Since the original 1997 release is no longer sold in mainstream digital stores like Steam, it has largely transitioned into "abandonware." You can legally find and download the original files from preservation sites:
Revisit the Classics: How to Play Age of Empires 1 Today Age of Empires (1997) isn't just a game; it's the foundation of the historical real-time strategy (RTS) genre. Whether you’re looking to relive your childhood or experience the "Stone Age to Iron Age" journey for the first time, getting your hands on the full version today is easier than you might think. Where to Find Age of Empires 1
: Platforms like Uptodown often host legacy installers for older Windows versions. Modern Ways to Play