How to Install Windows 7 Without a DVD Burner

The USB flash drive won't have enough room to store Windows 7 setup files unless it's 4 GB or greater in size.

Older operating systems like Windows XP install to the computer via a CD or DVD drive, but users can now store the setup files for modern operating systems, like Windows 7, to a USB flash drive. Instead of installing Windows 7 from a DVD reader or DVD burner, you can transfer the installation files to a flash drive and boot the computer from USB. Before downloading and copying Windows 7 to the flash drive, however, you must format the USB disk and prepare it for use.

Things You'll Need

• 4 GB USB flash drive

Instructions

1. Go to the Microsoft Store and click "Windows." Click "Shop Windows 7."

2. Select an edition of Windows 7 to purchase. Choose the full version, then select a download option.

3. Click "Add to cart." Select "Checkout" from the bottom bar. Follow the on-screen directions to purchase and download Windows 7.

4. Connect a USB flash drive to the computer. Drag-and-drop the files saved to the flash drive to another storage device, as formatting the USB flash drive will erase all of the data stored to it.

5. Click "Start." Type "cmd.exe" into the search box. Press "Ctrl," "Shift" and "Enter" to run Command Prompt as an administrator.

6. Input "diskpart" into the Command Prompt. Press "Enter" to run DiskPart.

7. Type "list disk" into the command-line utility. Press "Enter." If multiple disks are displayed, use the information under "Size" to determine which number is assigned to the USB flash drive.

8. Type "select disk #" into the utility. Replace "#" with the number DiskPart assigned to the flash drive. Press "Enter."

9. Type "clean" into Command Prompt. Press "Enter," then type "create partition primary." Press "Enter" to create a new primary partition on the flash drive.

10. Type "active" into Command Prompt, then press "Enter." Type "format fs=fat32 quick" and press "Enter" to format the flash drive.

11. Type "assign" into the command-line utility and press "Enter." DiskPart will assign a drive letter to the USB drive.

12. Exit from Command Prompt. Transfer the Windows 7 setup files you downloaded from the Microsoft Store to the USB flash drive. Drag-and-drop the files into the drive folder, or copy and paste all of the setup files to the flash drive.

13. Restart the computer. Press the setup key to enter the BIOS. Use the directional keys to select the "Boot" menu. Press "Enter."

14. Go to the "Boot Device" option and press "Enter." Select "USB" and press the "+" key until it's at the top of the list.

15. Press "Enter." Press "F10" to save your changes and exit from setup. The computer will boot from the USB flash drive.

16. Click "Install now" to install Windows 7 without a DVD burner. Remove the flash drive after installing the OS.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for a message on the top or bottom of the boot screen about accessing setup. The setup key varies from PC to PC.

• The BIOS setup utility varies based on the PC's manufacturer and model. Check your computer's manual for more assistance on changing the boot order, if necessary. Some computers will automatically boot from the USB drive.

• If you are intending to upgrade to Windows 7, rather than install the OS from scratch, you can install the OS from within Windows Vista.

References

• Microsoft: TechNet: Use a USB Key to Install Windows 7--Even on a Netbook

Resources

• Microsoft Store Online: Windows 7