Rufus is widely recommended for its ease of use.

Now go install Windows 7. The blue taskbar, the Aero snap, and the flying windows await you.

However, unlike modern Windows ISO files, Windows 7 was not designed with native USB 3.0 support or "Easy USB Creation" in mind. This creates a technical hurdle that many users stumble over.

Microsoft released a “Convenience Rollup” (KB3125574) in 2016. This is a single patch that brings Windows 7 SP1 up to April 2016. Download this manually. Without it, Windows Update will search for 200+ updates for 48 hours.

Your computer should now boot into the Windows 7 setup screen. How can I install Windows 7 on new pc with modern hardware

The optical disc is dying. If you own an ultrabook, a netbook, or a modern desktop PC, chances are your machine doesn't even have a DVD drive. Even if it does, DVDs are slow, scratch-prone, and unreliable.

Rufus is king, but here are three alternatives for specific scenarios.