The Minimum Requirements for Windows 7 Home Premium
By Ann Frederick
If you're considering an upgrade of your computer's operating system, Windows 7 Home Premium ranks among your options. The system requirements to install it depend on whether you'll use the 32-bit or 64-bit version. Microsoft says the 64-bit version can provide more efficient operations if you run and switch between several programs at the same time. You'll get the most benefits out of this version if you have at least 4GB of RAM, although its system requirements for installing this version are below that threshold.
Memory, Processor, Video Card
You need at least 1GB of RAM to install the 32-bit version of Windows 7 Home Premium and 2GB to install the 64-bit version. The processor speed required for both installations is 1 GHz. Windows 7 Home Premium requires a DirectX 9 graphics processor with a WDDM 1.0 or later driver. You may need more advanced graphics hardware and additional memory for video playback of some files.
Hard Disk Space
Make sure you have at least 16GB of available disk space if you want to install the 32-bit version of Windows 7 Home Premium from a disc. You'll need 20GB of room on your hard drive for the disc-based 64-bit system. Add 3GB to these totals if you plan to download the operating system instead of installing it from a disc.
Other Requirements
To take advantage of the CD and DVD authoring tools available in Windows 7 Home Premium, you'll need an optical drive. Some features of Windows Media Center may require you to add a TV tuner and additional hardware. You can download and run Microsoft's Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor to confirm that your computer hardware, software and devices will be compatible with it. The advisor can give you recommendations on changes you need to make before upgrading.
Windows 7 Features
Windows 7 Home Premium includes tools to help you monitor and set limits on your children's Internet usage. It also gives you the ability to watch and record television programming on your computer. You can attach any program to the Windows 7 taskbar, giving yourself instant access to the software you use most often. A search box built into the Windows 7 Home Premium start menu makes it easy to locate files.
Writer Bio
Ann Frederick has been a professional writer since 1993. She began her career as a television news producer and then transitioned into public relations, working for local, state and federal government agencies. Her professional awards include a silver ADDY. Frederick holds a Bachelor of Science in communications from Florida State University.