How To Legally Download Windows 7, 8.1, and 10 Install ISO Media

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Do you know Windows actually offers free Windows installation files in ISO format for you to download so you can reinstall Windows from scratch when needed? As long as you own the product key that comes with your computer, you are legally allowed to download these ISO files and install them. If you don’t see a product key sticker on your computer that means you own one of these computers that embedded windows product key in their BIOS. And here is how you can retrieve them.

Now you have obtained the product key, let’s find out where and how you can download Windows ISO image files right from Microsoft. In short, Software Recovery Center is your one-stop place to go.

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Windows 7 ISO images

Previously, you can download these official ISO files from Digital River. But early this year, Microsoft finally pulled the trigger and took down all the Windows 7 ISO download links, and encourage people to go and download directly from Software Recovery Center in Microsoft, as long as you have a valid product key.

If you owned a version of a retail copy of Windows 7, enter them in the Product Key box on the site and verify it. However, if you can’t find the key anymore, this NirSoft’s ProductKey utility should be able to help.

Windows 8.1 ISO Images

You will need to download a small media creation tool (approximately only 1.41 MB) first to download the Windows. Go to Windows 8.1 download page, click Download tool now button. Then run it once download.

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Select the Language, choose the right Edition, and pick the Architecture (64-bit or 32-bit), and click Next to start downloading the proper ISO file.

Windows 10 ISO Images

Same as downloading Windows 8.1, you will also need to download the media creation tool first to download Windows. But it works a little differently. You will have the choice to either download the installation file or upgrade your current computer.

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If you choose to Create installation media, you will get to select Language, Edition, as well as Architecture to download the proper media.

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What’s next

Once you downloaded the ISO image files directly from Microsoft, use one of these bootable USB tools to put the image on a USB flash drive. And you are ready to go to start installing Windows from scratch on your computer.

105 COMMENTS

  1. No Ilija, we couldn't find the similar links to Windows Server 2008 R2 but I am pretty sure you can get it from Technet subscription if you subscribed.

    Cheers.

  2. Hey, i’ve downloaded the pro x64 bit version; i get a winrar (which has a size of 3gb) containing only a “read me” file. Am i blind or why can’t i see the ISO file??

    Thanks for all help

    • you probably extracted it to the wrong file path. when you go to extract it again make a new folder on you desktop and extract to there ;D

    • Hi JT , uninstall ur winrar version , install WINRAR 4.01 and shortcut to desktop . Now open winrar shortcut from desktop and then on MENU TAB , click OPTIONS ,then SETTINGS ,then INTEGRATION, then put check in ISO associate , then ok

    • I agree, I downloaded the ultimate 86 bit and yes it did download as a .iso file but when I tried to run in on my mac using virtualbox and it would do a little something and see it say opening windows but the it will say insert the disc that came with windows 7 that some programs or software may have changed. I’m downloading home premium now and hope that file isn’t corrupt.

  3. I’ve a netbook with genuine win 7 starter,
    I need a iso file for windows 7 starter 32bit for new instalation, because my netbook “blue screen” problem, please!

  4. Very nice windows 7 article. I like it very much,
    is there any site i can download windows Vista or XP, please let me know i really need that, thanks

  5. I downloaded the ISO file of Windows 7 HomePremium 64xbit, but the only thing that came with the file was a Readme.txt, can you please help?

  6. Thanks for the good writeup. It actually was once a entertainment account it. Look complex to more added agreeable from you! However, how can we keep in touch?

  7. the windows 7 home premium i downloaded works the first time but when you turn it off it says it cannot start and it gives me the option to start repair (it just restarts it) or start windows normally (it goes to the starting windows screen and freezes)

  8. Hi there.
    Do you know if there is any place to download iso’s with other languages than english? Or are all these iso’s multilanguage?
    In my case i am looking for a norwegian version of home premium and pro since i have licenses on laptops that are preinstalled and i want to change to SSD disks on my laptops.

    Thanks.

    Arild

  9. You are a life saver! I’ve been stuck with Vista for quite a while because I did something very stupid that replaced Windows 7 Ultimate x86. But I’m probably just gonna stick with Professional. Thanks for the link man. Got the product key for it 😉

  10. I have Windows 7 32 bit Enterprise Edition. I want to download ISO file for its fresh system repair. Can you please suggest me a link from where I can download the file.
    Many Thanks.

  11. downloaded windows 8 i want to switch back. i love windows 8 i just cant launch my digimon game. guess it conflicts with hackshield pro. anyways if i download this ans make a bootable usb will my win key on bottom of my laptop still work?

  12. For the iso with service pack one for windows 7 profesional x86 there are no drivers, it says i have to search for drivers.

  13. YOU ARE A LIFESAVER! My computer got a registry error and would no longer boot, so I reinstalled Windows Home Premium x64, and I saved a lot of money. THANK YOU!!!

  14. I know how to get the Win7 Starter edition.
    Actually the iso for all version, Homepremium, pro, even ultimate, Just download any iso files, find file named “ei.cfg” open and change the version or otherwise transfer the iso to usb drive using win-to-flash and delete the “ei.cfg” file.
    then boot using the usb drive the selection menu for home premium, profesional, ultimate even starter edition. just key in back your liense key according your COA. I’ve done it using my HP mini netbook. Activation ? should be on call since online activation will fail. just call microsoft and tell “I replacing my hardisk, it spoilt already” so need to reinstall and activate.. wait a moment and the will provide key for you. ..

  15. Completely new at this..Do I need a copy of Windows 7 on a DISC even if it’s already installed on my computer before I try to dual boot?

  16. do you need a product key?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

  17. windows key 
    7|Ultimate    Acer                   FJGCP-4DFJD-GJY49-VJBQ7-HYRR27|Ultimate    Alienware           VQ3PY-VRX6D-CBG4J-8C6R2-TCVBD7|Ultimate    Asus                 2Y4WT-DHTBF-Q6MMK-KYK6X-VKM6G7|Ultimate   Dell                     342DG-6YJR8-X92GV-V7DCV-P4K277|Ultimate   Fujitsu                 9CW99-79BBF-D4M3X-9BK9M-4RPH97|Ultimate    HP                      MHFPT-8C8M2-V9488-FGM44-2C9T37|Ultimate   Lenovo                6K2KY-BFH24-PJW6W-9GK29-TMPWP7|Ultimate   Samsung              49PB6-6BJ6Y-KHGCQ-7DDY6-TF7CD7|Ultimate   Sony                    YJJYR-666KV-8T4YH-KM9TB-4PY2W7|Ultimate   Stone                  76MTG-QMQJQ-46DQR-CHRBB-7K3HD7|Ultimate   Tarox                  4BRY2-6W9VH-9CM6R-GPKRY-HHVCY7|Ultimate   Toshiba               2XQ63-J3P67-9G3JC-FHQ68-8Q2F37|Ultimate  HP                    278MV-DKMGJ-F3P9F-TD7Y3-W6G3MOffice 2007 NL key             Volume License KEY=           BC322-3PV3J-YVJ3Q-VY7M2-GBDQ8

  18. Hey, so I thought I had windows 7 home premium x64 on my laptop… but when i try to use the product key with the download from this site… it doesnt work… any thoughts?

  19. on system properties in computer menu, it says i need to activate windows within 30 days when i installed. do u have an activation key?

  20. Here is a product key that Works for any edition of windows 7 Enterprise or Windows 7 Professional, This is an (MAK) Product key i found online it works too :)…. U can also use this for anytime upgrade as well: FGC7B-X8RV6-4XW6Q-T77KC-RK3MK

  21. for everyone that finds a dead link… research a thing called ei_remover.exe..
    will delete the ei.cfg file from the iso and make it all versions on 1 disc

  22. I have medion E1222 note book with Danish language i don’t know danish language plzz guide me how to change language from Danish to English

  23. Thank you very much. I had windows 7 home premium 32bit and I recently added an extra 2 gigs of RAM. My system only recognized half of the memory. So I needed a 64bit version and using my 32bit key the OS is working fine, activated and all my memory is being recognized.

    NOTE !!

    If you have 32 bit home premium then you should upgrade to 64 bit home premium.

    –> Why ? Because you can use the same key of the 32 bit version.

    This applies to all of the other versions too !

  24. Am I able to download the ISO, burn it to a disk and then install it to a brand new PC with no OS provided I have the CD key? I’m hoping to build my next PC.

    • no those are English ONLY, but if you download Ultimate you have the option to download additional languages after installation

  25. I have a win7 ult 64 that I had a key for for a few years I changed the motherboard and now my key is picked up as bogas… Im back to the 28 day crap.. most of the ‘hacks’, ‘loaders’, etc contain virus or trojans.. I would like to find out if the folks that built xp pro black ever built a win7/64ult package??? if so where can I get a copy thank to all

  26. PERFECT!!! I just downloaded WIN 7 PRO(64-bit) from here. installed it on my DELL optiplex 980 and used the product license number that was on the sticker on the tower. WORKED PERFECTLY! thanks!

  27. Yes i just did it and it works PERFECTLY! like windows7hacker said just make sure it’s the same version. As long as you haven’t changed your motherboard your OA key will still be valid.

  28. Thanks for the download , but I just tried these keys from the replies, it is not working anymore, have to buy one on getsoftwarekey com

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