How to get a free computer
Free computers come from nonprofits, government programs, schools, libraries, and refurbishment initiatives — not from a single source you can call. The most reliable route depends on who you are: students often find them through schools, seniors through aging services, low-income households through community nonprofits, and anyone through library lending programs. Each source has different requirements, different machines, and different timelines.
This guide walks you through the real options and what each one actually involves. You will learn where to look, what to expect, and what questions to ask before you accept a machine.
Key Takeaways
- Public libraries in most cities lend computers short-term or run refurbishment programs that give away machines to people who meet income requirements.
- Nonprofits like Computers for Communities, World Computer Exchange, and local tech nonprofits distribute refurbished machines, usually requiring proof of income or enrollment in a job training program.
- School districts often provide devices to students at no cost, and some extend programs to families during summer or after school ends.
- Government workforce development programs sometimes include computer distribution as part of job training, through your state's workforce board or local American Job Center.
- Refurbished computer retailers and donation programs like Freecycle or Buy Nothing groups occasionally have machines available, though availability is unpredictable.
Library computer lending and giveaway programs
Many public library systems lend computers for weeks at a time, the same way they lend books. You need a library card, which is free. The machines are usually older but functional — Chromebooks, laptops, or desktops — and you return them when the loan period ends. Some libraries also run permanent giveaway programs where you keep the computer if you meet income thresholds.
Start by calling your local library's main branch or visiting their website and searching for "computer lending" or "device lending." Ask whether they lend computers, what the loan period is, and whether they have a giveaway program. If your library doesn't have one, ask whether they know of other libraries in your county that do — larger systems often share resources. Some libraries require you to attend a brief tech orientation before borrowing.
Nonprofit computer distribution programs
Computers for Communities operates in California, Colorado, and Texas. They refurbish donated machines and distribute them to low-income individuals and families. You explore through their website, provide proof of income, and if you meet their threshold, you receive a computer at no cost. Processing takes a few weeks.
World Computer Exchange works in partnership with nonprofits across the United States. They don't distribute directly, but they supply refurbished computers to local organizations. Search their partner list on their website to find a nonprofit near you that receives their machines. Partners include job training programs, homeless services, and community centers.
Search for "free computer nonprofit [your city]" or "[your county] computer refurbishment." Local nonprofits often focus on specific groups — seniors, people re-entering the workforce, people experiencing homelessness, or families below a certain income level. Call 211 (a referral service) and ask whether they know of computer distribution programs in your area. They maintain local databases and can tell you what exists and what the requirements are.
School and student computer programs
Public school districts distribute devices to students during the school year, usually at no cost. If you have school-age children, contact your school's main office and ask about device distribution. Many districts provide Chromebooks or tablets that students keep at home. Some programs continue during summer or after graduation for students entering college or workforce training.
If you are a student yourself — in high school, college, or a vocational program — ask your school's IT department or student services office whether they have loaner devices or refurbished machines available. Community colleges sometimes distribute computers to students in specific programs, particularly workforce development or certificate courses.
Workforce development and job training programs
Your state's workforce development system sometimes includes computers as part of job training. Contact your local American Job Center (find it at careeronestop.org) and ask whether any of their training programs include a computer or whether they know of programs that do. Some workforce boards partner with nonprofits to distribute machines to people enrolled in training.
If you are receiving unemployment benefits or are enrolled in a job training program, mention to your case manager or counselor that you need a computer. They may know of internal resources or partner organizations that distribute machines to program participants. Some programs provide the computer as part of the training itself; others help you find one.
Refurbished retailers and donation networks
Retailers that specialize in refurbished electronics sometimes run donation programs or sell machines at very low cost. Best Buy's trade-in program and some Best Buy locations partner with nonprofits to distribute refurbished machines. Call your local Best Buy and ask whether they participate in any computer donation or low-cost programs.
Online networks like Freecycle and Buy Nothing (both free to join) sometimes have computers listed. Availability is unpredictable — you may find nothing one month and several machines the next. Join your local group, set up alerts for the word "computer," and check regularly. You pick up from the person giving it away, so you need local access.
What to check before accepting a free computer
Before you take a machine, confirm it has a working power adapter and charging cable. Ask whether the operating system (Windows, Mac, or Chrome OS) is installed and working. If it's a Windows or Mac machine, ask whether it comes with a password or whether you can set one yourself — you need to be able to log in and use it.
Ask about the age and condition. A five-year-old machine is usually fine for email, web browsing, and documents. Older machines may be slow. If it's a Chromebook, it will work well for web-based tasks but not for software that requires Windows or Mac. Ask whether the battery holds a charge if it's a laptop — a dead battery makes the machine much less useful unless you have a desk to keep it on.
If the computer comes from a nonprofit or library, ask whether they provide any support if it stops working. Some programs offer a warranty period or will help troubleshoot basic issues. Others give you the machine as-is with no support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay anything to get a free computer?
No. Legitimate free computer programs do not charge a fee. Be cautious of websites or people claiming to give away computers but asking for payment upfront, shipping fees, or personal financial information. Stick with established nonprofits, libraries, and government programs.
What if I don't meet income requirements?
Many nonprofits have income thresholds, but not all do. Some distribute based on enrollment in a job training program, student status, or age rather than income. Call multiple organizations — requirements vary. Libraries often have no income requirement for lending programs.
Can I get a computer if I'm not a student?
Yes. Nonprofits, libraries, and workforce programs serve adults of all ages. Some programs target specific groups like seniors or people re-entering the workforce, but many are open to anyone who meets their basic requirements. Libraries are usually the most accessible option for anyone with a library card.
How long does it take to get a free computer?
Library lending is when ready if you have a card. Nonprofit programs typically take two to four weeks from process to delivery. Workforce programs depend on when you enroll and what the program's schedule is. Freecycle and Buy Nothing are when ready if someone has a machine available, but you may wait weeks or months for one to appear.
What if the computer breaks after I get it?
That depends on the source. Some nonprofits offer a short warranty or will replace a machine that fails within 30 days. Libraries usually expect you to return a loaned machine in working condition. Ask about the warranty or may provide before you take the machine, so you know what happens if something goes wrong.