Are you running an older computer with Windows Vista or Windows XP and looking to upgrade to the latest iteration of the Windows client once it becomes available on October 22nd, 2009? Then you need to know that Microsoft has done its best to streamline the evaluation process of existing machines when it comes down to Windows 7 upgrade readiness. All you have to do is download Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor and run it locally on the computer you’re looking to upgrade to Windows 7. A Beta development milestone of the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor is currently available via the Microsoft Download Center.

When it comes down to Windows 7 upgrades, meeting the hardware requirements is just a part of the equation. Fact is that more complex details are involved. And while it might be easy for end users to tell whether their system’s hardware configuration matches the Windows 7 requirements, when it comes down to application compatibility and device driver support, things are a tad more complicated. Except if you turn to the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor.

“Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor scans your PC's system, programs and devices to check if it's able to run Windows 7. After a few minutes, the report will let you know if your PC meets the system requirements, if there are any known compatibility issues with your programs and devices, and will also provide guidance on your upgrade options to Windows 7,” Microsoft informs.

The Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor is the successor of the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor 1.0, and will assess a machine from multiple points of view, indicating whether users will be able to upgrade it to Windows 7. “The upgrade paths are currently not given for N, K, and KN editions of Windows. Any language packs you have installed on your PC will have to be reinstalled after upgrading to Windows 7. If you're running Upgrade Advisor inside Virtual PC or Remote Desktop, Windows Aero capability may not be detected properly,” read the Beta Release Notes from Microsoft.

Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor is available for download here.

Windows 7 RTM Enterprise 90-Day Evaluation is available for download here.