Finding a genuine version / pricing

Cheule · 09 Apr 2020

Afternoon! (First post) :)

I've just spent literally the entire night agonising over a new build, it's the first one I've done since 2012 so as you can imagine I've had a lot to catch up on.

All of the new components I need have been ordered and are on the way, except Windows 10.

My computer currently has Windows 10 although when it was first built it was Windows XP, then an upgrade to 8, then an upgrade to 10. I'd like to get a new genuine version of 10 (Retail) without excessive cost. Locally here on Amazon, people are selling versions for £69 which seems ridiculously cheap but with some reviewers saying it was either the french version or corrupt.

Then there's Scan, who I trust and they have a USB retail version for £109, but isn't that also very cheap? Also in the title it says "Creators Update" which has me a little confused, is an upgrade version, or full?

Please help, I don't want to get the wrong one and have to buy twice.

AddRAM · 09 Apr 2020

Welcome to TenForums

Here is the price for a full retail version of W10 Pro or Home sold through Newegg, some are not actually sold by Newegg. Just for a price comparison.

Microsoft Windows 10 Pro - Full Retail Version (USB Flash Drive) - Newegg.com

Microsoft Windows 10 Home - Full Retail Version (USB Flash Drive) - Newegg.com

The Creators Update although very good, is very old.

Right now you want 1909, or wait for the new version to come out, but who knows when that`ll be, you can always update in a few more months.

f14tomcat · 09 Apr 2020

Creators Update is a bit old, October 17, 2017. It's not bad, just really old. The price for a Retail License of £109 on a thumb drive is not really out of line, since they are probably trying to clear their stock of obsolete product. You could certainly clean install that, and progressively update it to current of 18363. Unfortunately, it can't all be done in one massive update. Too far back and too many basics to catch up on. The trade-off here is you get a cheaper cost, but have to do more work. A Retail means you can in the future move that license to any new machine you build or buy. It's yours. Problem with the current license is you have gone from XP>Win 8>Win 10, all on the free-ride, because it's the same machine. That just changed. New machine, new MOBO, new license needed.

For the price, and if you trust them, and they will honor a return if it blows up on you, it's not a bad deal at all. You just need to weigh how much work you want to do.

Link for description of Creators Update: What’s new in the Windows 10 Creators Update | Windows Experience Blog

idgat · 09 Apr 2020

Cheule said:

Locally here on Amazon, people are selling versions for £69 which seems ridiculously cheap but with some reviewers saying it was either the french version or corrupt.

More than likely the installation program is legitimate (anyone can still download the latest copy of Windows 10 from Microsoft), but it will be the license key that is either pirated, sold multiple times, or simply invalid.

AddRAM · 09 Apr 2020

Exactly, you need to find a very good reputable seller.

Cheule · 09 Apr 2020

Windows 10 Home Creators Edition 32/64-bit USB Drive International LN101002 - HAJ-00055 | SCAN UK

Windows 10 Home 64 Bit / 32 Bit - Windows 10 Home USB Flash Drive - English, for 1 PC: Amazon.co.uk: Software

The two links, although I note that the amazon one has increased £20 in the last few minutes

idgat · 09 Apr 2020

Your expression of hesitancy and caution suggests that it might simply be a good idea to be absolutely sure and buy from the most legitimate source - Microsoft. You might have to pay a little over the odds, but what price certainty ?

spapakons · 09 Apr 2020

Don't mind about the version, it is irrelevant to the key. The same key works with all Windows 10 builds from the original (RTM, build 10240) to the latest v1909. This is also true for architecture (32-bit or 64-bit) and language. The same key works regardless of Windows 10 build, architecture and language, as long as you install the same Windows 10 version (Home or Pro) the key is for.

So assuming the key is legit, buy the cheapest one you can find and then download the latest Windows 10 build and use it to install Windows 10. In the following link you can download Windows 10 Media Creation Tool. Download the one for offline installation (second button), do not click the "Upgrade this PC now" button.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/soft...load/windows10

NavyLCDR · 09 Apr 2020

@spapakons is exactly correct. It does not matter which build comes on the flash drive in the box. Just pay another $5 for a flash drive to download the latest build from Microsoft to install from.

@AddRAM, it violates Microsoft's Terms and Conditions agreement to use OEM System Builders version on a computer you are going to keep for your own personal use (at least in the US).

spapakons · 09 Apr 2020

OEM versions and COA or OA versions are intended for the specific computer. They should not be used on another model of the same manufacturer, let alone at any other computer not produced by that manufacturer. It will work but it is illegal, according to Microsoft.