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CalderNash's avatar
CalderNash
Iron Contributor
Apr 17, 2025
Solved

How can I install Windows 7 on new pc with modern hardware

I know Windows 7 is too old and out of official support but I still prefer using Windows 7 on my new PC. In fact, some of the software I use are only working on Windows 7. The problem is that I seems there are issues when running Windows 11 on modern hardware. My new PC's specs are:

  • AMD Ryzen 5 3600
  • Kingston 32GB DDR4
  • Samsung 1TB  SSD
  • NVidia GeForce RTX 2060
  • AsRock B450M Pro 4

Please let me know how can I install Windows 7 on new pc with modern hardware? What kind of settings I have apply?

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  • DeclanGray's avatar
    DeclanGray
    Iron Contributor
    Apr 18, 2025

    Steps to Install Windows 7 on new PC:

    1. Create a Bootable USB Drive:
    You can find this tool on the official Microsoft website.  Follow the prompts to install it.

    2. Create Bootable USB:
    * Open the Windows USB/DVD Download Tool.
    * Click “Browse” and select the Windows 7 ISO file.
    * Choose “USB device” when prompted.
    * Select your USB drive from the list (make sure you select the correct one).
    * Click "Begin copying". This will format the USB drive and make it bootable with Windows 7.

    3. Configure BIOS/UEFI Settings
    * Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI setup. This usually involves pressing a key like Del, F2, or Esc during startup.

    * Disable Secure Boot: This is necessary for the installation of Windows 7 as it does not support Secure Boot.
    * Change Boot Mode: Set the boot mode to Legacy (CSM) for better compatibility with Windows 7 or UEFI if you're using a GPT partition. If you go for UEFI, make sure you created the USB drive without legacy functions.
    * Set SATA to AHCI: Under SATA configuration, set it to AHCI mode instead of IDE or RAID.
    * Save Changes and Exit: Make sure to save your settings before exiting the BIOS.

    4. Install Windows 7 on new PC
    * With the bootable USB flash drive plugged in, restart the PC.
    * Enter the boot menu (usually pressing a key like F12 or Esc) and select the USB drive to start to install Windows 7 on new PC.
    * Follow the prompts on the installation screen:

    - Select the language, time, and keyboard settings.
    - Click "Install Now".
    - Accept the license terms and proceed.
    - When prompted for the installation type, choose "Custom (advanced)".
    - Select the SSD you wish to install Windows 7 on and format it if necessary.

    5. Complete Installation
    * Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
    * If asked for a product key, you can skip that step to proceed with the installation, but remember that functional limitations will apply without activation.