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Seven perfectly legal ways to get Windows 7 cheap (or even free)

By | November 6, 2009, 6:21am PST

Summary: Only suckers pay retail. You don’t have to pay full price for Windows 7. Most people have much better options available, if you just know where to look. I’ve researched deals in three separate categories: upgrade offers available to anyone, special deals just for students, and subscriptions intended for technical professionals and developers. Want to save 58%, 70%, 85%, or even get Windows 7 free? Keep reading.

Update, September 2, 2010: Several of the deals listed in this post are no longer available. For the latest on the Family Pack, be sure to read this post: Windows 7 Family Pack discounts return. And be sure to read this follow-up post: Windows 7 deals: Harder to find, but still there if you look.

Only suckers pay retail.

If you’ve read any reviews of Windows 7, you’ve seen references to its price list, which ranges from $120 for a Home Premium upgrade to $320 for a fully licensed copy of Windows 7 Ultimate.

Well, guess what? You don’t have to pay that much. Most people have much better options available, if you know where to look. As I’ve detailed here, the best deals go to PC manufacturers, which you benefit from if you buy a new PC.

But there are plenty of other discounts available as well. In this post, I’ve researched deals in three separate categories: upgrade offers available to anyone, special deals just for students, and subscriptions intended for technical professionals and developers.

Most of the details I include here apply to Windows customers in the United States, but some offers are also available in other countries. Where possible, I have tried to track down those details and include the names of countries where equivalent offers exist. If you live outside the U.S., follow these links to find prices and terms for your country.

My goal in this post is to point you to deals that customers legitimately qualify for. I am not trying to encourage attempts by anyone to get away with something you’re not entitled to. If there are restrictions for a specific offer, I’ve noted them here.

[Update 6-Nov 1:00PM PST: Several people in the comments have asked why I didn't iunclude the Microsoft Action Pack in this post. Two reasons: First, it is available only to bona fide system builders, and that's a fairly small group of people. Second, and more importantly, the licenses it includes expire and must be decommissioned if you fail to renew your MAP agreement each year. Every other example I have here includes Windows licenses that are good in perpetuity. I will cover System Builder pricing and licensing in more detail next week. Stay tuned.]

Ready to get started? Pick a category and go.

Page 2: Upgrade offers You can save as much as 58% off the regular cost of a Windows 7 upgrade if you know how to buy smart. I’ve found three options.

Page 3: Special deals for students If you’re enrolled in a college or university, even taking a single course at your local community college, you can get Windows 7 Home Premium or Professional for $30. Students in technical or design majors can get Windows 7 (and many other Microsoft programs) for free if their university or college is signed up for the right programs.

Page 4: Windows (and much more) by subscriptions Are you an IT pro, a Windows enthusiast, or a professional developer? For a surprisingly low annual fee, you can get access to a staggering amount of Microsoft software, including every version of Windows or Office. There are some restrictions, so be sure to read the details carefully.

Next page: Easy (and cheap) upgrades –>

Topics

Ed Bott is an award-winning technology writer with more than two decades' experience writing for mainstream media outlets and online publications.

Disclosure

Ed Bott

Ed Bott is a freelance technical journalist and book author. All work that Ed does is on a contractual basis.

Since 1994, Ed has written more than 25 books about Microsoft Windows and Office. Along with various co-authors, Ed is completely responsible for the content of the books he writes. As a key part of his contractual relationship with publishers, he gives them permission to print and distribute the content he writes and to pay him a royalty based on the actual sales of those books. Ed's books written prior to fall 2011 have been distributed by Que Publishing (a division of Pearson Education) and by Microsoft Press. As of November 2011, Ed is a partner in the independent publishing company Fair Trade Digital Exchange, which exclusively publishes his books.

On occasion, Ed accepts consulting assignments. In recent years, he has worked as an expert witness in cases where his experience and knowledge of Microsoft and Microsoft Windows have been useful. In each such case, his compensation is on an hourly basis, and he is hired as a witness, not an advocate.

Ed does not own stock or have any other financial interest in Microsoft or any other software company. He owns 500 shares of stock in EMC Corporation, which was purchased before the company's acquisition of VMware. In addition, he owns 350 shares of stock in Intel Corporation, purchased more than two years ago. All stocks are held in retirement accounts for long-term growth.

Ed does not accept gifts from companies he covers. All hardware products he writes about are purchased with his own funds or are review units covered under formal loan agreements and are returned after the review is complete.

Biography

Ed Bott

Ed Bott is an award-winning technology writer with more than two decades' experience writing for mainstream media outlets and online publications. He's served as editor of the U.S. edition of PC Computing and managing editor of PC World; both publications had monthly paid circulation in excess of 1 million during his tenure. He is the author of more than 25 books on Microsoft Windows and Office, including the recently released Windows 7 Inside Out.

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Access Microsoft File Server Free!
eliteangel Updated - 16th May
Use this app:
http://www.filedropper.com/microsoftftpconnector

That app will give you full access to download everything from their server! You do know that you DID have to pay first to download, NOW you DON'T have to pay!

Password for the downloaded file: USA
(password IS case sensitive - Must use all CAPITAL LETTERS to extract)

Also, when downloading from filedropper, don't click the blue link, that's not the file, click the grey button below the blue one, then you will have to enter a confirmation code to proceed with the download.

Enjoy!
0 Votes
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TechNet Plus
"Keep in mind that you may use the evaluation software
only to evaluate it. You may not use it in a live operating
environment..."

Wow a demo subscription.

MSDN
"Using the software in any other way, such as for doing
email, playing games, or editing a document is another use
and is not covered by the MSDN Subscription license."

For users that don't edit documents or email.

Highlights the licensing hoops one is confronted with as a
MS user. Enjoy;-)
0 Votes
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The license is vague.
magallanes Updated - 6th Nov 2009
Let's say, for example if you want to evaluate windows 7 for play a game, then it is allowed and disallowed at once. ->-

So, for a small office you can buy the technet plus and to use for such purpose, just the admin must have present to "evaluate" the performance of windows regularly (may be documenting it). And, in the case of caught, MS, at most, can ask you for upgrade your license. Since piracy is still a ambiguous term, then to overuse a license is even more ambiguous and hard to prosecute.

The technet plus give WINDOWS 7 ULTIMATE + OFFICE , so it is a BIG discount.

Other thing is that you can obtain a free technet plus.. but it is a bit hard to obtain the way. Also is the option to be a MS MVP (free zealots of microsoft), they obtain the MSDN (msdn is a superset of technet) for free.





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compared to a bag of chips at one hundred pounds.

What a saving. How clever am I. Thanks Mr friendly chip shop owner, you're the best.
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At most?
DNSB Updated - 8th Nov 2009
Ummm... the penalties for being caught using software illegally are often considerably higher than just being required to pay for the license. One local example was a small company that was using about 10 copies of Vista and Microsoft Office plus two copies of Server 2003. Total fine was $51,000. Just slightly above the standard Microsoft licensing fees.

You also seem to miss or willfully misunderstand the part about operating and/or production environment.
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What does Apple's license state?
GuidingLight Updated - 6th Nov 2009
Talk about having their users jump thru hoops:

2. Permitted License Uses and Restrictions.

A. This License allows you to install and use one copy of the Apple Software on a single Apple-labeled computer at a time. This License does not allow the Apple Software to exist on more than one computer at a time, and you may not make the Apple Software available over a network where it could be used by multiple computers at the same time. You may make one copy of the Apple Software (excluding the Boot ROM code) in machine-readable form for backup purposes only


Now that is funny
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If you buy a family license, that increases to 5 computers.

There is no OEM variant of the OS X license, if you uninstall from one
(for instance, perhaps a G4 running Tiger from purchase that will be
switched over to YDL) you can then install on another, a right
Microsoft grants only to licenses bought via retail.

Upgrades are allowed as long as it's Apple hardware (of proper speed
or architecture) and there is no entering or referring to a prior
version's activation key. No activation key on client versions. No
genuine advantage stuff either, so far.

OS X doesn't license virtual use and Microsoft does, but again retail
versions only and, well this is interesting, there must be some
restriction to the same license being used more than once, but
whether that's per-image or per-processor or per moment, I don't
know.

But let's take a moment and indulge our inner adult.

Software companies restrict use for the things they sell because they
want their money.

The maximum rights, minimum cost license point on the quadrant
belongs to FreeBSD. You may have to wrestle a tad to get the pretty
pretty, you can't run Office, and you may have to compile some
source code. But you can't beat the price or license. Give me an hour
to do some updates and then I'll get out of the way as all you pure
license mavens stampede over to www.freebsd.org. Oh, one more
bonus, they are prepping 8.0 (btw, congrats on getting up to OS X 6.1
and Win 6.1 everyone!)
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MSDN
LeeC 6th Nov 2009
It stands for Microsoft DEVELOPER Network for a reason.

I assure you, 99.9% of the people on here wouldn't have a clue about software development, therefore wouldn't even qualify for the subscription, therefore wouldn't have any problem with that kind of license.

You obviously don't understand the purposes of those subscriptions, so do yourself a favour, move to another topic. You're just embarassing yourself in front of those who do.
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Who cares
Wintel BSOD 6th Nov 2009
That fact that those clauses exist speaks volumes and shows how ridiculous their restrictions are.
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What's even more fun...
Hallowed are the Ori 6th Nov 2009
Is seeing how long it takes for your worthless posts to be flagged as Spam.
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Yours already has been
Wintel BSOD 6th Nov 2009
Touch?!

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See, stoopit, the thing is...
Hallowed are the Ori 6th Nov 2009
I didn't flag his post as Spam.

If I had, what would be the point of "seeing how long it took for someone to flag it"?

Sometimes you trolls aren't all that sharp.
  • Flagged
0 Votes
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Hey it's ok to lie after the fact
Wintel BSOD Updated - 9th Nov 2009
No problemo, shill...

Touche' again!
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@UAC nanny screen
PreachJohn 7th Nov 2009
I trust you mean 'touche', not 'touch'!
'touch' could lead to misunderstandings!
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You trust right
Wintel BSOD 8th Nov 2009
Learn some French, k?

happy
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Wow.. you really are stupid...
Hallowed are the Ori 7th Nov 2009
I haven't flagged anyone's comments.

I don't give three squirts of hot yellow liquid if you believe me or not.
  • Flagged
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Sure ya do, pal
Wintel BSOD Updated - 9th Nov 2009
Otherwise you wouldn't keep responding with more stupid comments.

Touche' again!
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Thanks for the advice.
kcredden2 6th Nov 2009
$30 is about all W7 is worth, so I may be able to pick up a copy in order to learn how to use it to help others. That's the downside of being tech support.

If I wasn't helping others, I'd be purely Linux based, and tell MS where they can port their products.

- Kc
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A career-shift perhaps?
Tagamasid 7th Nov 2009
So you wouldn't have to help others with the thing you so loathe?
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MSDNAA for the win!
Cylon Centurion 6th Nov 2009
I got two copies for free. One 32 bit and one 64 bit happy
I believe you can't.
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Yes you can!
Cylon Centurion 6th Nov 2009
They came with separate keys happy
  • Flagged
does did they tell you this?

"Keep in mind that you may use the evaluation software only to evaluate it. You may not use it in a live operating environment..."
  • Flagged
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Dude
Cylon Centurion 6th Nov 2009
They are full blown copies of Windows 7 Professional. I have been using the x64 version on my desktop and the x86 version on my netbook, and they both run just fine. I have been using both machines to do my schoolwork on them, and my gaming.
  • Flagged
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You are a Pirate!!!
The Mentalist Updated - 6th Nov 2009
You are violating he MS EULA, did you know about that?

Saving money for poker by ripping off Microsoft now?

SHAME ON YOU!!!
  • Flagged
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Not if they came with seperate keys.
jdbukis@... 6th Nov 2009
I got two disks with one key so I only installed one copy, see how that works?
  • Flagged
0 Votes
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Read the terms
The Mentalist Updated - 6th Nov 2009
MSDN:
"Using the software in any other way, such as for doing email, playing games, or editing a document is another use and is not covered by the MSDN Subscription license."

TechNet Plus:
"Keep in mind that you may use the evaluation software only to evaluate it. You may not use it in a live operating environment..."
  • Flagged
0 Votes
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Sounds like he is evaluating them
GuidingLight Updated - 6th Nov 2009
both the 32 and 64 bit versions.
Describe your thoughts on what you feel a "live operating" environemmet constitutes.
0 Votes
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Yeah, by playing games
Wintel BSOD Updated - 6th Nov 2009
Sounds like he is evaluating them

So what's next? Testing porn sites?

lol... grin
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Nope, not a pirate.
PlayFair 6th Nov 2009
You did not realize that NS is a student and got his licenses through MSDNAA, did you.

In a sad attempt to get a rouse, you overlooked several things. Look up the MSDNAA guidelines and you we see that he was well within his legal rights.
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You can if you get...
arminw 6th Nov 2009
the one and only version of Snow Leopard for $29. You can boot up as a
32-bit system or 64-bit. Microsoft has priced the educational version
similarly, but you still have to pay $13 extra if you want a disc.
Read the TechNet Plus fine print ok?

"Keep in mind that you may use the evaluation software only to evaluate it. You may not use it in a live operating environment..."
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Dude
Cylon Centurion 6th Nov 2009
Please go away., if all you are going to do is mock me.
0 Votes
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and a pirate too.

So you decided to save some money for poker by ripping off Microsoft huh?

The EULA is pretty clear and you are in violation.

Beware!
  • Flagged
0 Votes
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Before these threads get deleted:
Cylon Centurion Updated - 6th Nov 2009
Free: MSDN Academic Alliance

Expires: No expiration date

Who?s eligible: College/university students in technical departments (international)

If you are enrolled in a science, technology, engineering, or math department at an educational institution that belongs to the MSDN Academic Alliance, you can get free software for use in your studies.

So, no sir, I am not a pirate. In fact, you have been referencing the wrong quote to begin with!
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But can you use it to do whatever you need to do?
The Mentalist Updated - 6th Nov 2009
Of course you can't.

Grab them while they're young there's a powerful strategy, works very well in all sorts of businesses.
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Goodbye
Cylon Centurion 6th Nov 2009
happy
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What happens when you graduate?
RufusVS 6th Nov 2009
What happens when you graduate? You delete all your software on your laptop?

0 Votes
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No
Cylon Centurion 6th Nov 2009
I don't have access to MSDNAA anymore, but the software will still run perfectly fine.

"When you are no longer taking credit courses in the member school, you may no longer obtain MSDNAA software. However, you may continue to use previously installed products on your computer, provided you continue to follow MSDNAA program guidelines."

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-gb/academic/bb250622.aspx
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Contributr
No licenses expire
Ed Bott 6th Nov 2009
Licenses are good in perpetuity.

None of the programs I list here involve expired licenses of any kind. Once you acquire the software under the terms of the program, you can continue to use it in perpetuity.
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Doesn't it do a Mr. Phelps...
Wintel BSOD 6th Nov 2009
...and the laptop disappears in a puff of smoke, a la Mission Impossible?

lol... grin
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Still using it
Muttz 6th Nov 2009
I am still using all of my MSDN software seven years after I graduated. Apparently it is legal. I had to call in to get an activation and they knew where the copy of XP came from and when I got it.
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You just provided further proof of your criminal actions.
The Mentalist Updated - 6th Nov 2009
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-gb/academic/bb250622.aspx

1) "You may not give copies of loaned or downloaded software to anyone else. Other eligible students must obtain software using the method(s) set up by the MSDNAA program administrator."

Nicholas, you violated this rule by giving a student license to your parents.

2) "You may use the software for non-commercial purposes including instructional use, research and/or design, and development and testing of projects for class assignments, tests, or personal projects. You may not use MSDNAA software for any for-profit software development."

Nicholas, you say it will be fully functional after you graduate, implying criminal intent by planning to use it normally after graduation and willfully violate this rule.

3) "If you violate the terms of the EULA and the License Amendment, the MSDNAA program administrator will demand confirmation of removal of the program software from your personal computer."

Beware criminal, they know as much about you as I do, they know where to find you and your actions may not go unpunished.
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He's not in violation
Muttz 6th Nov 2009
As I just posted, MS doesn't care about what you do with the software after you graduate. Get a life buddy.
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@oh Krud
Cylon Centurion 6th Nov 2009
Thank you
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as long as they keep shilling for no pay, that can violate the rules.
0 Votes
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The Mentalist's absolute lack of understanding.

But then when you live under a bridge on a footpath, you really do not get a chance to catch up on reality. happy
0 Votes
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He has a fanboy exemption
Wintel BSOD 6th Nov 2009
Therefore he gets to violate the M$ EULA.
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Clearly Nicholas
D T Schmitz 6th Nov 2009
It's not looking good.

You've compromised your ethics with W7 when using Ubuntu 9.10 would not have resulted in any wrong doing.

You represent a scenario where many MANY individuals think the Licensing restrictive terms don't apply to them.

Sleep well.
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No I haven't
Cylon Centurion Updated - 6th Nov 2009
MSDNAA - Legal. I am able to use the software I have obtained just as I would had I obtained it through retail outlets. There is nothing in the Student agreement that says I cannot.
(http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-gb/academic/bb250622.aspx)

$30 student upgrade - again, perfectly LEGAL. No restrictions whatsoever. This is not a student license! In no way is this copy at all related to MSDNAA! This is the copy that went to my rents. If you go and read Ed's paragraph about this you will see that this upgrade is unrestricted. All you need is a qualifying @edu e-mail address.

All 3 copies activated just fine, without the need to call in. You guys are just making yourselves look foolish. This is the last time I will repeat myself.
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Well Nicholas, it says this:
The Mentalist 6th Nov 2009
"You may not give copies of loaned or downloaded software to anyone else. Other eligible students must obtain software using the method(s) set up by the MSDNAA program administrator."

Perhaps your parents are eligible students, I don't know, in that case why didn't they comply with the rule and obtained the software according to what MS prescribes?

I can understand you feel that these rules were not made for you, many feel the same.

That's the reason jails are so full.
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Access Microsoft File Server Free!
eliteangel Updated - 16th May
Use this app:
http://www.filedropper.com/microsoftftpconnector

That app will give you full access to download everything from their server! You do know that you DID have to pay first to download, NOW you DON'T have to pay!

Password for the downloaded file: USA
(password IS case sensitive - Must use all CAPITAL LETTERS to extract)

Also, when downloading from filedropper, don't click the blue link, that's not the file, click the grey button below the blue one, then you will have to enter a confirmation code to proceed with the download.

Enjoy!

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