Questions about upgrading to windows 10


  1. Posts : 6
    Windows 8.1
       #1

    Questions about upgrading to windows 10


    Hello. I have recently heard about the windows 10 free upgrade for win7 and 8.1 genuine users.
    I have a few questions about that upgrade.

    1.
    I don't have any version of windows installed on my computer, so, if I want to get the new windows 10 when it comes out, is there any difference between: (?)
    buying windows 7 now > upgrading free to 10
    buying windows 8/8.1 now > upgrading free to 10
    buying windows 10 directly when it comes out

    Also, what will be the price of windows 10? Should I wait or buy win7 now? Will win10 be cheaper?

    2. Are there different versions of windows 10? If so, does it matter if I buy a specific version of win 7/8? For example, if I buy windows 7 home premium or windows 7 ultimate will I get a different version of win10?

    3. If I buy an OEM version of windows 7 and install it to my computer, will I get an upgrade to windows 10? If so, will I be able to change the motherboard after I upgrade to win10 or install this version of win10 on a different computer? (not simultaneously of course)

    Thanks in advance!
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 13,896
    Win10 Version 22H2 Pro and Home, Win11 Pro and Home
       #2

    The only part I can speak to is about the OEM version. OEM [Original Equipment Manufacturer] is allowed to be installed on one computer only and is tied to that computer, not legal to move to a different computer. The Retail version can be moved to a Replacement computer but only once. All that is spelled out in the EULA/End User License Agreement. Part of the lower cost of the OEM version is that Microsoft doesn't have to give free support of it, leaves that up to the agreement/s they have with the builders of the computers.

    As for the other questions I think it may be awhile before firm answers are available, closer to the time of the full release. And the OEMs may have something more what they will do.
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 6
    Windows 8.1
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Berton said:
    The only part I can speak to is about the OEM version. OEM [Original Equipment Manufacturer] is allowed to be installed on one computer only and is tied to that computer, not legal to move to a different computer. The Retail version can be moved to a Replacement computer but only once. All that is spelled out in the EULA/End User License Agreement. Part of the lower cost of the OEM version is that Microsoft doesn't have to give free support of it, leaves that up to the agreement/s they have with the builders of the computers.

    As for the other questions I think it may be awhile before firm answers are available, closer to the time of the full release. And the OEMs may have something more what they will do.
    Thank you for your reply.

    I have seen some posts about people being able to change motherboards on computers with windows 8 OEM. Are you sure I won't be able to do so with win10?
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 194
    Win10
       #4

    Mobo Change


    real2 said:
    Thank you for your reply.

    I have seen some posts about people being able to change motherboards on computers with windows 8 OEM. Are you sure I won't be able to do so with win10?
    There are situations where you can change a motherboard on an OEM machine but activation has to be by phone, with a customer service rep half way around the world and his home language isn't English.
    I did it once and I'd rather buy a retail issue of Windows. I buy Windows Pro retail only every time I buy and wouldn't have it any other way.
    YMMV
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 6
    Windows 8.1
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Roger said:
    There are situations where you can change a motherboard on an OEM machine but activation has to be by phone, with a customer service rep half way around the world and his home language isn't English.
    I did it once and I'd rather buy a retail issue of Windows. I buy Windows Pro retail only every time I buy and wouldn't have it any other way.
    YMMV
    Alright.
    Thank you.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 803
    10 Pro Preview x64
       #6

    Roger said:
    There are situations where you can change a motherboard on an OEM machine but activation has to be by phone, with a customer service rep half way around the world and his home language isn't English.
    I did it once and I'd rather buy a retail issue of Windows. I buy Windows Pro retail only every time I buy and wouldn't have it any other way.
    YMMV
    If you would really rather buy a new license than activate the one you have then please, PM the old details to me and I'll phone them up. I need one and would talk to someone for a couple of days if it works :)
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 194
    Win10
       #7

    OEM license


    adamf said:
    If you would really rather buy a new license than activate the one you have then please, PM the old details to me and I'll phone them up. I need one and would talk to someone for a couple of days if it works :)
    Surely you jest I wouldn't walk into the next room for an OEM license
    Check the features of an OEM license and compare them to a Pro license. You'll be up all night replacing OEM licenses that you may have now
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 803
    10 Pro Preview x64
       #8

    Roger said:
    Surely you jest I wouldn't walk into the next room for an OEM license
    Check the features of an OEM license and compare them to a Pro license. You'll be up all night replacing OEM licenses that you may have now
    Not joking, no. My cheap upgrade from 7 Ultimate to 8 Pro turned a OEM into a retail license (which can be moved). It has nothing to do with version (Home, Pro, Ultimate) but rather the channel (OEM, Retail).
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 194
    Win10
       #9

    OEM to Pro


    adamf said:
    Not joking, no. My cheap upgrade from 7 Ultimate to 8 Pro turned a OEM into a retail license (which can be moved). It has nothing to do with version (Home, Pro, Ultimate) but rather the channel (OEM, Retail).
    and that happens how often
    The upgrade to Win8 was a special deal with a special price (very special price).
    I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for that to happen
      My Computer


 

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 10 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 10" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 15:59.
Find Us




Windows 10 Forums