Windows Vista and Windows 7 have much in common. They are based on the same architecture and share similar features, functions and programs. However, in Windows 7 Microsoft has fixed many of the issues found in Windows Vista that made many Windows XP users hesitant to upgrade. That means we shouldn’t see the compatibility hassles we saw with Vista. Microsoft has certainly addressed many of the complaints surrounding Vista, such as the lack of backward compatibility, the lengthy start-up and install times, the large disk and memory footprint. Microsoft has also added a number of new interface helpers that will make the new OS more pleasurable and efficient to use.
Windows 7 is the latest offering from Microsoft as its new operating system. It contains much of the functionality and features of Vista, but also is streamlined to run faster and avoid some of Vista’s problems. For those considering upgrading to Windows 7, it is important to understand what’s new with Windows 7 as well as what are the minimum requirements in order to have a successful upgrade from Windows Vista to Windows 7.
If you use Windows Vista right now, but are thinking of upgrading to Windows 7, you need to make sure that your current system has what it takes to run the new operating system. Depending on your hardware and current edition of Vista, you can make use of the Upgrade option during Windows 7 installation to upgrade from Windows Vista to a corresponding version of Windows 7.
Upgrading is the most convenient way to get Windows 7 up and running on our computer, because it keeps your files, settings and programs intact from where Vista is in place. Windows 7 offers a compelling combination of faster boot times, improved responsiveness, and several fun and practical user interface enhancements.
If your current edition of Windows Vista can’t be upgraded to the edition of Windows 7 that you want to use, you can still install Windows 7 by using the custom installation instead. Take note however, that the Custom installation doesn’t preserve your files, programs and settings. For the step-by-step guide on how to perform a custom installation by visiting Upgrading from Windows Vista to Windows 7 (custom installation).
Systems running Microsoft Windows Vista OS, particularly the Home Premium most likely meet the current requirements of Windows 7.
Here are some installation options to upgrade to Windows 7.
Most desktops or laptops bought in 2006 or later should be able to run Windows 7 fine. If you want to make sure that your current system can run Windows 7 or if your desktop or laptops is on the borderline in terms of age and/or does not run Vista, you should first download and run Microsoft’s Upgrade Advisor. This tool will scan you current hardware, devices, and installed programs for known compatibility issues, gives you guidance on how to resolve potential issues found, and recommends what to do before you upgrade or if it’s a lost cause for your current system.
Also, visit the Windows 7 Compatibility Center to see what works with Windows 7 and find direct links to drivers, updates, and downloads.
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