How to Get a Free Laptop: 15 Legit Options
Updated November 2026
You can get a free laptop through nonprofits like Computers with Causes and Computers for Kids, through your school or college's loaner program, or by checking Freecycle and Buy Nothing groups. Truly free laptops are limited, though. Most programs for low-income households now sell refurbished laptops at a steep discount instead, and the federal Affordable Connectivity Program, which offered a laptop discount, ended in 2024.
Below are 15 legit ways to get a free or nearly free laptop, who qualifies, and how to avoid "free government laptop" offers that aren't what they seem.
Free Laptop Options at a Glance
| Option | Free or low-cost? | Who it's for |
|---|---|---|
| School or district loaner laptop | Free to use (usually returned) | K-12 students |
| College loaner programs | Free to use | College students |
| Library laptop lending | Free to borrow | Anyone with a library card (where offered) |
| Computers with Causes | Free (application) | Households in need, military families, students |
| Computers for Kids | Free or low-cost | Kids and schools in the Pacific Northwest |
| PCs for People | Low-cost | Low-income households |
| Human-I-T | Low-cost | Low-income households |
| Freecycle and Buy Nothing groups | Free | Anyone |
Is There a Government Program for Free Laptops?
Not right now. There is no federal program that gives laptops away for free.
- The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) offered eligible households a one-time discount on a laptop, desktop or tablet. The FCC says the program ended June 1, 2024 after funding ran out, so that discount is no longer available.
- Lifeline, the FCC's ongoing program, discounts phone or internet service for qualifying households. It doesn't include a laptop.
Watch out for "free government laptop" ads. Some phone and internet companies still advertise free laptops or tablets. Read the fine print: these offers usually require signing up for a service plan or paying a fee.
Some cities and states run their own device programs. Search your city or county name plus "free computer program," or call 211 to ask what's available near you.
How to Get a Free Laptop for Students
1. Ask Your School About a Loaner Laptop
Many school districts give every student a Chromebook or laptop to use for schoolwork, and some let students take them home. Ask your child's school or district technology office. These devices usually have to be returned at the end of the year or when your child leaves the district.
Online public schools in many states also provide a computer to enrolled students.
2. Check Your College's Laptop Program
Many colleges, universities and community colleges lend laptops to students, often through the library or IT help desk. Some also have emergency technology funds for students who can't afford a computer. Ask your school's financial aid office, library or IT department.
A few online colleges include a laptop or tablet with enrollment. Compare tuition carefully, since a "free" laptop isn't worth paying more for your degree.
For more help with school costs, see our list of ways to get free school supplies.
3. Computers for Kids
Computers for Kids is a nonprofit that refurbishes donated computers and provides them to kids, families and schools in Idaho, Washington and Oregon.
4. The On It Foundation
The On It Foundation is a nonprofit that has provided computers to K-12 public school students from low-income families. Check its website for current availability and application details.
Free Laptops for Low-Income Families
5. Computers with Causes
Computers with Causes collects donated computers and gives them to people in need, including low-income families, military members and veterans, foster families and students. You fill out an application explaining your situation, and those with the highest need are served first.
Its site notes that receiving a free computer could affect some government benefits, so check with your benefits office if you're unsure.
6. Your Local Library
Many public libraries have free computers and Wi-Fi for card holders, and some now lend laptops or Chromebooks (and mobile hotspots) for home use. Ask your library what it offers. Use USA.gov to find a library near you.
7. Salvation Army and Local Charities
Some local Salvation Army branches, churches, and community action agencies distribute donated computers. Availability varies by location, so call and ask.
8. Freecycle, Buy Nothing and Craigslist Free
Freecycle, local Buy Nothing groups and the free section of Craigslist sometimes have older laptops up for grabs. Check often, and consider posting a request explaining what you need it for.
9. Ask Your Employer or Local Businesses
Businesses replace computers every few years. Ask your employer, or local offices and schools, whether they donate retired laptops to employees or the community.
Low-Cost Laptops If You Don't Qualify for Free
10. PCs for People
PCs for People sells refurbished laptops at a discount to income-qualified households. You generally qualify if your income is at or below 80% of your area's median income or you're enrolled in a program like SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, SSI, Section 8 or LIHEAP. You'll need a photo ID. Its laptops are low-cost rather than free.
11. Human-I-T
Human-I-T sells refurbished laptops and desktops "priced well below retail." You qualify if your household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level or you're enrolled in an assistance program such as SNAP, Medicaid or SSI. It notes that most of its devices are low-cost rather than free.
12. EveryoneOn
EveryoneOn is a nonprofit that helps you find low-cost computers and internet service available in your area. Enter your ZIP code to see local offers.
Free Laptops for People With Disabilities
13. Computer Recycling Center (CRC)
CRC is a nonprofit that refurbishes computers and has provided them to people with disabilities, veterans, homebound seniors and people on public assistance. Requests usually go through an agency you work with, such as a vocational rehabilitation counselor.
14. Your State's Assistive Technology Program
Every state has an assistive technology program that helps people with disabilities find, borrow or pay for technology, including computers. Contact yours through your state's vocational rehabilitation or disability services office.
Free Laptops for Veterans
15. Veteran Organizations
Computers with Causes (above) prioritizes military members and veterans. Also ask your local VFW post, American Legion post or VA social worker, since they often know about local device donation programs.
Tips for Getting a Free Laptop
- Gather documents first. Most programs ask for a photo ID and proof of income or benefits, such as a SNAP award letter.
- Explain your need. For application-based programs, say how you'll use the laptop (school, job search, telehealth).
- Be patient. Free laptops depend on donations, so waitlists are common. Apply to more than one program.
- Don't pay upfront for "free." A legit nonprofit won't ask for your bank account to process a free laptop.
- Get cheap internet too. See our guide to free and low-cost internet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get a free laptop from the government?
There's currently no federal program that gives out free laptops. The Affordable Connectivity Program's laptop discount ended June 1, 2024. Check for city or state device programs by calling 211, and try nonprofits like Computers with Causes.
How do I get a free laptop as a student?
Ask your school district or college about loaner laptops first, since many provide them free to students. College students can also ask about emergency technology funds through financial aid.
Who qualifies for a free laptop?
It depends on the program. Most require low income (often at or below 200% of the federal poverty level) or enrollment in assistance like SNAP, Medicaid or SSI. Some programs serve specific groups, such as students, veterans or people with disabilities.
Is PCs for People free?
No. PCs for People sells refurbished laptops at a discount to income-qualified households rather than giving them away.
Are free laptop offers from phone companies legit?
Many require you to sign up for a paid plan or pay a fee, so they aren't truly free. Read the terms carefully before giving out personal information.
Sources
- ACP FAQs Post ACP Ending, Federal Communications Commission
- Are you eligible?, PCs for People
- Eligibility requirements, Human-I-T
- Find a library, USA.gov