In this article we will be showing you how to install and use Windows 7 on newer machines. Most new computer systems whether it be from HP, Dell, or Asus has started to make their hardware only compatible with the latest Windows 8.1 operating system. Now don’t get me wrong, I love using Windows 8, but most of you are not ready or just don’t want to take that next step.

Windows 7 is considered to be an excellent operating system and easy to use. The “true” upgrade that many have appreciated when migrating from Windows XP. For those individuals who still prefer to use Windows 7 when upgrading to a newer machine, I will show you how it’s done below.

What to do when you purchased a computer installed with Windows 8.1?

When purchasing a new computer (2015+ model), you have to already assume that it is coming with Windows 8.1 installed. Just like how Microsoft stopped support for Windows XP, it looks like computer manufacturers are starting to do the same with Windows 7.

Step 1 – Drivers

1. Find the model number of the computer (Example, HP Pavilion 8290, Dell XPS X8700, ASUS N550JX-DS74T)
2. Go to the manufactures website (HP, Asus, Dell, etc.) and look for a tab or button that says Download Drivers. Usually located under the Support Tab.
3. Type in the computers model number and select Windows 7 as your operating system.
4. The next page will list all the drivers necessary drivers needed.
5. Make sure you download Network Drivers (Ethernet & Wireless), Graphic Card, and Sound Card. Those 3 are the most essential, everything else that is labeled as recommended should be downloaded as well.
6. Place all of your drivers on a USB flash drive.

What if Windows 7 option doesn’t show for the Operating System?

My recommendation is to still download all the drivers by following steps 1 through 6 from the Windows 8 operating system option. Please note that even after downloading Windows 8 drivers, they may not work on Windows 7. I have a solution that proceeds after Step 2 below.

Step 2 – Installing Windows 7

Now that you have your drivers for your computer model, follow the steps below:

1) Start your computer and insert the Windows 7 Installation Disc.
2) When prompted to press any key to run disc, do so.
3) Follow all on-screen instructions. Make sure to install Windows on the right partition.
I usually delete/merge existing partitions into one. Then if I need to create a second partition, I do so.
4) After Windows 7 is installed you are ready to install your drivers.
5) Plug-in your USB flash drive, then install each driver one by one.
6) After installing all drivers you should be good to go.

What if Windows 8 drivers don’t work on Windows 7?

One of the main problems that arise is the drivers you downloaded don’t work. Especially drivers for your network card (ethernet and or wireless).

Below are a few options to getting the internet to work on your computer and to get drivers that work.

1. You will need to purchase and install either a USB Ethernet Adapter, USB Wireless Adapter or a Network Card that supports both.
   1. USB Ethernet Adapter allows you to connect your Ethernet cable to your computer via USB.
   2. USB Wireless Adapter allows you to connect your computer to any WiFi enabled device or service.
   3. Network Card. You will need a network card that replaces your existing card. Make sure the new network card is compatible with Windows 7.
2. After successfully installing a network connection for your computer, it’s time to download all the missing drivers. A software that I highly recommend that finds all missing drivers for any computer is Driver Detective from DriversHQ. They offer a free trial to begin before purchasing for full program capabilities.

Once you have downloaded and installed Driver Detective, start the scan and it will locate all the missing drivers and find compatible drivers that will work with your new machine and support Windows 7 at the same time.

Your computer should now be running smoothly. Any questions you have, please sound below in the comment section. Thanks for reading.

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First you may ask yourself, why the hell does this pop up when you are already setup as the administrator on your computer? That’s a very good question considering you need to be able to access certain files or add and modify a file somewhere in your Program Files folder or Windows directory.

The reason this exists is actually for your own protection. Couldn’t this security feature be optional upon starting windows for the first time? That would have been a better solution.

Back in the day when Microsoft launched Windows 95, hackers found ways to compromise data and access certain system files through open ports or infected shareware software. Havoc on your computer would be happening without the users knowledge. Attacks or infections would cause file names to be changed, hidden files to be added, and directories to be created on your computer.

From Windows 95 up till Windows XP it has been a serious problem. Microsoft has look to resolved this problem with the introduction of Windows Vista and has kept this feature to the current operating system, Windows 8.1.

Overall attacks and corruption to new and existing computer files has been reduced but not completely eliminated. For users who are not computer savvy, keeping these security options on is a must. For those who are an experienced Windows user and are familiar with protections, then this guide will be for you.

Disabling the Ask Administrator For Permission Warnings

There are a few methods you can use in order to achieve your goal, below I will list them in the best order possible.

Changing Your Account Type

By changing your account type to administrator, you will be able to have complete access to your computer. Here’s how to do it. Go to your Control Panel, then click on User Accounts. Look for the option that says “Change your account type”, then click on it to access it. You will see two options, Standard User and Administrator. Select Administrator.

Change User Account Control Settings

Changing these settings will stop all of those pesky alerts when try to make changes to your computer. If you hate being notified of every little change you make to your computer, than this option will make your computing life easier. To make this change, Go to your Control Panel, click on User Accounts. Look for the option that says “Change User Account Control settings”, click on that. You will see a slider with four options to choose from. Slide the option from the top all the way to the bottom.

Disabling User Account Control

If the previous two options fail, then this one may assist you in your troubles. You want to go to your Control Panel. Click on Administrative Tools, then go to Local Security Policies. On the left navigation, look for Local Policies, expand that then click on Security Options. On the right side, scroll all the way down till you see a list of User Account Control options. Select the one that says “Detect application installations…”. Right click on that and select “Disable”.

Taking Ownership

If this option doesn’t work for you then you are simply doing something wrong lol. Simply select the folder that has been giving trouble when trying to modify or add files too (Program Files, System 32, etc.) right click the folder, goto properties, then click on the Security Tab. At the bottom right, look for the tab called “Advanced”, click on that. At the top of the window, click on the Owner tab.

Towards the bottom of the window, click on Edit tab. In the Change owner to box, select your Username then click Apply, then ok. Click ok again to go back to your Security tab. On the Group or user names field, click on the Edit tab. Select your computer Username then click on the Allow box that says “Full control”. Click Apply, then ok.

You will see a prompt telling you to apply changes to all files. Click ok once or twice, then hit cancel. Now you have become the effective owner of that folder and won’t be bothered with anymore prompts when making your necessary modifications.

I hope this guide has been a great help to you. Thank you for reading.

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