Question Reset my win 7 to factory settings .

Alggomas

Junior Member
May 6, 2025
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0
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Win 7 computer. Want to install win 11 but ssd too full. My idea , do not know how, is to put all my photos and documents and downloaded programmes on ssd disk then re set, then install win 11.
Can someone put me on the right track please? Bear in mind I’m 76 and a bit slow! Thanks.
 

daveybrat

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Jan 31, 2000
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I hate to be the bearer of bad news but.....

If you're computer is running Windows 7 then the hardware is most likely not Windows 11 compatible.

Can you please list the hardware specs of the system?
 

Alggomas

Junior Member
May 6, 2025
3
0
6
I hate to be the bearer of bad news but.....

If you're computer is running Windows 7 then the hardware is most likely not Windows 11 compatible.

Can you please list the hardware specs of the system?
Sorry for delay had to find the list.
Qty SKU Description Unit Price Price

1 custom-z87 Intel Z87 Chipset





Customizations:

CPU: NEW! Intel Core i7 4770
CPU Cooler: NEW! Coolermaster Seidon 120V Water Cooler
Operating System: Microsoft® Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
Motherboard: Gigabyte Z87-HD3

Included

RAM: 16GB DDR3 1333mhz (2x8GB)
Hard Drive: NEW! Crucial 240GB M500 SSD
Additional Storage: NEW! Seagate 1TB (Hybrid 8GB SSD)
Optical Drive: 22x DVD±RW DL S-ATA

Included
Graphics card: NEW! AMD Radeon R7 250 2GB
Sound card: Onboard 7.1 Audio

Included

Internet: Wireless 802.11N 300Mbps MIMO PCI card
Keyboard and mouse: NEW! Gigabyte KM6150 Keyboard and Mouse
Monitors: NEW! LG 24" 24EN33T-B LED (VGA, DVI)
Case: NEW! Zalman Z3 Plus

Included PSU: 450W Corsair VS

Upgrade OS no need for win 11 if not suitable.
Thanks.
 

daveybrat

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Jan 31, 2000
5,796
1,008
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I listed my computer parts but do not lnow if it is suitable for win 11?

Unfortunately no, your PC is too old to handle Windows 11. You need an Intel 8th Gen processor or newer to support it officially.
 

tcsenter

Lifer
Sep 7, 2001
18,863
514
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You can install Windows 11 but will be unsupported configuration by Microsoft. Everything will work fine but you are vulnerable to Microsoft deciding to push down an update that either breaks something or to deny installation of some Microsoft feature or app because your configuration is not supported.

However, it will not be a 'free' upgrade, that has been closed for a long time now. Even if your current W7 is activated, you will need to acquire or input a valid product installation/activation key for either Windows 10 or 11, either during or after installation.
 

tcsenter

Lifer
Sep 7, 2001
18,863
514
126
Also you cannot "upgrade" from Windows 7 to Windows 11. It will not preserve your apps, settings. Only your user data will be preserved, as long as it is in the userland directories for user files. e.g. Documents, Downloads, Contacts, Pictures, Videos, Links, etc will be placed into a folder named Windows.old.

The last OS that will support an "upgrade" that can preserve your apps and settings from Windows 7, is Windows 10 and even that will not always preserve W7 apps.