CompTIA A+ Where can I find Win7, & Win8/8.1?

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Hello,

First of all, I checked the forum to see if this question was asked before, and couldn't find anything.

I wanted to see if anyone had advice on where I could find ISO files for creating a virtual machine for Windows 7 & Windows 8/8.1.

I thought it would be helpful to create these virtual machines to get a little more familiarized with the different versions of the Windows operating system as they seem to be covered quite extensively in the course and the exam.

The biggest concern I have are:

1. Having to purchase a license if I don't plan to use these versions of Windows in the future
2. Finding a free download riddled with malware

I imagine I'm not the only one who thought it was a good idea to experiment with the different Windows versions in a virtualized environment to be better prepared for the exam, so I'm sure there's a solution.

I'm curious where Wes Bryan got his software for the Win7 & Win8/8.1 demo in the first few episodes of CompTIA A+?

Thanks in advance!

-Daniel Scott

@Daniel-Scott,

I'm not sure you can get from official sources anymore as Microsoft are trying to do away with any other OS besides Windows 10 for the client workstation.

but you can try here:

Windows 8.1
https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/software-download/windows8ISO

Windows 7 - requires a product key
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7

@Daniel-Scott ,

Wes might have more information, but here's what I know.

Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1 aren't available through Microsoft without a license.

For example, you can download Windows 7 here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7, but you will need a product key.

They are also available through various subscriptions, such as a Visual Studio subscription. Of course those aren't free either.

Your best bet is to take advantage of Practice Labs through your ITProTV subscription. The first lab module includes a Windows 7 VM and a Windows 8.1 VM. The great thing about these lab machines is you can play as much as you want! You don't have to follow the labs steps every time. Just start the lab module, start the Windows 7 VM and start exploring! They are full installs, not just a Flash simulation. So you have access to every part of the Windows 7 machine.

Hope this helps.

Your cheapest option may be buying an old Windows 7 and old Windows 8 on Ebay, then selling them when you've passed the exams.