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Download Windows 7 Install Disks Legally & For Free

By 35 Comments

windows_7_editions

In this article I will show you how to download Windows 7 for free….and legally.

[Update] Please note that Digital River have since removed all of the links to the Windows 7 .iso’s, however there is a way to download any official and clean version of Windows 7, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 in this article. Alternatively you can try using mirror.corenoc.de which has archived some of the Windows 7 ISO’s and will require using a torrent program to do so.

 

The chances are when you first get a new desktop or laptop that comes with Windows 7 installed, it won’t come with a full Windows install disk. If you are lucky it may ship with a rescue disk created by the manufacturer that will allow you to return the computer back to its original factory settings, or will have an inbuilt recovery partition. HP, Dell and other leading PC manufacturers normally will have one of these that ship with the unit, but not the full install disk.

Having the ability to have access to an untouched and clean Windows installation disk, that can also be used as a Rescue Disk, can be a life saver at times for either doing a complete install, repair install or using it to fix start-up problems that your computer is having.

The disk images listed below are untouched Windows 7 ISO’s that are available via Microsoft’s third party software distributor, Digital River.  The disks below are the media refresh versions and also have Service Pack 1 included with the exception of Windows 7 Home Premium and Windows 7 Professional x86 and x64.

Users wishing to download these disks, which are all available at the bottom of the page, should note that they will need their Windows 7 Genuine Activation Keys and must download the correct version. Your activation key for Windows Home version for example, will not work with Windows 7 Ultimate.

You can also create a universal Windows 7 install disk using the Windows 7 Ultimate ISO below and removing the ei.cfg file. Instructions on how to do that are here.

Downloading the disks (in ISO format) is simple. Just select the version that you require and it will automatically start to download. Then you can either burn the ISO to a DVD using ImgBurn (free and my preferred disk burner) or if you want to do a USB install which is a lot faster, then use a program like WinToFlash which will make your USB stick bootable and add the Windows files required. If you have never actually installed Windows before, then I have written a step-by-step tutorial on installing Windows 7 that is very easy to follow and will also give you some tips on how to change your boot order in BIOS should you need to know.

If you are downloading one of these disks to use as a Rescue Disk (activation key isn’t required for the Repair function) and wish to know how to access the repair functions that each disk contains, then please see the second half of this article, as it will tell you what each function does, and how to get to them. Also, if you are downloading one of the images below to use as a Rescue Disk, make sure that your OS matches. (32-bit or 64-bit)

Windows 7 Repair Functions

Here are the links to the Official Windows 7 images:

 

  • fk

    trying it now and it may work?!

  • Swaggaboss

    yea i’m sure it will work all you have to do is burn it to a dvd or mount it using daemon tools i’m using daemon tools because i don’t have any dvd with me reght now but i recomend you use daemon tools if you don’t know how touse it search it on youtube because it will save you money from buying dvds good luck!

    • You can always just create a bootable Windows 7 USB and boot to that. Installation is a lot quicker this way as well.

      http://www.techfleece.com/2011/02/09/how-to-install-windows-xp-via-usb/

      • jabezfilms79@gmail.com

        how do i do that boss im not a geek, bt i think i might manage.
        de problem my laptop proline bootmgr was compressed,i took it to the experts, they brought it back i still can go in my lap it just go to start up repair but dont repair anything at all. operating system is windows 7, bt i think they tried to install windows 7 ultimate cos there are now 3 operating systems. the other 2 just say user profile not found. please save formatting is out of the question. then i might as well take a hammer and do it the russian way.(no offence)

  • Ian Smith

    Do I need a reg code for this

    • Not a registration code, but you will need to have your licence details to hand if you are using the disk images to install with. If you are simply going to use the images as a repair disk, then nothing is needed.

  • fucker

    it take a year to download

    • Tony Diehl

      For me it took like 2 hours

      • George

        10 mins lol

      • james

        3mins lol

      • Guest

        1h lol

  • James

    I have downloaded the correct file [Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit] and burned it to DVD, but even though I changed the boot settings via the bios, it is not picked up on a reboot.

    I know the files are all burned correctly.

    After trying this over and over for a few hours and getting absolutely nowhere, I turned to the USB option. Changed my boot settings again via bios and still not booting to the Windows setup.

    Do you have any idea why this is happening [well, not happening if I am precise].

    I have Windows 7 Ultimate running on my laptop right now, but I have major boot problems and dumping/crashes, so I need to reinstall.

    Any advice you can offer is very much appreciated.

  • ibrahim

    if u want to active all versions of window 7 DOWNLOAD loader from

    http://www.ibrahimobaidullah.blogspot.com/2013/10/windows-7-loader-v-221-active-all.html

  • Valentino

    I”Like

  • Ernie F Bell

    Great Article and great advice about making the Repair disk. I now do that when I first get a new computer and I make a ‘Full Image’ backup of the harddrive after configuring it the the way I want it and after installing any important software or upgrades.
    I learned the hard way about this; Because way back in the XP days on an HP [with no install disk, only a OEM Recovery partition] I had a major Windows crash and the the ‘RECOVERY’ partition on the harddrive failed. I had not made the Repair disk [not sure I knew that I could or should back then] and I had not yet ‘discovered’ the need for making ‘full image’ backups of my harddrive.
    Your article is several years old but still very relevant. I am down loading the ISO file as I type this [taking several hours-big file and slow over my network+ DSL connection – should have made a direct connect to the DSL router.] . Thanks EFB

  • blackninga3216

    Im a kid but my dad has lots of dvds swaggaboss

  • mary martin

    This is the ONLY thing that saved my OS after it was mysteriously removed. The system image download and clean windows 7 install recovered my OS successfully and then I had to download the software installer for my laptop and all was recovered and as good as new! I give five stars to this article!!!

  • james us

    3minit for download

  • RØCKY

    Thank you Richard! I need this iso image for the exact reasons you stated in your article. I legitimately purchased windows 7 ultimate with a product key and no longer have the installation disk. This comes at a moment when I needed it yesterday and time is of the essence. You’re a lifesaver and definitely a credit to your journalistic prowess and technical benevolence. Again, thank you so much…

  • djminecraftpx

    fuck

  • djminecraftpx

    fucking microsoft (hahaha)

  • Mohammed Alqaddi

    Thanks man!!!

  • PLZinNEEDofHELP

    I have a gateway laptop NV57H17u with windows 7. I was restoring to factory default and while in process was unaware that power plug was not hooked up. while restoring it died and now there is no windows. Im not sure of what iso it was or even if the partition is still on it. I was given a windows repair disc from a family member that has win 7 on desktop. but it hasn’t been helpful. I just want to get this fixed please help me

  • Anders Holt

    Sorry, but it sems the links to windows home versions on top do not work anymore ?

  • Dave

    I need a product key for win 7 ultimate, none of these work?

    • Hi Dave, yes these are the official ISO’s which MS has made available to users. However, you will also require an official licence key in order to fully use the ISO as your OS.

      If you just wish to use it as a Recovery Disk though, then a licence key is not required.

  • Georgina

    Hey, man, you are the absolute best for uploading all these. You kinda gave me hope, until an error occurred:
    I downloaded the Ultimate Spanish version (x64). Which I’m sure matches the Windows version I’m trying to repair, I made a bootable USB and made it load in my broken PC and got to the part where it says “Windows is loading files…”, Finished loading them.
    The problem occurred when it finished: It showed me this message:
    ” File: \windows\system32\boot\winload.exe
    Status: oxc00000001
    Info: The selected entry could not be loaded beacueseis missing or corrupt”

    My question is: Is it because of the file I downloaded or it is still because of my PC?

    It only does this when booting from the USB, otherwise, it just goes blue screen and reboots.

    What can I do?
    I would appreciate your help, I’m becoming your fan for doing this.

    Thanks a lot

  • Hey @Georgina. I haven’t personally had this issue when using a Windows install disk as a recovery disk before that is similar to your issue. However, there is a guide (link at the bottom of this comment) that may well be of use.

    Also, and I know this may sound dumb but warrants looking at, is the USB flash drive that you are using to boot with in decent condition, as I have had flash drives in the past that had bad blocks on them and after formatting it, they were fine again. Also, what program were you using to create a bootable USB drive for the OS? MS have an official tool that will do it for you (I find it hit and miss) or there is WinToFlash which is good.

    Here is the link that may be of use. Keep me updated and I will try to assist further.

    https://neosmart.net/wiki/winload-exe-missing-corrupt/

    • Georgina

      I used WinToFlash, as I followed your instructions step by step,
      I’m gonna try that official MS tool, and see what happens.
      Also, the USB was brand new.

      The link was great to know what happened, but to fix it I either need an instalation CD (which I don’t have) or purchase a $20 repair disk ( which I was trying to avoid), precisely those are the reasons of why I got to your blog, LOL

      I’m gonna also try burning the ISO to a DVD (with imgburner), to avoid using the USB.
      Another option I thought about is to download your files again, but this time the English version, May it work or will it probably be a waste of bandwidth and HDD space?

      Thank you A LOT for your quick and kind response, I will keep you updated if I manage to solve it

      You are the best!

      • Hey Georgina, make sure that when you burn the ISO, that you burn it at a nice slow speed, (x4 is good) as burning it too fast can cause issues. I would use the English version, as it is the exact same file I have used of other people’s machines in the past, and then install the Spanish language pack later, as your English is perfect.

        http://msft.digitalrivercontent.net/win/X17-59465.iso (Ultimate English x64 version)

        Imgburn is the burning tool of choice, so no issues there.

        Double check in BIOS that you have set the PC to boot from CD/DVD (or however you are going to try next)

        A repair disk is simply a set of tools that MS includes with Vista and Window 7, but most people don’t bother to create a rescue disk. I used to have them uploaded, but was asked by MS to remove them which is why I get people to either create their own (takes 5 mins) or just use the installation disks as they also enable you to use the fixit tools without having to go through the whole installation process. I wrote an article a while (below) a go that may help.

        http://www.techfleece.com/2011/05/06/download-windows-7-repair-disk/ (Starts about 1/3rd the way down)

  • Georgina

    All Done!
    I burnt it at 2x because it was the best my other PC could do.
    It worked as it was supposed to.
    I didn’t have to download any other files, the issue was with the USB, apparently.
    The CD loaded and the repair options showed.
    UNFORTUNATELY: I tried to use them all and each one, but they were not effective, for one or other reason, the image and the CD worked perfectly BUT didn’t solve the issue, I guess the damage done is far more serious than I originally thought.

    I guess I’ll have to go to a technician and/or have it formatted.

    And yeah, I’ve already read all of your articles regarding this matter, I learned a LOT, I will be making rescue disks with every PC I have access to.

    I know I already thanked you a lot, but I really appreciate your help and the work you did making available for us all that files of every single Windows 7 on earth.

    Cheers, I’ll be a frequent visitor of your blog

  • Christopher Campbell

    Can I use a different Language with the same OS Type. My (Bought Used) laptop is Windows 7 Ultimate – Italian (currently 90%, change Location, etc, Plan to change keyboard so I can say its English) and I want to change it to either English or if I can or have to downgrade that is fine.

  • cedrick

    i would ask if there is already activation code for this product posted here thanks fot he answer

  • Johnny Salazar

    MY DIELEMMA

    HELLO OUT THERE… i AM NOT THAT QUITE NEW TO THE USE OF THE INTERNET SO I ALWAYS S END UP GETTING VERY FRUSTRATED IN THE MANY FAILED ATTEMPTS ON TRYINIG TO DO THINGS WITHOUT GETTING MYSELF SO FREAKEN PISSED OFF THAT I FREAKEN SERIOUSLY LOSE MY MARBLES… ” IT HAPPENS TO BE THIS WAY FOR ME , “AND I QUOTE” “NOT ALL THE TIME” bUT “EVERYTIME”

    WELL LET ME GET IT OFF OF MY BACK. I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH MY ASUS g71G NOTBOOK PC.. IT HAD CAUGHT A COLD,THE FLU, THE VIRUS’ AND OR ANYTHING THAT IT CAN AND WILL BE CALLED DURING AND AFTER THE FACT THAT THIS HAS AND DOES AND WILL CONTINUE TO MORE AND MORE MAKE A SANE MAN GO CRAZY..WELL ENOUGH OF THAT.. BELIEVE ME WHEN I TELL YOU IT EVENTUALLY GOES SOME WHERE THERE IF NOT FURTHER WHEN IT COMES TO BULLCRAPO LIKE THAT ..AND I WANT TO BE DONE WITH IT. WELL I ENDED UP USING KILLDISK TO MURDERLIZE ANY THING THAT IT WAS AND HOPEFULLY NOT IS THAT WAS ON IT AND ASSUMINGLY IT WAS DONE. NOW WHEN I TRIED TO INSTALL FOR EXAMPLE A WINDOWS 8 INSTALATION DISK IT SAYS THERE IS NO OPERATING SYSTEM INSTALLED SO MORE OR LESS IM IS THE SAME BOAT AND IM SICK OF DRIFTING ALONG IN TURMOIL WITHOUT A PADDLE TO REDIRECT MY PATH SO IF THERES ANY YOU CAN DO SO I CAN GET THIS CLEAR AND OUT OF MY HEAD. I WOULD VERY MUCH APPRECIATE IT

    THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME IN READING MY DIELEMMA

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