Support for Windows 7

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Resolve issues with these top solutions

Troubleshoot no sound problems in Windows
Troubleshoot sound problems in Windows

FAQ: Genuine Windows
Review common questions and answers about Windows Genuine and associated error messages.

Why can't I print?
Get solutions to some common problems with printing.

Wired and wireless network connection problems in Windows
Walk though this tutorial to resolve problems with wired and wireless network connections in Windows.

Change your desktop background (wallpaper)
See how you can choose one image to be your desktop background or you can display a slide show of pictures. (Does not apply to Windows 7 Starter edition.)

Change which programs Windows uses by default
Watch this video to learn how to change which programs Windows uses by default.

Why is my screen black when I start Windows 7?
Video adapter problems are the most common cause of this issue. Get the steps to reinstall your video driver.

More troubleshooting resources

Windows 7 Top Solutions
Browse the most-viewed troubleshooting articles by category.

Visit the Windows 7 Help & How To Center
Get guidance on features and basic troubleshooting.

Browse related solution centers

To learn more about related products or topics, click a link below.

• Get Microsoft Security Essentials
  
• Virus and security
  
• Access denied error messages
  
• Product activation
  

Learn about Windows 7 Service Pack 1

What's included in Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1)
Learn more abou the previously released security, performance, and stability updates and new improvements to features and services in Windows 7 SP1.

Documentation for Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (KB976932)
Get additional technical documentation for Windows 7 SP 1.

Get ready and install Service Pack 1

Installing Windows 7 Services Pack 1
Learn the things to consider and different ways to install Windows 7 SP1.

What is the System Update Readiness Tool?
See how the System Update Readiness Tool can help fix problems that might prevent Windows updates and service packs from installing.

IT Pros and Developers: Visit TechNet for Service Pack 1 Deployment Resources
Get more technical information on obtaining and deploying SP1.

Resolving problems with Service Pack 1 installation

Troubleshoot problems installing Windows 7 Service Pack 1

Resolving error 0xc0000034 after installing Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1) (Updated)
Get the update that resolves this issue with Windows 7 SP1 and help avoid this issue with future updates.

Why am I receiving "Error 0xC000009A" after installing Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1)? (Updated)
Get this update to resolve this error message while installing the service pack.

Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 (SP1) installation error: 0x800F0A12
Get more information about the error, then, expand the section in this topic that corresponds to the message you receive and follow the instructions.

Activation

Product Activation Solution Center

Windows 7 activation error: invalid product key

Learn more before you install or upgrade

Windows Anytime Upgrade
See how to add more features in a matter of minutes with Windows Anytime Upgrade.

Get step by step guidance on how to upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 7
Review this five-step tutorial to help guide you through the entire process each step of the way for this custom upgrade.

Upgrading from Windows Vista to Windows 7 (custom installation)
If you can't upgrade your computer running Windows Vista to Windows 7, here are the steps for the Custom option during Windows 7 installation.

Installing Windows 7: Recommended links
Get information about upgrading and installing Windows 7—including procedures, best practices, and the difference between performing an upgrade and doing a custom (or clean) installation of Windows.

Program Compatibility Assistance: frequently asked questions
Get the most frequently asked questions and answers with regard to program compatibility.

Upgrade to another edition of Windows 7 by using Windows Anytime Upgrade
Get information on how you can upgrade to another edition using Windows Anytime Upgrade.

Get Windows 7 today

Solve install or upgrade problems

Windows 7 installation problems: frequently asked questions
Here are some answers to common questions about installing Windows 7.

Upgrade stops responding (hangs) at 62% when you upgrade to Windows 7 (KB975253)
Learn what to do when a service causes a problem and the upgrade process stops responding at 62%.

Installation won’t autorun
After you insert the Windows 7 installation disc into your PC, here's what to do if Windows 7 Setup sones not start automatically.

Can’t boot from the installation disc
Here are a few things to check that may help fix this problem.

Configuring updates stage 3 of 3. 0% complete (KB949358)
Get the steps to solve the problem of a Windows Update not installing successfully, you receive an error message and the computer restarts

How to restore a Windows 7-based computer to a previous Windows installation by using the Windows.old folder (KB971760)
Get the steps to manually restore your computer back to the previous version of Windows.

Getting the best performance

Fix Windows system performance problems on slow Windows computers
Automatically troubleshoot and repair Windows performance problems. Improve, optimize and speed up Windows computers and make slow running PCs faster

Ways to improve your computer’s performance
See how Performance Information and Tools, the Windows Experience Index, and ReadyBoost all offer ways to help improve the performance of your computer.

Open the Performance Troubleshooter
Use the Performance troubleshooter to automatically find and fix problems.

Maintaining your computer

What is Action Center?
View alerts and take actions that can help keep Windows running smoothly.

Free up disk space using Disk Cleanup
See how to reduce the number of unnecessary files on your hard disk to free up disk space and help your computer run faster.

How to back up your files
Learn how to help ensure that you don't lose your files by backing them up regularly.

Secure and protect your PC

Get the latest Windows downloads
The latest and greatest downloads for Windows 7, all in one spot.

How do I remove a computer virus?
See how to detect and remove a virus as quickly as possible if your computer is infected.

Remove spyware from your computer
Learn how to use an antispyware scanner and removal tool to try to remove spyware.

What if you forget your Windows password?
See what options you have to recover a forgotten Windows password.

Protect your PC with Microsoft Security Essentials
Use Microsoft Security Essentials to guard against viruses, spyware, and other evil software. It provides real-time protection for your home or small business PCs.

Diagnose and fix Windows security problems automatically
Diagnose and repair Windows security problems by turning on UAC, DEP protection, Windows Firewall and other Windows security options and features.

BitLocker Drive Encryption
See how BitLocker helps keep everything from documents to passwords safer by encrypting the entire drive that Windows and your data reside on.

Visit the Virus & Security Solution Center
Follow the three steps provided to detect and remove viruses and protect your PC.

Error code: 0x8007042c "Windows firewall cannot change some of your settings" when you try to turn on your Windows Firewall (KB2530126)
Get the three methods of resoving this problem.

Windows Firewall, Error 0x80070424
Run this automatic troubleshooter is available that fixes this problem with Windows Update.

Install Windows updates
Learn how to set Windows to automatically install recommended updates.

Troubleshoot problems with removing updates
Get solutions to some common problems with removing updates.

Updates: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about updates.

Troubleshoot problems with installing updates
Run this automatic troubleshooter is available that fixes some problems with Windows Update.

Files and folders

File Sharing on Home Network
Check out this scenario-based illustrated solutions for sharing files on your home network.

Access Denied solution center
This solution center provides links to information which will help you troubleshoot scenarios in which you receive an "access denied" error message.

Folders: frequently asked questions
Review answers to some common questions about using folders in Windows 7.

Diagnose and repair Windows file and folder problems automatically
Automatically diagnose and repair problems with files and folders in Windows.

Backup and recovery

What are the system recovery options in Windows 7?
See how system recovery options can help you recover Windows from a serious error.

How to start your computer in safe mode
Learn how to start your computer in Safe Mode with a limited set of files and drivers.

Back up your programs, system settings and files
Check out the different ways to back up your system and files.

Back up and restore: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about backing up and restoring files.

Restore files from a backup
See how to restore backed-up versions of files that are lost, damaged, or changed accidentally.

Desktop and personalization

Change your desktop background (wallpaper)
See how you can choose one image to be your desktop background or you can display a slide show of pictures. (Does not apply to Windows 7 Starter edition.)

Navigate quickly with Jump Lists
See how Jump Lists can take you right to the documents, pictures, songs, or websites you turn to each day.

Desktop gadgets: frequently asked questions
Here are answers to common questions about desktop gadgets for Windows 7.

Pin a program to the taskbar
See how to pin a program directly to the taskbar so you can open it quickly and conveniently.

Using location and other sensors
See how you can customize information and services for you based on your computer's current location, surroundings, and more.

Facebook + Windows
Learn how to keep Facebook feeds and friends at your fingertips, using gadgets and features that allow you to share your thoughts, photos, and links in just a few clicks.

Popular themes

Dark Skies by by Tracy Hymas
Get a gothic world of mystery and foreboding in this free theme for Windows 7.

Dreamgarden
Get your dream world of flowers and leaves - photos by Christina Manchenko.

Microsoft Flight: Hawaiian Adventure
Take to the skies over Hawaii with this visually stunning theme based on Microsoft Flight.

More Windows 7 free themes
Choose from many more free themes to personalize your desktop.

Resolve desktop problems

Fix broken desktop shortcuts and common system maintenance tasks
Automatically diagnose and repair problems with broken or not working desktop shortcuts and synchronize the system clock when a wrong time is displayed.

Why are some visual elements being automatically turned off?
See what to do when you receive a message that some visual elements has been turned off, or if you receive a message that the theme has been changed to the Basic theme.

Change the theme to improve performance
Learn how to you can change to the Windows 7 Basic theme or a high-contrast theme to improve performance.

Learn more about Windows 7 support lifecycle

Support lifecycle policy page
Visit the Microsoft support lifecycle policy page to view Microsoft’s guidelines for product support from availability to end of product support lifecycle.

Windows 7 support lifecycle policies
View the support lifecycle policy information for the Windows 7 family of products.

View support lifecycle information

Windows support lifecycle fact sheet
View important support lifecycle dates and information for the Windows products.

Support is ending for some versions of Windows
Learn how to check what version and service pack you are running.