For years, Microsoft allowed us to download Windows 7 ISOs through their content delivery partner, Digital River. On February 2015, the company decided to take those links down. Thankfully, there are a couple of ways to download Windows 7 ISOs, legally and for free, either by using Torrents or a free app that provides links straight from Microsoft.
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Why do we need to download Windows 7
Many of us bought our copy of Windows 7 pre-installed with a new desktop or laptop PC. More often than not, though, the box didn't contain a full Windows 7 DVD.
Usually, we would get a "recovery disk" or a recovery partition, to reinstate the operating system to its default settings. But this would also restore all the third-party bloatware and crapware the manufacturers include. Remember Superfish?
The ability to download Windows 7 ISOs is essential for anyone who wants a clean Windows installation for their PC. It is also handy if we misplaced, lost, or destroyed our original disk.
How is it legal to download a Windows 7 ISO?
When we buy a copy of Windows 7, we don't get a special installation DVD. Every DVD of a particular version - e.g. Windows 7 Home Premium x864 or Windows 7 Professional x64 - is identical to all the others.
What we buy is the unique 25-character product key. We will find it as a sticker on the retail Windows 7 DVD case. Or, with pre-installed Windows, stuck underneath our laptop and on the side of the PC tower.
With this product key, we can install Windows 7 using any disk of the corresponding version. No matter where we got the Installation DVD, we will end up with legally activated Windows 7 on our PC.
We can even download Windows 7 as an ISO from the shadiest torrent site. As long as we are using our genuine product key, the Windows installation will be 100% legal.
Where can I find the Windows 7 product key?
If our Windows 7 PC didn't have Windows preinstalled and doesn't have a sticker, we can use special applications to get the Windows 7 product key.
Some apps will even work in cases where we can't boot into Windows, as long as the hard drive is functional.
Just check out our guide on how to find the Windows product key.
Microsoft giveth, Microsoft taketh away
Even though it would work, downloading Windows 7 from questionable sources is never a good idea. For all we know, the ISO could contain a host of malware: rootkits, trojans, keyloggers; you name it.
That's why it was a big deal that Microsoft allowed us to download Windows 7 as an ISO through Digital River. We could download Windows 7 and be sure that the ISO was clean and untampered.
And then, in early February 2015, Microsoft decided to take down the Digital River ISOs, for good. Sure, they have set up the Microsoft Software Recovery website, the "official" way to download Windows 7.
However, to download Windows 7 through this site, we need the product key of a store-bought, retail version of Windows.
In case we have a desktop or laptop computer with pre-installed Windows 7, we own an OEM Windows 7 License. And Microsoft's website, for reasons unknown, won't let us download Windows 7 ISOs with a valid OEM product key.
So, as OEM owners, what are we supposed to do? Steal a disk? Beg friends and strangers for a Windows 7 DVD?
According to Microsoft, we should order a physical replacement disk, wait a couple of weeks for the delivery, and pay the shipping and handling fees. Not exactly an ideal solution.
The clean ways to download a Windows 7 ISO
The good news is that whatever goes up on the Internet, never really goes away - for better or for worse.
The German mirror http://mirror.corenoc.de/ has done an exceptional job gathering the Digital River ISOs and uploading them as torrent files. They have all the different English versions and even a few in other languages.
Download Windows 7 Torrent
To download Windows 7 using a torrent file, we will need a torrent client. In the example, we will be using the popular torrent client qBittorrent.
Any torrent client will work, though, such as uTorrent / μTorrent or BitComet. So, if you already have a torrent client, you don't need to install qBittorrent.
With a torrent client installed, we only need to download our preferred version's torrent file:
- Windows 7 Home Premium x86 (32bit) SP1
MD5 Checksum: 0afa9359c62dc7b320205d3863c60385
SHA-1 Hash: 6071b4553fcf0ea53d589a846b5ae76743dd68fc
- - Windows 7 Home Premium x64 (64bit) SP1
MD5 Checksum: da319b5826162829c436306bebea7f0f
SHA-1 Hash: 6c9058389c1e2e5122b7c933275f963edf1c07b9
- - Windows 7 Starter x86 (32bit) SP1
MD5 Checksum: c23c9cecee7e3093acfe00faab7091b5
SHA-1 Hash: e1653b111c4c6fd75b1be8f9b4c9bcbb0b39b209
- - Windows 7 Professional x64 (64bit) SP1
MD5 Checksum: ed15956fe33c13642a6d2cb2c7aa9749
SHA-1 Hash: 0bcfc54019ea175b1ee51f6d2b207a3d14dd2b58
- - Windows 7 Professional x86 (32bit) SP1
MD5 Checksum: 0bff99c8310ba12a9136e3d23606f3d4
SHA-1 Hash: d89937df3a9bc2ec1a1486195fd308cd3dade928
- - Windows 7 Ultimate x64 (64bit) SP1
MD5 Checksum: c9f7ecb768acb82daacf5030e14b271e
SHA-1 Hash: 36ae90defbad9d9539e649b193ae573b77a71c83
- - Windows 7 Ultimate x86 (32bit) SP1
MD5 Checksum: 2572274e6b0acf4ed1b502b175f2c2db
SHA-1 Hash: 65fce0f445d9bf7e78e43f17e441e08c63722657
The torrent file is just a few kilobytes in size, and it will download immediately.
Please note that the MD5 Checksums and SHA-1 Hashes refer to the Windows 7 ISO, not the torrent file.
How to use the torrent file
With a correctly installed Torrent client, we just need to double-click on the torrent file, which will start the application and will ask us where to download the ISO file.
Depending on our internet speed, and the available seeders, the ISO file should download in a few minutes.
How can I trust that the Windows 7 ISO is clean?
As we mentioned earlier, downloading Windows 7 from questionable sources is never a good idea. So, since a random German mirror site isn't exactly a reputable source, how can we be 100% confident that these ISOs are clean and safe?
Fortunately, Microsoft can help with that. You see, these ISOs are the same ISOs we could download if we had an MSDN subscription. And Microsoft provides the SHA-1 checksum for the ISOs downloaded by MSDN subscribers.
We just need to visit this page, where we will find the relevant information for all the Windows 7 ISOs.
We just need to look for the version we downloaded using the torrent file, and click on "Details". For the example, we will be using Windows 7 Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (x64).
- Ignore the Product Keys and Download buttons; they won't work without a 1000$+ MSDN subscription -
We know that we have the correct version from the ISO filename.
To confirm that the ISO we downloaded is 100% clean, we just need to compare Microsoft's SHA-1 checksum with the ISO file's checksum.
For this, we will use the free MD5 & SHA Checksum Utility.
This app requires the .NET Framework 3.5, and Windows will prompt to install it if we don't have it already.
Apart from the .NET framework, the app is portable, and it doesn't require an installation. We just run it, click on browse, and select the Windows 7 ISO.
Make sure to select the Windows 7 ISO and not the torrent you used to download the ISO.
Depending on our CPU speed, calculating the checksums will take a couple of minutes.
On the MSDN page, we select the SHA1 checksum and copy it.
We paste it on the Verify Hash with Generated Hash field on the app and click on Verify.
The "SHA-1 Hash matched" message means that these Windows 7 ISOs are 100% identical to Microsoft's ISOs, and not a single byte is different.
How to download Windows 7 straight from Microsoft
Torrents are an excellent way to download large files, but they are not for everyone. If you don't have a torrent client and are not keen on installing one, there is an alternative way to download Windows 7 straight from Microsoft.
What's best, this way will allow us not only to download Windows 7, but also Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and several versions of Microsoft Office.
The Windows ISO Downloader from Heidoc.net
Firstly, we need to download the latest version of the Windows ISO Downloader from Heidoc.net. As of this writing, the version is 4.36, updated on May 12th, 2017.
The app is about 1MB and it will download instantly.
VirusTotal gives the app a 100% clean bill of health. But feel free to test the latest version yourselves on VirusTotal.com or with the antivirus app you use on your PC.
How to use the Windows ISO downloader
The Windows ISO Downloader is a portable app, that does not require an installation. We just open the app, and we are good to go.
The app is particularly easy to use, even for completely novice users. Firstly, we select the version of Windows or Office on the upper right-hand corner...
Then, from the main window, we select the edition that matches our product key. For most users with preinstalled Windows 7, the correct version is Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 COEM, or Windows 7 Professional SP1 COEM.
After we hit the "Confirm" button, we get to choose the Windows 7 language. Our product key will work on any language available.
Once we confirm the language, we get the option of downloading either the 32-bit or the 64-bit version of Windows.
These buttons and the subsequent links will only work for 24 hours from the time of creation.
You should note that the download happens straight from Microsoft's servers.
On a fast ADSL or VDSL connection, the download will take approximately 20 minutes.
If we want to use a different browser or a download accelerator, we can get the download links from the "Copy link" buttons on the right.
We can then paste the link to the browser or app of our choice.
What's next: Creating a Windows 7 DVD / USB and Installing Windows 7
On our next guide, you can see how to write the Windows 7 ISO on a DVD or a USB, to use it for a Windows installation or reinstallation.
Also, if you need help installing Windows 7, check out our detailed guide:
Install Windows 7 from USB or DVD as a beginner.
Are you interested in downloading other versions of Windows?
Windows 7 is a fairly old operating system. If you are interested in downloading a later version of Windows, check out our guides:
Download Windows 8.1 ISOs, Legally & Free from Microsoft
Download the latest version of Windows, for Free
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congrats for the english version,are you planning to add the Q & A section to this site just like in the greek version?
Thank you, Elias. Yes, I will create a Q&A Section, probably with a different plugin.
Got stuck when tried to mount new motherboard. Found out it did not have IDE connection, the plan was otherwise to use any dvd reader on the outside to install windows7 from purchased cd copy. So I tried usb external dvd reader which hung claiming it was short of drivers. The german site supplied the iso image and folowing your advice the installation finally was succesful. /
I'm looking at 2 ISOs for Windows 7 Home Premium here:
1. en_windows_7_home_premium_with_sp1_x64_dvd_620851.iso
2. en_windows_7_home_premium_with_sp1_x64_dvd_u_676549.iso
Not sure what the _u_ means in the second one.
I think the _u_ version is a Media Update version, that has a number of Windows updates incorporated.
The "u" version is updated with media refresh. Use this one, it's more recent.
"The good news is that whatever goes up on the Internet, never truly goes away - for better or for worse."
That is what I was hoping to finally hear!! If this works it will be a godsend. I'll download the correct version and try to install on a fresh hard drive with my OEM license key. Wish me luck.
Good luck, tell us how it went.
Worked fine, it accepted the license key and installed, then I had to reinstall all the drivers and finally had to call and do the automated system to get Windows activated.
They tell us to speak to the OEM. Bit difficult when the pc manufacturer went bust a few years back!
Yes, Microsoft loves to send us to the OEM, as if it wasn't their convoluted licensing system that created the problem in the first place.
So, I am planning on building a pc and I still need the OS. Should I use this torrent as a bootable usb or do you think it wont work or it will break?
It definitely works to create a bootable USB disk.
Hi. How do i find product key for Win 7 Home Premium 32-bit? Now i'm on XP and wanna move to better.
Hi Aida. You need to buy a Windows 7 license, there is no legal way to get a key for free.
You can buy a license here https://www.pcsteps.gr/Windows_7_32bit
Hi I have an OEM Key for Windows 7 Home Premium, when tried to use the recovery system in Microsoft they said I had to contact my manufacturer because I have OEM key, so I went to check Acer and I have a new HDD so I don't have my Recovery thign or whatever when I put my ID they directed me to buy a eRecovery Disk and I don't want to pay for that and then I found this, so I want to download en_windows_7_home_premium_with_sp1_x64_dvd_u_676549.iso and I have some questions:
Is this the correct download? for Home Premium OEM key
Is this genuine download?
Will I be able to activate my OEM key with this?
If so everything will be complete and I will get my genuine back?
Is it English version of Windows?
Hi Takitta,
Yes, the en_windows_7_home_premium_with_sp1_x64_dvd_u_676549.iso is genuine and it will activate with your Home Premium OEM Key. It is the English version o Windows.
Hi all,
Very encouraging article but I would like some comment on what I'm trying to do please. I am a Mac man but I'm sure you won't hold that against me!! At the ripe old age of ?0 I'm taking up an old hobby, SWL, but with an SDR and a dongle. Some of the more complex programs are Win rather than Mac so I've got to move. Before I decide on my birthday present, a bespoke PC, I want to try out some of these programs by virtualising a PC, more than one in fact, on the Mac so I can compare them. I'm in NJ for two weeks and have the use of a PC running Wn 7 and had hoped to use the restore facility for a bootable USB or DVD to virtualise. No joy as the article above points out so the methodology also above is just what I need. My idea is to do as much as possible on the Mac, download the ISO, check the check sum etc purely for convenience. (the mac will work in PC formats) because the PC is so full of crapware (I've spent hours trying to get out of registry cleaners etc) that enough is more than enough! Is this doable? and where might things get a bit messy?
Thanks again for the article and I'll look out for the next installment! Regards john m
Hi John,
You won't have a problem installing the home premium ISO for a 30 day trial with Boot Camp.
If you haven't tried it before, see Apple's guide: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201468
sorry, address is gabaial-soft@yaho.co.uk
Hi John,
You won't have a problem installing the home premium ISO for a 30 day trial with Boot Camp.
If you haven't tried it before, see Apple's guide:https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201468
Very, very nice job guys. I am astounded and ecstatic I found this page. I never even thought about looking for a torrent. I was locked out of my Admin/User from some sort of pass. issue and I have tried to reset it using many utilities. Even Falconfours utility would not re-enable the Admin. I lost my Win 7 disc and of course I am now using my outdated and extremely slow laptop to create all these utilities and search for fixes online. Been a really fun 2 days for me. I am so grateful for you and your site, it saved me! Thank you so much and awesome job. You guys are my favorite!
Thanks man. Have you checked out our guide to reset the Windows pass? https://www.pcsteps.com/1075-gain-administrator-access-windows-password/
hi,i want to download win7 without service pack
Hi. Unfortunately there are no ISOs without SP1 that I know of.
May I ask why you want Windows 7 without the service pack?
Awesome work man!
Thank you, Amit!
Angelos, are these torrents for the OEM versions of Windows 7 or are they the retail versions?
Hi Ed. They definitely work for OEM product keys. They will probably work for Retail product keys too, but you can download Retail ISOs straight from Microsoft: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-recovery
OK, thank you.
The Link for Windows 7 Home Premium x86 (32bit) SP1 is not working.
It si giving a Google Drive App is not available error.
Can you provide any location from where the same can be downloaded?
Weird, it's downloading fine for me.
Try this one, it's on a different Google Drive Account: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9WMEng0qdewb1RjcGNxUDhETFk/view?usp=sharing
The Link for Windows 7 Home Premium x86 (32bit) SP1 is not working.
It si giving a Google Drive App is not available error.
Can you provide any location from where the same can be downloaded?
you can mail me the link at myselfamey@gmail.com
The Windows 7 Home Premium torrent download link is giving the following error:
Google Drive
The app is currently unreachable
Hey bro... I normally install windows 7 with Parallels on my Mac, but I get the following:
hey bro… I normally install windows 7 with Parallels on my Mac, but I get the following… What can I do?
Hey Nicolás,
When you get this message, are you logging in with the Guest account, or you get it with any account?
Also, have you tried with a Windows version other than Starter? Starter is a cut-down version, that has a number of limitations.
Why is no one seeding?
Which version are you trying to download?
English, win 7 home premium x64
There are currently nearly 50 seeders, from all over the world.
Did you have problem just with this torrent, or other ones too?
http://i.imgur.com/NJUbq27.png
Probably something blocking my utorrent then.
Please ! I need to find an OEM version of 7 Home premium PT-PT...
My english sucks and Micros doesn't help me and HP says that does not support a 2,5 years old laptop -_-
Unfortunately, there are no PT-PT ISOs I can find for Home Premium.
Why don't you install the English version and change language afterwards? https://www.pcsteps.com/880-windows-7-language-change-any-version/
Thank you so so much. Have an asus laptop and had to replace the hd. No OEM disks.Thanks again.
what happens if I install this via Bootcamp without a valid license? I'm trying to use an old key from a retail Windows 7 disc I bought in 2010. But, when I check that key via http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-recovery i get the "Unsupported Language Error" message. If I install this, will I end up with a "trial" version if they key doesn't work.
Yes, the home premium versions work for 30 days as a trial.
I'm getting no seeds as of right now.
Same, using win 7 ultimate 64bit
I left it on all night, and seeds magically appeared!
Hey I was just wondering if i use this and put in my product key and it activates, will i be able to download windows 10 update that would be out in a few days.
If you have a product key, you can use the beta version, so I would assume so.