How to buy a Windows 10 Pro License

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  1. TV2
    Posts : 2,221
    W10 Pro 22H2
       #1

    How to buy a Windows 10 Pro License


    What is the best (cheapest) way to buy a new license for Windows 10 Pro for a new build?

    The Microsoft store sells downloads for $200.
    But Amazon has a DVD for $140.
    Newegg sells an OEM version for $140.
    So why shouldn't I buy the DVD and use the key to activate a new version from using the Media Creation Tool? Am I missing something?

    Any advice or info on this topic would be greatly appreciated.
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  2. Posts : 4,594
    Windows 10 Pro
       #2

    You are not missing anything, the 1st thing you need is a key.
      My Computers


  3. TV2
    Posts : 2,221
    W10 Pro 22H2
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Thanks.
    I assume Newegg and Amazon are legit (legal license/key), but I also see all those $35 and $45 online ads. I assume they are not?
    How can you tell?
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  4. Posts : 9,765
    Mac OS Catalina
       #4

    Retailers like Amazon and Newegg are licensed by Microsoft to resale the licenses. Others that are super cheap are selling pirated volume licenses.
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  5. Posts : 1,773
    Windows 10 Home
       #5

    TV2 said:
    Thanks. I assume Newegg and Amazon are legit (legal license/key), but I also see all those $35 and $45 online ads. I assume they are not? How can you tell?
    Maybe they work, at first then stop after a time, but as the saying goes, "If it seems too good to be true, it probably is".
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  6. Posts : 31,470
    10 Home x64 (22H2) (10 Pro on 2nd pc)
       #6

    TV2 said:
    The Microsoft store sells downloads for $200.
    But Amazon has a DVD for $140.
    Newegg sells an OEM version for $140.
    So why shouldn't I buy the DVD and use the key to activate a new version from using the Media Creation Tool? Am I missing something?
    I think you'll find that the Amazon DVD is also the OEM version and says that: "Note: Windows 10 OEM is intended for pre-installation on a new PC and cannot be transferred to another computer once installed".

    And that is where the full Retail key from Microsoft differs (and why it costs more). The EULA says that the Full Retail version may be transferred to another machine, whereas an OEM key is tied to the first machine you install it on.
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  7. Posts : 18,424
    Windows 11 Pro
       #7

    It also violates the EULA to install the OEM version and keep it and use it yourself. Notice the description says it is for "Pre-installation" on a new PC. That means to pre-install Windows before selling the computer.
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  8. TV2
    Posts : 2,221
    W10 Pro 22H2
    Thread Starter
       #8

    Bree said:
    I think you'll find that the Amazon DVD is also the OEM version and says that: "Note: Windows 10 OEM is intended for pre-installation on a new PC and cannot be transferred to another computer once installed".
    And that is where the full Retail key from Microsoft differs (and why it costs more). The EULA says that the Full Retail version may be transferred to another machine, whereas an OEM key is tied to the first machine you install it on.
    That is good to know. I was wondering about that too.
    So for a new build it is better to go full retail license?
    Thanks
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  9. TV2
    Posts : 2,221
    W10 Pro 22H2
    Thread Starter
       #9

    NavyLCDR said:
    It also violates the EULA to install the OEM version and keep it and use it yourself. Notice the description says it is for "Pre-installation" on a new PC. That means to pre-install Windows before selling the computer.
    Sorry, I'm probably being dense, but then why would anyone buy an OEM license, including a retail OEM?
    Do you mean that the license is intended to be transferred to the final consumer, not kept by the OEM?
    But if I am the OEM and the final consumer, wouldn't that satisfy the intent?
    Not arguing, just curious.
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  10. Posts : 9,765
    Mac OS Catalina
       #10

    TV2 said:
    Sorry, I'm probably being dense, but then why would anyone buy an OEM license, including a retail OEM?
    Do you mean that the license is intended to be transferred to the final consumer, not kept by the OEM?
    But if I am the OEM and the final consumer, wouldn't that satisfy the intent?
    Not arguing, just curious.
    OEM would be if you are installing on just that machine that you built or a manufacturer built. The license stays with that machine and should not be used on another machine, even if you uninstall it. MS at this point has gotten to where they are more relaxed in how 10 is used, than in the past. Just do not turn around and sell an individual license for profit.
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