View source for Windows 7

{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox OS version
| name = Windows 7
| family = [[Microsoft Windows]]
| logo = Windows 7 logo.svg
| logo size = 140px
| screenshot = Acer Aspire 4752 Laptop - 02.jpg
| screenshot_size = 209px
| caption = Acer Aspire 4753 running Windows 7
| developer = [[Microsoft Corporation]]
| website = {{URL|http://microsoft.com/en-us/windows/}}
| source_model = [[Closed source]] / Shared source
| license = [[Proprietary software|Proprietary]] commercial software
| supported_platforms = [[IA-32]] and [[x86-64]]
| kernel_type = Hybrid
| updatemodel = [[Windows Update]]
| first_release_date = {{Start date and age|2009|07|22}}
| first_release_url = http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/windows7/archive/2009/07/22/windows-7-has-been-released-to-manufacturing.aspx
| GA date = October 22, 2009; 14 years ago
| release_version = Service Pack 1 with January 2023 monthly update rollup (6.1.7601.26321)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://download.microsoft.com/download/2/e/0/2e03c942-77ab-41d0-9b00-26aaab880ac5/5022338.csv |title=Windows 7 SP1 Security Monthly Quality Rollup x64-based |publisher=Microsoft |date=February 8, 2023 |access-date=July 13, 2024 }}</ref>
| release_date = {{Start date and age|2023|2|8}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/ScopedViewInline.aspx?updateid=0835612e-2975-4660-b61d-e5ecf8cb5391 |title=2023-01 Security Monthly Quality Rollup for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB5022338) |website=Microsoft Update Catalog|publisher=Microsoft  |date=February 8, 2024 |access-date=July 13, 2024 }}</ref>
| preceded_by = [[Windows Vista]]<ref name="W7reqs">{{cite web | url = http://www.buzzle.com/articles/windows7-system-requirements.html | work = Buzzle | title = Windows 7 System Requirements | last = Thadani | first = Rahul | date = September 6, 2010 | access-date = February 25, 2011 | archive-date = July 6, 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170706201237/http://www.buzzle.com/articles/windows7-system-requirements.html | url-status = dead }}</ref>
| succeeded_by = [[Windows 8]]
| support_status = Mainstream support ended on January 13, 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/search/default.aspx?sort=PN&alpha=Windows+7&Filter=FilterNO |title=Windows 7 Lifecycle Policy |author=Microsoft |publisher=Microsoft |access-date=October 22, 2009}}</ref><br />Extended support ended on January 14, 2020.
Windows 7 was eligible for the Extended Security Updates (ESU) service. This service was available via specific volume licensing programs for Professional & Enterprise editions, and via OEMs for some [[Windows 7 editions]], in yearly installments. Security updates were available for the operating system until January 10, 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2018/09/06/helping-customers-shift-to-a-modern-desktop|title=Helping customers shift to a modern desktop|first=Jared|last=Spataro|work=Microsoft Corporation|date=September 6, 2018|access-date=May 25, 2019|archive-date=May 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190520071312/https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2018/09/06/helping-customers-shift-to-a-modern-desktop/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=ESU>{{Cite web|url=https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4497181/lifecycle-faq-extended-security-updates|title=Lifecycle FAQ-Extended Security Updates|quote=The Extended Security Update (ESU) program is a last resort option for customers who need to run certain legacy Microsoft products past the end of support.|website=support.microsoft.com|access-date=September 21, 2019|archive-date=January 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103004118/https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4497181/lifecycle-faq-extended-security-updates|url-status=live}}</ref><br/><br/>Exceptions exist, such as for Azure customers until 2024, and see also [[#Support lifecycle|§ Support lifecycle]] for details.<br/><br/>Installing Service Pack 1 is required for users to receive updates and support after April 9, 2013.<ref name=sup1>{{cite web |url=http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/?c2=14019 |title=Microsoft Support Lifecycle |website=Support |publisher=Microsoft |access-date=February 20, 2012 |archive-date=November 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191108143839/https://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/?c2=14019 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=sup2>{{cite web |url=http://blogs.windows.com/windows/b/springboard/archive/2013/02/14/windows-7-rtm-end-of-support-is-right-around-the-corner.aspx |title=Windows 7 RTM End Of Support Is Right Around The Corner |work=Springboard Series Blog |publisher=Microsoft |date=February 14, 2013 |access-date=March 27, 2013 |first=Stephen L |last=Rose |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502231039/http://blogs.windows.com/windows/b/springboard/archive/2013/02/14/windows-7-rtm-end-of-support-is-right-around-the-corner.aspx |archive-date=May 2, 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

The installation of a Service Pack 1 was required for all users in order to receive security updates and support after April 9, 2013.
| date = January 2009
}}

'''Windows 7''' is a no-longer supported version of [[Microsoft Windows]], an [[operating system]] for personal [[computer]]s. It is the successor to [[Windows Vista]], the sixth major release of the Windows operating system. According to [[Microsoft]], Windows 7 improves the speed, reliability, and compatibility from Windows Vista.

Windows 7 was once the most popular Windows version by far, but is by now third most popular with a tiny market share.

The [[software release|beta version]] of Windows 7 was released on January 9, 2009, and the [[software release|release candidate]] was released on May 5. The final version of Windows 7 was sent to [[personal computer|PC]] manufacturers on July 22, 2009, so that they have three months to change it and include it with their computers. Windows 7 was released to the public on October 22, 2009. On January 22, 2020, Microsoft Internet Games Services stopped working on Windows 7. Extended Security Updates (ESU) is a paid [[computer program]] which allowed to receive security updates for some Microsoft products for 3 years after the end of extended support date, which is now in the past, excluding for some embedded editions and for Azure customers of its server counterpart, [[Windows Server 2008 R2]].
== New and changed features ==
Windows 7 includes many new features, such as [[touchscreen]], supporting virtual hard disks, being faster on [[multi-core processor]]s, and a redesigned taskbar. The taskbar allows users to pin the most frequently used programs directly to it, instead of on a toolbar. The glass user interface, Aero, has been improved with features such as Aero Shake, Aero Snap, and Aero Peek.

Windows 7 has removed some features that were in Windows Vista, including [[Windows Mail]], Windows Movie Maker, Windows Photo Gallery, Windows Calendar, Windows Ultimate Extras, and the InkBall game, as well as many customization options such as the Classic [[Start menu|Start Menu]]. [[Windows Mail]], Windows Movie Maker, and Windows Photo Gallery were replaced by similar set of programs known as [[Windows Live Essentials]]. The Windows Live Essentials are not included in Windows 7, and have to be downloaded from Microsoft's website.
== Editions ==
[[File:Windows7-6.1.7100-(x64)-DVD.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Release Candidate DVD (x64)]]
There are six editions of Windows 7, which contain different features that are meant to be suited for the customer:
* Starter (for low-cost [[Personal computer|Personal computers]])
* Home Basic (released only in developing countries)
* Home Premium (for home users)
* Professional (for small businesses)
* Ultimate (all features)
* Enterprise (same as Ultimate, but for businesses)
== Development ==
At first, a major version of Windows code-named ''Blackcomb'' was planned as the successor to [[Windows XP]] and [[Windows Server 2003]]. Features planned for Blackcomb included the Sidebar, an emphasis on looking for data, and an advanced storage system named WinFS. However, a minor release code-named ''Longhorn'' was announced for 2003, delaying the making of Blackcomb.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.theregister.co.uk/2001/10/24/gates_confirms_windows_longhorn |title=Gates confirms Windows Longhorn for 2003 |last=Lettice |first=John |date=October 24, 2001 |work=The Register |access-date=March 5, 2008}}</ref> By the middle of 2003, Longhorn had gotten some of the features meant for Blackcomb. After three major [[computer virus|viruses]] exploited flaws in Windows operating systems within a short time in 2003, Microsoft changed its development priorities, putting some of Longhorn's major development work on hold while they made new service packs for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. Development of Longhorn was reset in September 2004, and it was renamed to Windows Vista. A number of features were cut from Windows Vista as it was being remade.<ref>{{cite web | title=Microsoft cuts key Longhorn feature | url=http://www.seattlepi.com/business/188339_msftcuts28.html | work=Todd Bishop | publisher=Hearst Seattle Media, LLC | date=August 28, 2004 | access-date=March 25, 2009}}</ref>

After Windows Vista was released, Microsoft announced a new plan for the next version of Windows, code-named ''Windows 7'', in 2007.<ref name="zdnet592">{{cite news|url=http://blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft/?p=592|title=Windows Seven: Think 2010|last=Foley|first=Mary J|date=July 20, 2007|access-date=September 19, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070824121209/http://blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft/?p=592|archive-date=August 24, 2007|publisher=ZDNet}}</ref> In 2008, it was announced that ''Windows 7'' would also be the official name of the operating system.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10064971-56.html|title=Microsoft makes Windows 7 name final|last=Fried|first=Ina|date=October 13, 2008|access-date=October 13, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110426041502/http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10064971-56.html|archive-date=April 26, 2011|publisher=[[CNET]]}}</ref><ref name="CBC14Oct08"> {{cite news|url = http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2008/10/14/tech-windows.html|title = For Microsoft's Windows, 7th time's a charm|access-date = October 27, 2008|last = [[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation]]|date = October 2008}}</ref>

{{Infobox
| title            = Support status summary
| headerstyle      = background-color: #e8ece4
| header1          = Expiration date
| label2           = Mainstream support
| data2            = {{End date|2015|1|13}}<ref name=sup1 /><ref name=sup2 />
| label3           = Extended support
| data3            = {{End date|2020|1|14}}<ref name=sup1 /><ref name=sup2 />
| header4          = Applicable [[Windows 7 editions]]:
| data5            = Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate,<ref name=sup1 /><ref name=sup2 /> as well as Professional for Embedded Systems and Ultimate for Embedded Systems<ref name=embedded-life>{{cite web|title=Product lifecycle Windows 7 Embedded|url=https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/search?alpha=Windows%207%20embedded|access-date=August 11, 2020|website=support.microsoft.com|archive-date=July 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210704045514/https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/products/?alpha=Windows+7+embedded|url-status=live}}</ref>
| header6          = Exceptions
| label7           = Professional and Enterprise volume licensed editions, as well as Professional for Embedded Systems
| data7            = Extended Security Updates (ESU) support ended on January 10, 2023<ref name=ESU />
| label8           = Windows Thin PC
| data8            = Mainstream support ended on October 11, 2016<ref name=thinPC-life>{{cite web|title=Product lifecycle Thin PC|url=https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/search?alpha=thin%20pc|access-date=August 11, 2020|website=support.microsoft.com|archive-date=July 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210704045514/https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/products/?alpha=thin+pc|url-status=live}}</ref><br />Extended support ended on October 12, 2021<ref name=thinPC-life />
| label9           = Windows Embedded Standard 7
| data9            = Mainstream support ended on October 13, 2015<ref name=embedded-life /><br />Extended support ended on October 13, 2020<ref name=embedded-life /><br />Extended Security Updates (ESU) support ended on October 10, 2023<ref name=ESU />
| label10          = Windows Embedded POSReady 7
| data10           = Mainstream support ended on October 11, 2016<ref name=embedded-life /><br />Extended support ended on October 12, 2021<ref name=embedded-life /><br />Extended Security Updates (ESU) support until October 8, 2024<ref name=ESU />
}}
== Early testing versions ==

== Milestone 1 ==
The first known build was called '''Milestone 1'''. It was just a customized version of Windows Vista and it had a send feedback feature since it was a pre-release version.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.softpedia.com/news/Windows-7-Milestone-1-M1-Ultimate-Build-6-1-6519-1-78871.shtml|title=Windows 7 Milestone 1 (M1) Ultimate Build 6.1.6519.1|first=Marius|last=Oiaga|website=softpedia|date=February 16, 2008 }}</ref>
== Milestone 2 ==
The next build was called '''Milestone 2'''. It had a new taskbar and got Windows Live v 3.1.1.0.
== Milestone 3 ==
The third Milestone was released in September 2008. It looked like Vista, but it had a new '''Action Center''' instead of the '''Security Center'''. The action center shows messages for many more things, not just security for Windows.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/e7/2008/11/11/action-center/|title=Action Center – Engineering Windows 7|website=blogs.msdn.microsoft.com}}</ref>
== Build 6801 ==
Build 6801 was a customized version of Milestone 3 that was shown at the [[Professional Developers Conference]] and was given to the people that were there.
== Pre-beta ==
Build 6933 was shown at PDC but was not given to the people attending. In December 2008, a leaked version of build 6956 was available for download on Peer To Peer Networks.
== Beta ==
On January 9, 2009, build 7000 was released as a public beta. According to the Engineering Windows 7 team, users gave a lot of feedback.
== Release Candidate (RTM) ==
The Release Candidate was made available on May 5, 2009, and the build number is 7200.
== Final version ==
Windows 7 was launched on October 22, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10253924-56.html|title=Windows 7 to launch October 22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090728232652/http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10253924-56.html|archive-date=July 28, 2009}}</ref>
== References ==
{{reflist}}
== Other websites ==
{{commons category|Microsoft Windows 7}}
* {{Official website|http://www.windows7.com}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20081031030941/http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/windows7/default.aspx The Windows 7 team blog]

{{Microsoft Windows family}}

{{start box}}
{{succession box | title=Windows versions | before=[[Windows Vista]] | after=[[Windows 8]] |years= 2009-2012 }}
{{end box}}

{{tech-stub}}

[[Category:Microsoft operating systems]]