Windows 10 advice

[Orafus]

Forgive me for posting here but I couldn't find a area of the forum that was relevant and it is tenuously hardware since it's about my forthcoming build (after buying all the bits from OC recently).

Could anyone recommend a reliable source for buying windows 10 home for a new build (I guess I'd need it on a USB or direct digital download - the last time I put Windows on a PC it was on about 57 floppy discs - yep, I'm that old ). I see a few options on Amazon but they get a lot of negative feedback which is worrying.

If this is in completely the wrong place or I'm not allowed to ask this sort of question please let me know and I'll re-post (or you can move/delete this thread).

Where do you guys who build lots of systems get yours?

thanks

Chris

 

[Dave Burton]

I've gotten mine in the past from certain auction sites, not had any issues with applying or using them, some have been active for a few years now with no issue, it's something about EU law currently allowing the resale of OEM keys etc, but it's all above board

 

[venomx]

I googled " windows 10 product key " and got it off one of the top sites for aboutt £15, never had a problem

Remember you need to install the operating system first from the microsoft website ( which is free )

 

[something daft already!!]

I've gotten mine in the past from certain auction sites, not had any issues with applying or using them, some have been active for a few years now with no issue, it's something about EU law currently allowing the resale of OEM keys etc, but it's all above board

These "Grey" keys, they may activate but they are not meant of our market. If you are buying one of these codes, then you may as well pirate it as it is still not legal. Activated does not mean legit. The EULA would need to be checked.

You may find you can still upgrade old win 7 installs to win 10 for free.

 

[Dave Burton]

These "Grey" keys, they may activate but they are not meant of our market. If you are buying one of these codes, then you may as well pirate it as it is still not legal. Activated does not mean legit. The EULA would need to be checked.

You may find you can still upgrade old win 7 installs to win 10 for free.

Oh, I just looked into this and can see what you're saying, will be more careful in future!

 

[Orafus]

This is a brand-new build so there's no OS at all. (It's currently all in bits on the bed!)

I take it I can download the actual Windows product using my laptop, pop this onto a USB stick, install windows to the new system and then activate using a legit code? Or is there a more clever way?

This probably seems utterly obvious to modern builders but I'm seriously out-of-date when it comes to this sort of stuff.

So to be properly legit I can only really buy a key direct from Microsoft - is that right? I don't mind doing this as I'd much rather have peace of mind.

thanks

C.

 

[Zeebedy]

This is a brand-new build so there's no OS at all. (It's currently all in bits on the bed!)

I take it I can download the actual Windows product using my laptop, pop this onto a USB stick, install windows to the new system and then activate using a legit code? Or is there a more clever way?

This probably seems utterly obvious to modern builders but I'm seriously out-of-date when it comes to this sort of stuff.

So to be properly legit I can only really buy a key direct from Microsoft - is that right? I don't mind doing this as I'd much rather have peace of mind.

thanks

C.

Yeah, it can be used and installed legaly, its the codes taht have the "grey" area.

 

[something daft already!!]

This is a brand-new build so there's no OS at all. (It's currently all in bits on the bed!)

I take it I can download the actual Windows product using my laptop, pop this onto a USB stick, install windows to the new system and then activate using a legit code? Or is there a more clever way?

This probably seems utterly obvious to modern builders but I'm seriously out-of-date when it comes to this sort of stuff.

So to be properly legit I can only really buy a key direct from Microsoft - is that right? I don't mind doing this as I'd much rather have peace of mind.

thanks

C.

An honourable sentiment. I would avoid the grey key sites as you never know when MS will crack down the cancel the key.

 

[DeanT77]

I bought my key direct from microsoft, downloaded the installer and popped that on a usb beforehand.

Installed windows and then activated with the key I bought.

I couldn't be bothered searching for some dodgy site or trader, where the key may cost a little but with a chance of getting blacklisted.

 

[PC777]

You can get 100% legitimate Windows 10 including Professional for under £40 when a certain well known and trustworthy limited discount and limited time offer site has them.

Which is often as they tend to group a lot of things together.