Acquiring software and hardware

Last updated: August 14, 2023

University of Washington students, faculty and staff have several options to get both software and hardware, sometimes at free or reduced cost.

Get software

get-softwareSoftware is available to UW students, faculty and staff as both software downloads or online, cloud-based software. The following options provide software to all active student, faculty, and staff at reduced or no cost.

Software downloads

  • UWare offers software downloads at reduced or no cost, thanks to various license agreements with software vendors. UWare software includes Sophos anti-virus, Husky OnNet VPN service, and Microsoft Office 365 for free.
  • If you are using a Managed Workstation, use the MWS  Software Center to download software to your Managed Workstation.

Online and cloud-based software

UW-IT Service Catalog

Get hardware

There are many types of hardware available to UW students, faculty and staff. Computers and other technology equipment can be obtained through UW-IT services. It’s available to borrow, and can be purchased.