Howtogeek download Windows 10 for free

The tool will suggest a language, edition, and architecture for Windows based on information about the PC on which the tool is running.

Next, select whether you want the tool to create a bootable USB flash drive with the installation media, or just create an ISO file that you can use or burn to a DVD later. At this point, the Media Creation Tool will begin downloading the files and assembling your ISO, which can take a fair bit of time depending on your internet connection.

Next, choose whether you want the bit or bit version of Windows 7. When you click whichever version you want, the download will begin. Note that download links generated by the site are only valid for 24 hours. Of course, you could always come back and walk through the verification and selection process again to generate new links. When you install Windows 7, you can avoid the hassle of downloading and installing the hundreds of updates that came out after SP1 by installing the Windows 7 SP1 Convenience Rollup.

The ISOs can be hard to find, though, and for versions of Windows other than the most current, the site tries really hard to push you into using the Media Creation Tool instead. This includes various builds of the Windows 10 Insider Preview. First, head over to HeiDoc. Just launch the executable file.

Note that in addition to the regular editions of the product such as Home or Professional , you can also download regions specific editions such as Windows N which is sold to the European market and does not include multimedia apps like Media Player and DVD Maker and Windows K which is sold to the Korean market.

Finally, choose whether to download the bit or bit version of the product. Either way, note that most links generated by the tool are only valid for 24 hours, though you can always come back and generate new links.

Yes, you could accomplish some of this by digging around the TechBench site, but using this clever little utility is quicker and saves a lot of hassle. Plus, for some products, like Windows 8.

Microsoft also provides other software via the TechNet Evaluation Center. For example, you could download a trial version of Windows Server R2 and enter a legitimate product key to get the full version. You will need to sign in with a Microsoft account before downloading. Image Credit: bfishadow on Flickr. Browse All iPhone Articles Browse All Mac Articles You can even pay to upgrade to a legal, activated version of Windows 10 from within your unactivated Windows 10 system after installing it.

But Windows has worked this way for years. This was even possible with Windows 7. It will continue working for 90 days—about three months. However, you can upgrade any edition of Windows 10 to the Enterprise edition if you have a key. Unfortunately, other free offers—like the Accessibility offer from Microsoft —are now over.

But these methods should cover you pretty well. Of course, you can also just buy a new PC that comes with Windows PC manufacturers get a good deal and pay less than normal Windows users do for those licenses. Browse All iPhone Articles Browse All Mac Articles Do I need one? Browse All Android Articles Browse All Smart Home Articles Customize the Taskbar in Windows Browse All Microsoft Office Articles What Is svchost.

Browse All Privacy and Security Articles Browse All Linux Articles Browse All Buying Guides. By submitting your email, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Microsoft allows anyone to download Windows 10 for free and install it without a product key. And you can even pay to upgrade to a licensed copy of Windows 10 after you install it. Just begin the installation process and install Windows 10 like you normally would.

You may be asked to enter a product key later in the process, too—if you are, just look for a similar small link to skip that screen. Whatever version you choose, Windows 10 will install normally. These days, Windows just complains at you in a few minor, cosmetic ways. Eventually, Windows will start nagging you a tiny bit. Activate Windows now. You can still change your wallpaper in other ways, however.

Aside from these basic limitations, your Windows 10 system will continue to work forever. The only thing that could change this is a Windows 10 update, but Microsoft has become increasingly lenient since Windows 7.

In the Store, you can purchase an official Windows license that will activate your PC. This is a digital purchase, and it will immediately cause your current Windows installation to become activated. This option may not be available in all countries. The prices here are for the US version of the Windows Store. Microsoft charges different prices in different countries and currencies. Windows 7, 8, and 8. Browse All iPhone Articles Browse All Mac Articles Best Linux Laptops.

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