Win 10 Copy

[Rables]

Hi All

I was looking at buying a copy of Windows 10 for a new build. I have seen prices range from £19.00 to £64.00 and beyond.
Has anyone had any experience with purchasing these cheaper download licence keys?

Are they legitmate? Or do people prefer a previous version of Windows?

Thanks

[jim]

I see that Scan are selling OEM for £79, which is likely about right for the genuine product.

You can always find cheaper Microsoft keys from sellers, who might be selling a key from abroad, or selling a volume licensing / evaluation key (people will join Microsoft schemes to get keys for large numbers of computers or to test out software, and then sell them). Of course those keys might work, but they're not really legitimate. It's a grey area since it's difficult to tell where they actually came from if you're just supplied with a key.

Some people do prefer Windows 7, but given how old it is I don't think anyone could really recommend buying it outside of specific usage scenarios.

[abaxas]

Just buy a 20 quid windows 7 licence and then upgrade.

Totally legal and easy to do.

[jim]

That is an excellent point! Forgot that it was still in operation.

[virtuo]

Yep I just got a Win 7 Ultimate Key off an ebay reseller (who will send you a copy of the sticker from the machine the key was taken from). Install and upgrade to 10. Easy.

Since both Win 7 Pro and Win 7 Ultimate both upgrade to Win 10 Pro (there is no ultimate), just go for the Cheaper Pro keys. Home upgrades to Home if that's all you need.

[Rables]

Thank you both!

Do we know if there is a deadline on the free upgrade? Or is it something they can pull whenever they want?

[jim]

A couple of links suggest it's free until July 29th

[EndlessWaves]

I see that Scan are selling OEM for £79, which is likely about right for the genuine product.

Although the OEM version is only legitimate if you're building the computer to sell, you need the retail version for personal use with Windows 10 (about £84).

That is the way to go though, look through the prices on sites you trust and have used before and find the lowest price there. Anyone discounting that by 5-10% could be legitimate, anything more and it's likely dubious. Either a rip-off, dodgy or you're not getting what you think you're getting.

As for cheap second hand keys. They're against the licence agreement if they're not from a boxed version but reselling OEM keys may currently be legal due to an EU court decision. Although given recent events they may not stay that way for long.

Personally unless you're looking at a budget build and it's the most expensive part I'd pay the £85 for the proper boxed retail version. It's a fair enough price for an important part, and one that often outlasts other bits in usefulness.

[kalniel]

Although the OEM version is only legitimate if you're building the computer to sell, you need the retail version for personal use with Windows 10 (about £84).

You are allowed to sell a computer to yourself, as long as you provide the support

[scaryjim]

You are allowed to sell a computer to yourself, as long as you provide the support

But would you make a profit, and would you trust your own support? I mean, I know that scaryjim; not sure I'd trust him with my money...

[virtuo]

I've been ripped off in the past selling to myself, so buyer beware.