So I forgot am OS..

Biggilus

Biggilus

Biggilus

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Joined
14 Aug 2009
Posts
197
Hello again!

Today the GPU arrived as the last piece for my new build and it just dawned on me I don't have an OS. I'll be going for windows but wondered if there's better places (cheaper..) to buy it rather than the Ms official site? Would buying windows 10 be a better option as that has a free upgrade to 11? I'm assuming the version of Windows on my current pc won't work if I use that code/CD key/registration thing?
 
if you already have a windows key just use it
if it doesn't activate then you can call MS and tell them you switched pc and they will activate it for you
 
You should be able to use a SPARE windows 7/8 key for windows 10 and I think windows 11. I know I just used an old windows 7 key for my current build and it worked fine.

You might be able to use your current pc code if you can work around MS restrictions (phone call etc) but that would mean old pc wouldn't have a code.
 
I'll give it a go but yea, plan is for the missus to use my old pc (so technically her first gaming pc, she's not impressed..)
Cheers for the advice
 
Yeah you don't want to do it if the old PC is going to remain in use - the license will be "consumed" if you use it to activate Windows 10/11 on another PC - which even if it is an OEM key will usually activate a new 10/11 install fine but that does technically use up the old license.
 
Biggilus said:
I'll give it a go but yea, plan is for the missus to use my old pc (so technically her first gaming pc, she's not impressed..)
Cheers for the advice
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If you don't want to pay for a license right away, say due to limited funds you could look at getting on the insider channel... although be aware you will be a guinea pig for MS

The Windows Insider Program

Be the first to see what's next for Windows in the Windows Insider Program. Join the community, provide feedback to help make Windows even better.
www.microsoft.com
 
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You can run it non-activated with only some minor annoyances in the short term and put a key in later - mostly it just disables some personalisation options and intermittently puts up a watermark.
 
Aye sounds like would be easier to get acd key. Found a window 11 pro for £10.. Decent score on trip advisor (can I mention website names for this, not an ocuk competitor as ocuk don't sell windows right?)
 
Rroff said:
You can run it non-activated with only some minor annoyances in the short term and put a key in later - mostly it just disables some personalisation options and intermittently puts up a watermark.
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Oh OK sounds like something the missus would be happy to put up with
 
Biggilus said:
Decent score on trip advisor (can I mention website names for this, not an ocuk competitor as ocuk don't sell windows right?)
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No you can't mention website names :)

My basket at OcUK:

Total: £300.97 (includes delivery: £7.99)​

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Also worth bearing in mind that "cheap" keys are somewhat of a grey area - whilst they *may* activate, they don't fulfil the criteria for valid licensing, and so are *technically* no better than piracy.
 
Armageus said:
No you can't mention website names :)

My basket at OcUK:

Total: £300.97 (includes delivery: £7.99)​

​
​
​

Also worth bearing in mind that "cheap" keys are somewhat of a grey area - whilst they *may* activate, they don't fulfil the criteria for valid licensing, and so are *technically* no better than piracy.
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Couldn't imagine the £10 key was 100% legit and all good.
Time to shop for the official version

Thanks all xx
 
Biggilus said:
Hello again!

Today the GPU arrived as the last piece for my new build and it just dawned on me I don't have an OS. I'll be going for windows but wondered if there's better places (cheaper..) to buy it rather than the Ms official site? Would buying windows 10 be a better option as that has a free upgrade to 11? I'm assuming the version of Windows on my current pc won't work if I use that code/CD key/registration thing?
Click to expand...

You can buy sealed retail versions of W10 or W11 Pro from a certain aution site. I purchased W10 Pro x64 last year for under £80 delivered and it allows me to move the licence if I upgrade the PC. The OEM licence is tied to the PC you activate it on the very first time.
 
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Ah cool I was wondering if I could do it cheaper by buying windows 10 as apparently it's still a few upgrade to 11.
Just wondering if I need the pro version, I'm thinking no
 
andy o said:
If you've got no active directory, don't need things like hyper-v the only significant downside to home for me is no remoting onto the win home machine.
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I think Hyper-V, RDP and Bitlocker are worth the extra if you are doing more than playing games on it.
 
The ‘cheap’ keys work fine. Have used them several times over the years and had no issues.

You’re just being scare-mongered by some people. No need to pay M$ extortionate retail fees.
 
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