How Do I Install Software?

Most software for Windows comes packaged in an installer that automates the process for you.

Before we go on, let's point out that almost all software comes with instructions about how to install it. With software that you buy in a box, it's usually on a sheet of paper. With downloaded software, it's usually in a little file called "README." So read the instructions first, if you have them.

Normal Software Installations

In most cases, all you have to do to install software is insert the CD-ROM (or double-click on the file that you downloaded), wait a few seconds for the installation routine to pop up on your desktop, and then keep clicking "Next" until the program is installed. When installing new software, it's always a good idea to exit whatever other programs you may be running at the time.

Software on CD-ROM disks often includes an "autorun" file that automatically begins the installation process when the CD is inserted. But sometimes there is no autorun file (or sometimes there is, but it doesn't work). In that case, you navigate to the CD-ROM drive, right-click on it, and then select "Autoplay" from the menu. If that doesn't work (or if "Autoplay" isn't there), then click on "Explore."

When you select "Explore," you will see a graphical display of all of the files and folders in the disk's first-level directory.

Usually, one will be named either "Setup" or "Install" and will be represented by a little icon resembling a computer, a software disk, and an open box. In most cases, double-clicking that icon will start the installation process.

Help! I Can't Find the Setup File!

Sometimes you may have to look deeper for the Setup or Install file. Most commonly, this happens when the same disk contains different Setup files for different versions of Windows or for different languages. This is very common, for example, when installing device drivers. This is no problem. If you begin to explore the disk and instead of a Setup file, you see folders for different versions of Windows, then just look in the folder for your version and you'll probably find a Setup file. Same thing holds true if you begin exploring and see folders for different languages. Just look inside the folder for your language, and you'll probably find the Setup file.

Okay. I Found the Setup File. Now What?

Once you have found the "Setup" or "Install" file, double click it, and a dialogue box should open. What happens now varies depending on the software. You may, for example, be prompted to type a serial number or product key and/or to agree to a license agreement, or you may simply be asked if you want to install the software. Just read and follow the on-screen instructions.

Why is it Asking Me Where to Install the Program?

One thing that confuzles a lot of new users is what to do when the program asks where it should be installed. So let's explain this a little.

In general, the place where most programs should be installed is in C:\Program Files, assuming that your computer has a "standard" Windows installation. But some users decide to arrange their hard drives differently and to place the Program Files directory elsewhere. That's why most installation routines ask where to install the program. Basically, most installer programs "guess" where your Program Files directory is and suggest that you install the program in that directory, but they also give you the option to override that suggestion and to install the program elsewhere. The installer's suggestions are called the defaults.

Unless you have customized your computer by placing the Program Files directory someplace else, then just accepting the installation routine's defaults will almost always result in the program being installed in the right place. So for most new users, you can just read the on-screen instructions and keep clicking "Next" until the program is installed.

Hey, that was Easy!

Once the program has finished installing, you may be prompted to restart your computer. If you are, then you should close whatever other applications may be running and reboot the machine before using your new program.