How can I get Windows 7 SP1 for free?
Support for Windows 7 ended on January 14, 2020 We recommend you move to a Windows 11 PC to continue to receive security updates from Microsoft. Learn more The recommended (and easiest) way to get SP1 is to turn on automatic updating in Windows Update in Control Panel
and wait for Windows 7 to notify you that SP1 is ready to install. It takes about 30 minutes to install, and you'll need to restart your computer about halfway through the installation. To check if Windows 7 SP1 is already installed on your PC, select the Start button, right-click Computer, and then select Properties. If Service Pack 1 is listed under Windows edition, SP1 is already installed on your PC. You’ll need to know if your PC is running a 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) version of Windows 7. Select the Start button, right-click Computer, and then select Properties. The version of Windows 7 is displayed next to System type. Check to make sure your PC has enough free disk space to install SP1. Installation method Estimated amount of free disk space needed Windows update x86-based (32-bit): 750 MB x64-based (64-bit): 1050 MB Downloading SP1 from the Microsoft website x86-based (32-bit): 4100 MB x64-based (64-bit): 7400 MB It’s a good idea to back up your important files, photos, and videos to an external hard disk, USB flash drive, or the cloud before installing the update. Make sure your PC is plugged in to power and you’re connected to the Internet. Some antivirus software might prevent SP1 from installing or slow down the installation. You can temporarily disable your antivirus software before the installation. If you do so, make sure you’re aware of the risks that might be involved and re-enable the antivirus software as soon as SP1 is done installing. If your PC is set to automatically install updates, you’ll be prompted by Windows Update to install SP1. Follow the instructions to install the update. To manually install SP1 from Windows Update:
Downloading and installing Windows SP1 from the Microsoft Update CatalogIf you’re unable to install SP1 from Windows Update, you can download the installation package from the Microsoft Update Catalog and then install SP1 manually.
Troubleshoot problems installing Windows SP1If you try to install SP1 and see an error message that the installation wasn’t successful, this might be because there’s a problem with the Windows Servicing Store that is used to install updates or because your antivirus software is preventing the update from being installed. To try and fix the problem, follow these steps and then try to install SP1 again. Run the Windows Update troubleshooterIf your PC isn’t able to find or install updates, the Windows Update troubleshooter might be able to fix the problem.
Need more help?Can I still get SP1 for Windows 7?If you're unable to install SP1 from Windows Update, you can download the installation package from the Microsoft Update Catalog and then install SP1 manually. Go to the Windows 7 Service Pack 1 download page on the Microsoft website. Select the Download link that corresponds to your version of Windows 7.
Can I get Windows 7 for free?The only legal way to get a completely free copy of Windows 7 is by transferring a licence from another Windows 7 PC for which you didn't pay a penny – perhaps one that's been passed on to you from a friend or relative or one you've picked up from Freecycle, for example.
Are Windows 7 service packs still available?Support for Windows 7 ended on January 14, 2020
We recommend you move to a Windows 11 PC to continue to receive security updates from Microsoft. The latest service pack for Windows 7 is Service Pack 1 (SP1). Learn how to get SP1.
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