Get Windows 7 For Free

Method 1 of 3: Free Upgrades

1. Determine when you purchased your computer. If you are running a pre-Windows 7 operating system, you may be eligible for a free upgrade if you purchased the system between June 26, 2009 and January 10, 2010.
2. Find your serial number and purchasing information. You may need this information during the free upgrade process.
3. Contact the people you bought the computer from. If you bought the computer at a store, they may instruct you to contact the maker of the computer, if they do not carry free installation kits.
4. Contact the computer maker. Acer, Dell, Sony and other computers have their own free upgrade links. Talk to a customer service representative to find the link for your computer.
5. Keep in mind that since Windows has released Windows 8, the free Windows 7 upgrade option may have expired.
6. Click on the upgrade link. Type in your serial number and other computer information.
7. Download the file to upgrade. In some cases, you may receive a disk in the mail.

Method 2 of 3: Microsoft Seminar

1. Check the locations for Microsoft's training seminars. Go to microsoft.com/hk/technet/seminar to find upcoming international options.
2. Sign up for the seminar, if you are able to travel to it. The seminars are usually free, but you are required to pay travel expenses.
3. Attend the seminar. You will want to attend the exhibition hall in addition to classes. Microsoft tends to give away free copies of Professional operating systems at these seminars.
4. The availability of free products will vary greatly depending upon the event and wishes of Microsoft. This recommendation is based on past experience with free programs being given to attendees.

Method 3 of 3: MSDN Academic Alliance Program

1. Inquire with your high school and college to see if they have signed up for Microsoft DreamSpark for Academic Institutions.
2. If they have, request a free copy of developer, design and software tools under the Academic Alliance program. This package is likely to include Microsoft Windows 7 Professional.
3. Create an individual account, if you are a student and your institution isn't part of the DreamSpark program. You will need a valid educational email address and information about your schooling.
4. Apply at dreamspark.com/Student/Default.aspx. Verify your identity as a student using your email address.
5. The program requires you to prove you are a student, because Microsoft suspects some fraudulent downloading by professionals who are not part of academic programs.
6. Sign into your account on the DreamSpark website.
7. Choose the programs you want to download. A professional version of a Windows OS should be 1 of the options.