Windows 7

Hello, i have a question 

Why do i need a windows 7 activation key 

to dowland the iso file? But the support has ended 

for it. Also to dowland the iso for windows 10

you dont need a activation key. I just wanted to download windows 7 on my friends old laptop. 

If there is any way to get the windows 7 iso file 

without the activation key (not pirateing) please tell me. Sorry for bad grammar english is not my first language.

Answer
Answer
You need a valid retail product key for Windows 7 to download the ISO file from https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7 because Microsoft is taking a hard line on enforcing the terms of the agreements under which it sold Windows 7 to large computer manufacturers.  Part of the reason that these "OEM" companies were able to buy Windows 7 at a price low enough for them to pre-install it in the computers they made and sold was that they agreed to be responsible for supporting those computers. 

Microsoft's Windows 7 download site is only available to people with a retail product key (or "OEM System Builder" key).

You may be able to download a legitimate Windows 7 ISO file by using the tool at https://www.heidoc.net/joomla/technology-science/microsoft/67-microsoft-windows-and-office-iso-download-tool but that only provides a limited number of ISO downloads on a first come, first served basis starting on the first of the month at 0000 UTC.  For more information, see the following:

If you are willing to use an ISO file from August 2018 (5.5 GB), you can download that immediately.  However, if you want the original version, downloads are quite limited.  Notes below from the Heidoc support forum.

  • "The download database on the server will be reset on the first day of every month. We will then generate one link per hour on a first come first served basis, whatever is requested, until all licenses are used up. The database is then again reset on the first day of the following month, and downloads can be provided again for some time." 
  • "The Aug 2018 Win7 downloads are "standalone" edition downloads (only come with Home Premium, Pro & Ultimate as separate editions and not bundled together) that include IE11 & .NET 4.7.2 but are available in US English language only.  all post sp1 updates except the big KB3125574 rollup update are included."
  • "I suggest you use the original version (NOT Aug 2018) since it is the official one and it can be unlocked to become a multi-SKU disc image. The only downside is you have to install all updates after the installation."  https://www.wincert.net/forum/topic/14731-is-it-just-me-or-is-the-official-client-fixed-resolutioned/
  • https://www.wincert.net/forum/topic/14688-question-about-win7-iso/


For additional details, see:  https://www.wincert.net/forum/topic/14659-win-7-office-2010-monthly-download-days-starting-october-1-experimental/


-----
LemP
Volunteer Moderator
MS MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) 2006-2009
Microsoft Community Contributor (MCC) 2011-2012

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Last updated December 30, 2023 Views 219 Applies to: