardware virtualization has been lifted.^[120]
• Windows Media Center (included in Home Premium, Professional, Ultimate and Enterprise), requires a TV tuner to receive and record TV.

Extent of hardware support

Physical memory

The maximum amount of RAM that Windows 7 supports varies depending on the product edition and on the processor architecture, as shown in the following table.^[121]

Physical memory limits of Windows 7

Edition	Processor architecture
IA-32 (32-bit)	x64 (64-bit)
Ultimate	4 GB	192 GB
Enterprise
Professional
Home Premium	16 GB
Home Basic	8 GB
Starter	2 GB	—

Processor limits

Windows 7 Professional and up support up to 2 physical processors (CPU sockets),^[122]
whereas Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic, and Home Premium editions support only 1.^[123] Physical processors with either multiple cores, or hyper-threading, or both, implement more than one logical processor per physical processor. The x86 editions of Windows 7 support up to 32 logical processors; x64 editions support up to 256 (4 x 64).^[124]

In January 2016, Microsoft announced that it would no longer support Windows platforms older than Windows 10 on any future Intel-compatible processor lines, citing difficulties in reliably allowing the operating system to operate on newer hardware. Microsoft stated that effective July 17, 2017, devices with Intel Skylake CPUs were only to receive the «most critical» updates for Windows 7 and 8.1, and only if they have been judged not to affect the reliability of Windows 7 on older hardware.^[108][125] For enterprise customers, Microsoft issued a list of Skylake-based devices «certified» for Windows 7 and 8.1 in addition to Windows 10, to assist them in migrating to newer hardware that can eventually be upgraded to 10 once they are ready to transition. Microsoft and their hardware partners provide special testing and support for these devices on 7 and 8.1 until the July 2017 date.^[126]

On March 18, 2016, in response to criticism from enterprise customers, Microsoft delayed the end of support and non-critical updates for Skylake systems to July 17, 2018, but stated that they would also continue to receive security updates through the end of extended support.^[127][128] In August 2016, citing a «strong partnership with our OEM partners and Intel», Microsoft retracted the decision and stated that it would continue to support Windows 7 and 8.1 on Skylake hardware through the end of their extended support lifecycle. However, the restrictions on newer CPU microarchitectures remain in force.^[129][130]

In March 2017, a Microsoft knowledge base article announced which implies that devices using Intel Kaby Lake, AMD Bristol Ridge, or AMD Ryzen, would be blocked from using Windows Update entirely.^[131][132] In addition, official Windows 7 device drivers are not available for the Kaby Lake and Ryzen platforms.^[133][134]

Security updates released since March 2018 contain bugs which affect processors that do not support SSE2 extensions, including all Pentium III processors. Microsoft initially stated that it would attempt to resolve the issue, and prevented installation of the affected patches on these systems. However, on June 15, 2018, Microsoft retroactively modified its support documents to remove the promise that this bug would be resolved, replacing it with a statement suggesting that users obtain a newer processor. This effectively ends future patch support for Windows 7 on these systems.^[135][136]

Updates

Service Pack 1

Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1) was announced on March 18, 2010. A beta was released on July 12, 2010.^{[137][138][139]} The final version was released to the public on February 22, 2011.^[140] At the time of release, it was not made mandatory. It was available via Windows Update, direct download, or by ordering the Windows 7 SP1 DVD.^[141] The service pack is on a much smaller scale than those released for previous versions of Windows, particularly Windows Vista.^[142]

Windows 7 Service Pack 1 adds support for Advanced Vector Extensions (AVX), a 256-bit instruction set extension for processors, and improves IKEv2 by adding additional identification fields such as E-mail ID to it. In addition, it adds support for Advanced Format 512e as well as additional Identity Federation Services.^[143][144] Windows 7 Service Pack 1 also resolves a bug related to HDMI audio and another related to printing XPS documents.^[143]

In Europe, the automatic nature of the BrowserChoice.eu feature was dropped in Windows 7 Service Pack 1 in February 2011 and remained absent for 14 months despite Microsoft reporting that it was still present, subsequently described by Microsoft as a «technical error.» As a result, in March 2013, the European Commission fined Microsoft €561 million to deter companies from reneging on settlement promises.^[145]

Platform Update

The Platform Update for Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 was released on February 26, 2013^[146] after a pre-release version had been released on November 5, 2012.^[147] It is also included with Internet Explorer 10 for Windows 7.^[148]

It includes enhancements to Direct2D, DirectWrite, Direct3D, Windows Imaging Component (WIC), Windows Advanced Rasterization Platform (WARP), Windows Animation Manager (WAM), XPS Document API, H.264 Video Decoder and JPEG XR decoder.^[146] However support for Direct3D 11.1 is limited as the update does not include DXGI/WDDM 1.2 from Windows 8, making unavailable many related APIs and significant features such as stereoscopic frame buffer, feature level 11_1 and optional features for levels 10_0, 10_1 and 11_0.^[149]

Disk Cleanup update

In October 2013, a Disk Cleanup Wizard addon was released that lets users delete outdated Windows updates on Windows 7 SP1, thus reducing the size of the WinSxS directory. This update backports some features found in Windows 8.^[150]

Windows Management Framework 5.0

Windows Management Framework 5.0 includes updates to Windows PowerShell 5.0, Windows PowerShell Desired State Configuration (DSC), Windows Remote Management (WinRM), Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI). It was released on February 24, 2016^[151] and was eventually superseded by Windows Management Framework 5.1.^[152]

Convenience rollup

In May 2016, Microsoft released a «Convenience rollup update for Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1,» which contains all patches released between the release of SP1 and April 2016. The rollup is not available via Windows Update, and must be downloaded manually. This package can also be integrated into a Windows 7 installation image.^[153]

Since October 2016, all security and reliability updates are cumulative. Downloading and installing updates that address individual problems is no longer possible, but the number of updates that must be downloaded to fully update the OS is significantly reduced.^[154]

Monthly update rollups (July 2016-January 2020)

In June 2018, Microsoft announced that they’ll be moving Windows 7 to a monthly update model beginning with updates released in September 2018^[155] — two years after Microsoft switched the rest of their supported operating systems to that model.^[156]

With the new update model, instead of updates being released as they became available, only two update packages were released on the second Tuesday of every month until Windows 7 reached its end of life — one package containing security and quality updates, and a smaller package that contained only the security updates. Users could choose which package they wanted to install each month. Later in the month, another package would be released which was a preview of the next month’s security and quality update rollup.

Installing the preview rollup package released for Windows 7 on March 19, 2019, or any later released rollup package, that makes Windows more reliable. This change was made so Microsoft could continue to service the operating system while avoiding “version-related issues”.^[157]

Microsoft announced in July 2019 that the Microsoft Internet Games services on Windows XP and Windows Me would end on July 31, 2019 (and for Windows 7 on January 22, 2020).^[158]

The last non-extended security update rollup packages were released on January 14, 2020, the last day that Windows 7 had extended support.^[159]

End of support (after January 14, 2020)

On January 14, 2020, Windows 7 support ended with Microsoft no longer providing security updates or fixes after that date,^[160] except for subscribers of the Windows 7 Extended Security Updates (ESU), who were able to receive Windows 7 security updates through January 10, 2023.^[161] However, there have been two updates that have been issued to non-ESU subscribers:

• In February 2020, Microsoft released an update via Windows Update to fix a black wallpaper issue caused by the January 2020 update for Windows 7.^[162][163]
• In June 2020, Microsoft released an update via Windows Update to roll out the new Chromium-based Microsoft Edge to Windows 7 and 8.1 machines that are not connected to Active Directory.^[164][165] Users, e.g. those on Active Directory, can download Edge from Microsoft’s website.

In a support document, Microsoft has stated that a full-screen upgrade warning notification would be displayed on Windows 7 PCs on all editions except the Enterprise edition after January 15, 2020. The notification does not appear on machines connected to Active Directory, machines in kiosk mode, or machines subscribed for Extended Security Updates.^[166]

Reception

Critical reception

Windows 7 received critical acclaim, with critics noting the increased usability and functionality when compared with its predecessor, Windows Vista. CNET gave Windows 7 Home Premium a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars,^[167] stating that it «is more than what Vista should have been, [and] it’s where Microsoft needed to go». PC Magazine rated it a 4 out of 5 saying that Windows 7 is a «big improvement» over Windows Vista, with fewer compatibility problems, a retooled taskbar, simpler home networking and faster start-up.^[168] Maximum PC gave Windows 7 a rating of 9 out of 10 and called Windows 7 a «massive leap forward» in usability and security, and praised the new Taskbar as «worth the price of admission alone.»^[169] PC World called Windows 7 a «worthy successor» to Windows XP and said that speed benchmarks showed Windows 7 to be slightly faster than Windows Vista.^[170] PC World also named Windows 7 one of the best products of the year.^[171]
In its review of Windows 7, Engadget said that Microsoft had taken a «strong step forward» with Windows 7 and reported that speed is one of Windows 7’s major selling points—particularly for the netbook sets.^[172] Laptop Magazine gave Windows 7 a rating of 4 out of 5 stars and said that Windows 7 makes computing more intuitive, offered better overall performance including a «modest to dramatic» increase in battery life on laptop computers.^[173] TechRadar gave Windows 7 a rating of 5 out of 5 stars, concluding that «it combines the security and architectural improvements of Windows Vista with better performance than XP can deliver on today’s hardware. No version of Windows is ever perfect, but Windows 7 really is the best release of Windows yet.»^[174] USA Today^[175] and The Telegraph^[176] also gave Windows 7 favorable reviews.

Nick Wingfield of The Wall Street Journal wrote, «Visually arresting,» and «A pleasure.»^[177][178] Mary Branscombe of Financial Times wrote, «A clear leap forward.»^[179] of Gizmodo wrote, «Windows 7 Kills Snow Leopard.»^[180] Don Reisinger of CNET wrote, «Delightful.»^[181] David Pogue of The New York Times wrote, «Faster.»^[182][183] J. Peter Bruzzese and Richi Jennings of Computerworld wrote, «Ready.»^[184][185]

Some Windows Vista Ultimate users have expressed concerns over Windows 7 pricing and upgrade options.^[186][187] Windows Vista Ultimate users wanting to upgrade from Windows Vista to Windows 7 had to either pay $219.99^[188] to upgrade to Windows 7 Ultimate or perform a clean install, which requires them to reinstall all of their programs.^[189]

The changes to User Account Control on Windows 7 were criticized for being potentially insecure, as an exploit was discovered allowing untrusted software to be launched with elevated privileges by exploiting a trusted component. Peter Bright of Ars Technica argued that «the way that the Windows 7 UAC ‘improvements’ have been made completely exempts Microsoft’s developers from having to do that work themselves. With Windows 7, it’s one rule for Redmond, another one for everyone else.»^[190] Microsoft’s Windows kernel engineer Mark Russinovich acknowledged the problem, but noted that malware can also compromise a system when users agree to a prompt.^[90][191]

Sales

In July 2009, in only eight hours, pre-orders of Windows 7 at amazon.co.uk surpassed the demand which Windows Vista had in its first 17 weeks.^[192] It became the highest-grossing pre-order in Amazon’s history, surpassing sales of the previous record holder, the seventh Harry Potter book.^[193] After 36 hours, 64-bit versions of Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate editions sold out in Japan.^[194] Two weeks after its release its market share had surpassed that of Snow Leopard, released two months previously as the most recent update to Apple’s Mac OS X operating system.^[195][196] According to Net Applications, Windows 7 reached a 4% market share in less than three weeks; in comparison, it took Windows Vista seven months to reach the same mark.^[197][198] As of February 2014, Windows 7 had a market share of 47.49% according to Net Applications; in comparison, Windows XP had a market share of 29.23%.^[199]

On March 4, 2010, Microsoft announced that it had sold more than 90 million licenses.^[200]
By April 23, 2010, more than 100 million copies were sold in six months, which made it Microsoft’s fastest-selling operating system.^[201][202] As of June 23, 2010, Windows 7 has sold 150 million copies which made it the fastest selling operating system in history with seven copies sold every second.^[202][203] Based on worldwide data taken during June 2010 from Windows Update 46% of Windows 7 PCs run the 64-bit edition of Windows 7.^[204] According to Stephen Baker of the NPD Group during April 2010 in the United States 77% of PCs sold at retail were pre-installed with the 64-bit edition of Windows 7.^[204][205] As of July 22, 2010, Windows 7 had sold 175 million copies.^[206] On October 21, 2010, Microsoft announced that more than 240 million copies of Windows 7 had been sold.^[207] Three months later, on January 27, 2011, Microsoft announced total sales of 300 million copies of Windows 7.^[208] On July 12, 2011, the sales figure was refined to over 400 million end-user licenses and business installations.^[209] As of July 9, 2012, over 630 million licenses have been sold; this number includes licenses sold to OEMs for new PCs.^[210]

Antitrust concerns

As with other Microsoft operating systems, Windows 7 was studied by United States federal regulators who oversee the company’s operations following the 2001 United States v. Microsoft Corp. settlement. According to status reports filed, the three-member panel began assessing prototypes of the new operating system in February 2008. Michael Gartenberg, an analyst at Jupiter Research, said, «[Microsoft’s] challenge for Windows 7 will be how can they continue to add features that consumers will want that also don’t run afoul of regulators.»^[211]

In order to comply with European antitrust regulations, Microsoft proposed the use of a «ballot» screen containing download links to competing web browsers, thus removing the need for a version of Windows completely without Internet Explorer, as previously planned.^[212] Microsoft announced that it would discard the separate version for Europe and ship the standard upgrade and full packages worldwide, in response to criticism involving Windows 7 E and concerns from manufacturers about possible consumer confusion if a version of Windows 7 with Internet Explorer were shipped later, after one without Internet Explorer.^[213]

As with the previous version of Windows, an N version, which does not come with Windows Media Player, has been released in Europe, but only for sale directly from Microsoft sales websites and selected others.^[214]

See also

• BlueKeep, a security vulnerability discovered in May 2019 that affected most Windows NT-based computers up to Windows 7

References

Further reading

• Bott, Ed; Siechert, Carl; Stinson, Craig (2010). Windows 7 Inside Out. Redmond, WA: Microsoft Press. ISBN 978-0-7356-2665-2.

External links

• Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1)
• Windows 7 SP1 update history