Windows 7 available in USB stick edition

For computers without an optical drive

Windows 7 available in USB stick edition

26 October 2009 15:18 GMT / By Duncan Geere

Microsoft has quietly issued a variant of its brand new Windows 7 operating system that can be copied to a USB stick and used to install the OS on computers that don't have a CD drive, which includes many netbooks available today.

In our review of Windows 7, we found that the software performs admirably well on even relatively low-spec hardware, so putting it on a netbook is being actively encouraged by Microsoft, especially as most of those netbooks are running 2001's Windows XP.

All you've got to do is buy "Windows 7 For Netbooks" from Microsoft's online store, then download an ISO file. Make that drive bootable, then reboot your netbook with it plugged in and you should be away. We'd like to hear your experiences of Windows 7 on your netbook - share it in the comments below.

UPDATE: Seems like the USB stick edition is US-only for the time being. PC Pro quotes a Microsoft spokesperson saying: "This option is available in the US, but we have nothing to officially announce in the UK at this stage". We'll let you know if the situation changes on that front.

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Full tags
Software, Windows 7, Microsoft, Operating Systems, USB drives, USB
UK Shopping
Amazon.co.uk, play.com, pixmania.co.uk, Currys.co.uk, Dixons.co.uk, 7dayshop.com, ebay.co.uk
US Shopping
Amazon.com, bestbuy.com, ebay.com

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Comments

  • interestingly there doesn't seem to be a requirement for Vista to be installed before you upgrade from XP, Microsoft having originally claimed that for non net upgrade there was much in Vista that this was required, drivers etc, So have they been telling porkies or am I just still confused? Whatever, it's still probably cost too much for a £250 netbook, I'll just wait until it's time to upgrade, unless Tesco can find a way to market it at half price along with the sprouts. Posted by fleabane, uk
  • REF: Win 7 on a netbook

    I am running Ubuntu 9.10, XP Home and Win 7 RC on my Gigabyte T1028X swivel, touch screen netbook with 2 GB RAM.
    Win 7 was installed using the new Microsoft USB software.
    It works fine.

    With Win 7 I now have screen-writing capability as well as drivers and apps freely downloaded from Gigabyte's excellent support site.
    Win 7 is faster than XP so will be my touch OS of choice.
    Ubuntu is still my non-touch OS of choice.

    Regards,
    ScottyJavea
    Posted by ScottyJavea, Spain

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