Windows 7 on a new computer

[Joshua_218]

Going to try and make the ballsy move to make my own pc.. (I'm lazy)
I don't really like windows 10 or 8 so I want to install windows 7 on my computer when i finish it.
Looking online at Home premium 64 bit it all looks so cheap and fake? What is the process if i want to load it onto a new computer?

Am I right in assuming if you're loading the first operating system onto a pc, you need a disk and an activation key, so the key you get by buying for cheap online but I'd need the disk too? I'm most likely completely out here so any help is appreciated.

Thanks

 

[azaran]

You'll need the OS media and the CD key. Don't go for one of those ultra cheap options online, they're typically pulled keys from used systems. This often times results in getting the key banned later on. Save the hassle and buy a legit key. Here's a good link to find vendors.
https://pcpartpicker.com/products/os/#b=64&sort=price&page=1

Also keep in mind the version of Win7 you get will place limitations on exactly how much RAM you can run. Home Premium will let you have up to 16GB, Pro will let you use up to 192GB. So plan accordingly with the hardware you want to run.

Depending on the hardware you choose, you may not have drivers for Win7 at this point. So make sure whatever hardware you want to run has the drivers you need.

With updating, look up how to update WIndows 7 with the Rollup Updates. You need to load them in a particular order to Windows 7 to update itself correctly. It's a pain but once you do it, it'll work. This guy has a good write up on it.
https://decentsecurity.com/windows-7-fast-update/

Finally, realize that with Win7 you won't have access some software and hardware. DirectX 12 is not supported and games that require it in the comming days may not support Win7. Also, and more importantly, Intel is not supporting Win7 past Skylake and I believe AMD is not supporting it in Bristol Ridge. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4012982/the-processor-is-not-supported-together-with-the-windows-version-that
So if you intend on using current gen CPUs, you may have a problem with Win 7.

 

[Joshua_218]

Windows 10 will have to do then, Is it fairly straightforward to add to a new rig? I take it that it isn't as simple as entering a key?

 

[azaran]

Windows 10 will have to do then, Is it fairly straightforward to add to a new rig? I take it that it isn't as simple as entering a key?

It's pretty simple really, assuming your setup is with a new or blank HDD or SSD and it's all put together and ready to go. Just have the Install media ready (I'd recommend doing it off a flash drive), boot the computer from the media, then follow the instructions.

You can buy from any number of sources online or directly from Microsoft. You'll generally have two choices, Home or Pro. For what 99% of the people out there need, Home Edition will do what you need. But if you think you might need Pro then look up the differences. Beyond that you'll have the choice of OEM or Retail versions of the software. OEM is cheaper but it's license tied to the motherboard hardware that it's installed on. So it has limits for future upgradablity. Retail is a bit more expensive, but you can use it on future hardware upgrades without a licensing issue (only one install at a time).

I'd recommend looking up some youtube videos on how to install Win10 if you're at all worried about the process. Once you get the idea of how to do it, it becomes incredibly simple.