what windows 10 version would be in retail stores today?

I am not entirely sure what each Store is selling today, but you'd be better off just purchasing a Retail License Key, and then download the version of your preference using the Windows Media Creation Tool. Using this tool you can get many editions of Windows 10. You can download the files as ISO image, which you can burn to a DVD or use as source for 3rd party USB creation tools like Rufus, or create a bootable setup media thumb-drive straight from the MCT.

I believe MCT downloads at the moment Windows version 1703 build 15063 revision 200+ which is the Creators Edition that is the latest Windows at the moment. Later the tool will be updated and we get the Fall Creators Update (version 1709), which will be released in September.

This method gives you many options. :)

Just make sure you decide between Home and Pro editions before purchase and buy a 100% legitimate License Key (there exist a lot of scammers out there)

windowsraptor said:

hi
i was wondering has anyone recent bought windows 10 full version retail at stores like best buy or staples or other pc stores? if so what version is it like anniversary or creator update maybe first shipped windows 10 2015?

Really a loaded question. It would be the current Creator's Update version that is available for download, that is what is on the shelves.

It is like going up to someone who loves Mustangs and asking why they do not love Corvettes.

slicendice said:

I am not entirely sure what each Store is selling today, but you'd be better off just purchasing a Retail License Key, and then download the version of your preference using the Windows Media Creation Tool. Using this tool you can get many editions of Windows 10. You can download the files as ISO image, which you can burn to a DVD or use as source for 3rd party USB creation tools like Rufus, or create a bootable setup media thumb-drive straight from the MCT.

I believe MCT downloads at the moment Windows version 1703 build 15063 revision 200+ which is the Creators Edition that is the latest Windows at the moment. Later the tool will be updated and we get the Fall Creators Update (version 1709), which will be released in September.

This method gives you many options. :)
Just make sure you decide between Home and Pro editions before purchase and buy a 100% legitimate License Key (there exist a lot of scammers out there)

The stores are selling what is available to the public online is the answer to the question. Has nothing to do with a license key.

windowsraptor said:

ah ok. i would think there still be copies of 2015 windows 10 since first year was free. unless every time they release new big update the stores that still have old version of windows 10 get throne out in trash to stock with new versions or something.

It is very difficult to get your hands on an original Windows DVD these days. Windows is delivered electronically or on a bootable USB thumb-drive. Nothing gets thrown away. :)

bro67 said:

Has nothing to do with a license key.

Everything has to do with the license key. Get a valid one and you can install whatever Windows 10 version you want. We should not really have to care about what version is on the shelves as MS pushes the latest Business ready and stable build anyways via Windows Update.

Windows 10 Release Information

The Semi Annual Channel is what MS recommends and should be delivered to you from the stores.

NavyLCDR said:

Again, though, it depends entirely upon the age of their stock. If a store has a retail packaged Windows 10 from 2016, then that is what will be on the flash drive inside the package. The flash drives inside the package do not magically get updated. So, I would say that it's possible to get anything from build 10240 up to Creator's Update from a store.

Personally, I wouldn't bother with the flash drive in the package, I would just download the latest version from Microsoft and use the purchased product key.

BTW, the latest download from Microsoft with the current Media Creation (just checked 1 minute ago) is build 15063.0 from March of 2017:

Code:

<FileName>15063.0.170317-1834.rs2_release_CLIENTCombinedSL_RET_x64fre_en-us.esd</FileName>
            <LanguageCode>en-us</LanguageCode>
            <Language>English</Language>
            <Edition>Professional</Edition>
            <Architecture>x64</Architecture>
            <Size>3067620328</Size>
            <Sha1>64317f9f897ab3cab7e45cbcafd139d30396c81f</Sha1>
            <FilePath>http://fg.ds.b1.download.windowsupdate.com/c/Upgr/2017/03/15063.0.170317-1834.rs2_release_clientcombinedsl_ret_x64fre_en-us_64317f9f897ab3cab7e45cbcafd139d30396c81f.esd</FilePath>

Awesome that you tested and verified this. Thanks for this!

Really good that MS deliver the base build without the patches so the user can avoid some possible application and patch incompatibility issues.

I also 100% agree with you about the USB media.

Just to clarify, you can install any "build" you want with your key. Use the word "version" and I think most people will think Home, Pro. etc. That is locked in by the Key. You can't activate Pro with a Home key etc. If you have a Pro key you can install any build of Pro you want. Assuming you can get your hands on that ISO. With the fairly rapid release cycle, a physical DVD will be come outdated fairly quickly. You can keep using it, then upgrade to the latest build after install. A better choice IMHO, would be to just download the latest ISO online and use that with your key. Then set your coffee on your new coaster. Assuming its a DVD in the box. I think its thumb drives now.