Of course you’ll want to perform a full backup of data before installing the OS, and we’d also recommend contacting Microsoft first to check that your version of Windows is eligible. You will need a disk or ISO for Windows 7 Pro, which as we’ve detailed above might be tricky to easily find, but once you’ve obtained a copy (and you can always use a colleague’s disc if they have one) then follow the same instructions laid out above for activating Windows via the automated phone system, and inform Microsoft that you are exercising your downgrade rights. If you’ve purchased a new PC with a Pro version of Windows installed, often referred to as business versions, then there is a good chance you can downgrade to Windows 7 Pro for free. How to get Windows 7 for free: Downgrade Windows 8 Pro, downgrade Windows 10 Pro Select this, then choose your country from the drop down list, click Next, and you’ll be given a phone number that you can ring to confirm your details with Microsoft and activate Windows 7 on the new PC. This launches a wizard and on the menu you’ll see an option to Use the automated phone system to activate. Select Properties then scroll down and click on Activate Windows Now. Trial versions also offered 30 days at no cost, but even these seem to have fallen by the wayside as the platform ages.Ĭlick Start then right-click on Computer. Now this feature has been removed, and the site requires the Product Key before you can even begin the download. Up until recently it was possible to download the ISO (an installable digital copy) of Windows 7 from Microsoft for free, but you still needed the Product Key to activate the system. Windows has always been a paid product and Windows 7 is no exception, even now when Microsoft no longer sells the software.

Sure, the OS is old in technology terms, but that doesn’t mean that it’s worthless. For example, onĮBay you’ll pick one up below £25 (these are often bundled with a free broken laptop or PC, most likely because there is a lot of confusion surrounding Microsoft’s OEM licence terms). Windows OEM discs are fine for personal use, and you’ll pick them up online for much less than Microsoft charges for the full boxed edition. If you can’t get an old Windows 7 PC for free, you can certainly get a copy of the software on the cheap. We’ll detail this option further below.Īnother option we’ll look at below is how you can perform a free downgrade from Windows 8 Pro or Windows 10 Pro to Windows 7 Pro. PC for which you didn’t pay a penny – perhaps one that’s been passed on to you from a friend or relative or one you’ve picked up fromįreecycle, for example.

The only legal way to get a completely free copy of Windows 7 is by transferring a licence from another Windows 7

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