Support for Windows 7

Solve problems

Resolve the problem of being unable to change background picture in Windows 7

Identify and fix common sound problems in Windows

How to fix the problem when Windows 7 displays "Windows is not Genuine" with an error code of 0x80070005

When you try to install updates or files from the Microsoft Download Center, you may receive a "This copy of Windows is not genuine" warning message in Windows 7.

Identify and fix common printer problems in Windows

Get steps to resolve the probems with a black screen when starting Windows 7

Startup Repair: frequently asked questions

Get the steps to create a new user profile to fix a corrupted user profile

Learn how to open a file if you get an access denied message

Get causes and fixes for problems connecting to the Internet

More troubleshooting resources

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

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

Search our knowledge base for more articles

Learn about Windows 7 Service Pack 1

What's included in Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1)

Documentation for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP 1

Get ready and install Service Pack 1

Installing Windows 7 Services Pack 1

What is the System Update Readiness Tool?

IT Pros and Developers: Visit TechNet for Service Pack 1 Deployment Resources

Install the Windows 7 installation software feature update (KB976902)

Resolving problems with Service Pack 1 installation

Troubleshoot problems installing Windows 7 Service Pack 1

Resolving error 0xc0000034 after installing Windows 7 SP1

Why am I receiving "Error 0xC000009A" after installing Windows 7 SP1?

Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 (SP1) installation error: 0x800F0A12

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.

Email

What happened to Windows Mail?

What happened to Outlook Express?

How can I get Windows Live Mail?

Learn more about email at this Support Center

Learn more about Windows Live Mail and Windows Hotmail

Networking

How to open the networking troubleshooters

Identify and fix wired and wireless network connection problems in Windows

Start here to set up a home network in Windows 7

Setting up a wireless network

HomeGroup networking

Open the HomeGroup troubleshooter

Why can't I create a homegroup?

Why can't I access my homegroup?

Why can't I join a homegroup?

Access files and printers on other HomeGroup computers

Getting online

Connect to the Internet Wizard

Why is my Internet connection so slow?

Visit the Internet Explorer Support Center

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.