How-toWindowsWindows 7

Windows 7: how to install software and drivers safely

Install programs and drivers on Windows 7 safely: check your version, download only from the maker, and handle old programs and removals.

  • Updated
  • 15 min
  • Beginner
Applies to
  • Windows 7

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Add programs and device drivers to a Windows 7 PC without picking up malware, and remove them again. It suits anyone who has a Windows 7 PC and wants to keep it working.

Windows 7 is no longer supported

Microsoft ended support for Windows 7 on January 14, 2020, so it gets no security updates. Many makers have stopped releasing Windows 7 versions of their programs. Keep this PC away from banking and email where you can, and plan to move on.

Installing a program safely5 numbered steps, one under the other. The full text follows the picture.Installing a program safely1CheckIs your PC 32-bit or 64-bit?2FindGo to the maker's ownwebsite3DownloadSave the installer and note itsname4InstallRun it and read each screen5TestOpen the program and checkit works
The same five steps work for almost any program.
Text version of this diagram
  1. Check: Is your PC 32-bit or 64-bit?
  2. Find: Go to the maker's own website
  3. Download: Save the installer and note its name
  4. Install: Run it and read each screen
  5. Test: Open the program and check it works

Before you start

Know which version of Windows 7 you have. Select Start, right-click Computer, then select Properties. Under System, look at System type. It says 32-bit or 64-bit Operating System. Also look for Service Pack 1. Some newer programs need it. See which version do I need.

Make a restore point before a big change. See how to back up your files and create a restore point.

Many current programs no longer support Windows 7. If the maker's website lists no Windows 7 version, an older release from the same maker's website is the only safe route. Never download it from a third-party site.

Install a program

Get software only from the maker

Type the maker's address yourself or use their official page. Free download sites often add extra programs. Never install something because a pop-up or a caller told you to. See safe downloads and fake driver sites.

  1. Download the installer from the maker's website. Choose the 32-bit or 64-bit version to match your System type.
  2. Open the downloaded file. Files ending in .exe or .msi are installers.
  3. If User Account Control asks "Do you want to allow the following program to make changes to this computer?", check that the Verified publisher is the maker you expect. Select Yes only if it is.
  4. Read each screen. If the installer offers extra toolbars or other programs, clear those tick boxes.
  5. Select Install or Finish. Open the program from the Start menu to test it.

Install from a disc

Insert the disc. If a window called AutoPlay appears, select Run followed by the setup file name. Otherwise open Computer, open the disc, and open the setup file.

Install a driver

A driver is a small program that lets Windows talk to a device such as a printer or network card. Windows 7 includes many drivers. Add one only when a device does not work.

Getting a missing driver, safest firstA top-to-bottom flow chart with 6 boxes. Work through them in order and stop when the problem is fixed. The full text follows the picture.Getting a missing driver, safestfirstNoNo1Plug the device in andwait a minute2Does the device work?Yes: You are done3Check Windows Update,if it still works4Works now?Yes: You are done5Download the driver fromthe device makerStill no luck? Check themaker's support page forWindows 7.
Stop as soon as the device works.
Text version of this diagram
  1. Step 1: Plug the device in and wait a minute
  2. Question 2: Does the device work? If yes: You are done. If no, go on to the next item.
  3. Step 3: Check Windows Update, if it still works
  4. Question 4: Works now? If yes: You are done. If no, go on to the next item.
  5. Step 5: Download the driver from the device maker
  6. If nothing worked: Still no luck? Check the maker's support page for Windows 7.

Use Device Manager

  1. Select Start, right-click Computer, select Manage, then select Device Manager.
  2. Look for an entry with a yellow warning mark. Right-click it and select Update Driver Software.
  3. Select Search automatically for updated driver software. Windows looks on the PC and, if connected, online.
  4. If that fails, download the driver from the PC or device maker's website and save it. Run its installer if there is one.
  5. If there is no installer, repeat step 2, select Browse my computer for driver software and choose the folder.

If a driver makes things worse, right-click the device, select Properties, open the Driver tab and select Roll Back Driver. See fix driver problems in Device Manager.

Avoid tools that promise to update all your drivers

Never install a "driver updater" program. These are a common source of unwanted software. Use only Windows Update and the device maker's website.

Old programs that will not run

  1. Right-click the program's icon and select Properties.
  2. Open the Compatibility tab.
  3. Tick Run this program in compatibility mode for and choose an earlier version of Windows from the list.
  4. Select OK and open the program again. If it still fails, try Run this program as an administrator in the same tab.

Remove a program

  1. Open Start then Control Panel then Programs and Features. If you see icons grouped by category, select Uninstall a program.
  2. Select the program, then select Uninstall.
  3. Follow the screens. Restart if asked.

Your own documents stay where you saved them. Some built-in parts of Windows cannot be removed. For other systems, see how to uninstall programs.

Frequently asked questions

Can I still use Microsoft's Edge browser on Windows 7?

Microsoft says Edge version 109 was the last version for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1. Other browser makers set their own limits, so check the browser maker's website before installing one.

Why does my program say it needs Service Pack 1?

Many later programs rely on files that arrived with that update. Check your version as shown above. Installing it needs Microsoft's own files, not a third-party download.

Is antivirus software enough to make Windows 7 safe?

No. Antivirus helps, but it cannot fix weaknesses in Windows that Microsoft no longer repairs. Keeping the PC offline is the strongest protection.

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Official resources used

Pages consulted while preparing this guide. Check them for the latest details.

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Real support never asks you to call an unfamiliar number, pay with gift cards or let a stranger control your computer.

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