Windows 8 retail

embalse · 16 Jul 2015 at 07:25

It's been some years since I bought a new O/S.

Does W8 have a version that is the same as the W7Pro retail where you can install it on another computer if your old computer becomes redundant?

On the OCUK site I just see W8 OEM's which I assume can only be reinstalled on the same machine.

RJC · 16 Jul 2015 at 07:30

New for Windows 8 OEM, this can be transferred to a new machine, ones which can't are the pre-installed version like HP do.

Older operating systems are still tied to one machine (OEM).

embalse · 16 Jul 2015 at 07:50

RJC said:
New for Windows 8 OEM, this can be transferred to a new machine, ones which can't are the pre-installed version like HP do.

Older operating systems are still tied to one machine (OEM).

Thanks for the confirmation.

ED209 · 16 Jul 2015 at 08:36

if you buy windows 8 it will be 8.1 but if your buying a new OS you may as well wait till windows 10 is released unless you need one now

there is pro versions of 8.1 you can buy as well.

Skeeter · 16 Jul 2015 at 09:27

RJC said:
New for Windows 8 OEM, this can be transferred to a new machine, ones which can't are the pre-installed version like HP do.

Older operating systems are still tied to one machine (OEM).

This is no longer correct.

For Windows 8 the OEM version included a Personal Use License that allowed OEM versions to be purchased by end users and transferred.

However this was removed for 8.1 and they have reverted back to the Windows 7 style where OEM licenses cannot be transferred and also should not be purchased and installed by end users.

For 8.1 there are Retail and OEM versions, and the OP will require Retail for what he is looking for.

embalse · 16 Jul 2015 at 10:37

Skeeter said:
This is no longer correct.

For Windows 8 the OEM version included a Personal Use License that allowed OEM versions to be purchased by end users and transferred.

However this was removed for 8.1 and they have reverted back to the Windows 7 style where OEM licenses cannot be transferred and also should not be purchased and installed by end users.

For 8.1 there are Retail and OEM versions, and the OP will require Retail for what he is looking for.

Thanks,

Think I will wait for W10 as it is hard to find the retail version or at least know for sure it is the retail. Most places including OCUK seem to mainly stock the OEM v