In this article, we will be exploring the different methods available to get Windows for free. We will share four unique options and explain whether each of these options is legal.
Hopefully, after reading this article, you’ll be more clued up about how Windows activation works and why Microsoft charges for it in the first place.
Downloading Windows free from Third Party Websites
You may have heard from a friend or colleague that they were able to download Windows for free from a third party website, or maybe you read about it online.
Your source of information may have mentioned that they can get you the full Windows operating system for free, without any watermarks or product key.
Using a third party website to download Windows for free is certainly against Microsoft’s policies and more importantly, it may present some legal troubles or other issues for you.
Is it Legal?
Downloading a full version of Windows for free from a third party source is absolutely illegal and we wouldn’t recommend it.
It’s up to debate whether or not downloading Microsoft software illegally will land you in trouble or with a big fine, but it’s certainly possible and Microsoft have the right to pursue legal action in this case.
Is it Dangerous?
Perhaps more worryingly, downloading Windows for free from third party websites can be very dangerous. Those that give away cracked software for free may tamper with the software and package it with malware or viruses.
Some malware may track your key presses and steal your information, or they may use your PC power to mine cryptocurrency. Alternatively, they may run ads on your system in the background to earn money from you.
Download Windows ISO directly from Microsoft
If you desperately need to download Windows for free and don’t have any installation media, you do not need to look for third party sources. Microsoft actually lets users download Windows completely free directly from their own website.
You can find the Windows 10 Download tool here and Windows 11 With this tool, you can create your own bootable Windows installation USB drive or CD.
Is it Legal?
Using this method is legal and is provided directly from Microsoft. With this method, you can install and run Windows without a product activation key.
It’s important to note that if you continue to use Windows without activating it with a purchased license, you will be going against Microsoft’s terms of service.
It is recommended that you purchase a license to support Microsoft and ensure you are abiding by their terms of service. However, for a quick fix, this option is available to you if you need to get Windows up and running on a machine quickly.
Is it Dangerous?
Using this method is not dangerous because it is provided directly from Microsoft. There is no chance that this method would include viruses or malware.
Just make sure you let the Windows Download tool complete the process completely before installing it on a new system.
Evaluate Windows Enterprise for 90 days
If you are considering using Windows Enterprise for your business, you’ll be happy to hear that you can evaluate it for free for a period of 90 days.
Windows Enterprise is a version of Windows that is targeted toward medium to large businesses. It shares very similar functionality with Windows Pro with some small adjustments.
You can find the evaluation page for Windows 10 Enterprise and Windows 11.
Is it Legal?
It is completely legal to use this method to download Windows Enterprise, but Microsoft have provided this option for those interested in purchasing a license from them after the initial evaluation stage.
Technically, there are no rules that state you must purchase Windows Enterprise after the 90 day evaluation is up, but you will be going against their terms if you continue to use the software after the evaluation period without purchasing a license first.
Is it Dangerous?
Once again, this method isn’t dangerous because you’ll be going directly through Microsoft. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to create an ISO before installing the operating system, so this will require a bootable USB drive or a CD.
Re-use your Windows Disc on Multiple Computers
If you purchased a Windows installation disc in the past, it is possible to use it to install your copy of Windows on another system. This is easily the most convenient option available because all you need to do is place the disc into the system you’d like to install Windows on.
Is it Legal?
When you purchase a Windows installation disc, you are asked that you only install and use the software on one system. Doing otherwise is against Microsoft’s license terms.
However, you can still stay within the boundaries of Microsoft’s terms if you contact them and ask to transfer your license from your existing system to this new system.
Alternatively, if you are installing the Windows disc onto the system you first activated the license on, you are well within your rights to reinstall it on the same system. Windows will check your hardware to determine whether it’s the same system or not.
In some cases, if you change your hardware, the OS may assume it is a new system when it is in fact the same. You can contact Microsoft support to get assistance with this problem.
Is it Dangerous?
This option bares no risk – in fact, it may be the safest option because you are using media directly from Microsoft and you don’t even need the internet for the entire process.
Will Going Against Microsoft’s Terms Get Me in Trouble?
With Microsoft offering so many free methods to install Windows, it is possible to install Windows for free directly from them and never pay to activate it.
If you choose to do this, you’ll still have access to updates and all of the operating system features will remain active to you.
The only negatives will be that there will be a watermark at the bottom of your display at all times and you will not be able to access Office 365 programs like Word or PowerPoint. Some personalization options will also be disabled.
Going this route will mean that you are going against Microsoft’s terms of service, but there’s very little Microsoft can do to stop you. If you are an individual, you are not going to run into any trouble. If you are a business that repairs or sells computers, you may then run into some legal troubles.
Ultimately, Microsoft has become very lenient with unactivated users – they would prefer even those that use Windows without a license to have full security protection and the latest updates to avoid malware and virus infections.
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