What level of Win 10 do I get on a purchased USB via the MS Store?

hemlock40a · 26 Oct 2017

Hello.
I'm considering assembling a new desktop PC by acquiring the parts separately - a "build" . Assuming I do that and it goes OK, I'll need to install an OS of course.

If I purchase Win 10 PRO through the Microsoft store and choose the USB option, does anyone know what level of Win 10 I would get; i.e., is the USB created at the time of the order from the then current release or...?

I'm stuck with using a cell carrier as an ISP and the contract has a data cap and throttling. The hope is that by ordering the USB, I could avoid a multi-GB download, but if the USB is back-level, I might be faced with that anyway, depending on how far back.

I tried a chat with the MS Store a few minutes ago and the responder said it "would be the latest release, which is 1607" (emphasis mine).
I ended the chat and came here.

Thank you.

pparks1 · 26 Oct 2017

It's hard to tell exactly what you would get. Hopefully it would at least be the Creators Update. That should be version 1703. If you get 1607, you are still on the anniversary update.

The most important thing with your purchase from Microsoft is to get the license for the software. You can use the Media Creation Tool on your own to get the latest version of the software. Which is now 1709. Getting the ISO from the Media Creation Tool (MCT) and making your own installable USB key is a piece of cake.

NavyLCDR · 26 Oct 2017

Except the OP doesn't want to do a 5 GB download due to his cell phone data plan limit.

@hemlock40a, can you have a friend download and create an up to date Windows 10 USB flash drive for you?

Ztruker · 26 Oct 2017

Seems like the store should tell you what build it is currently selling.

alphanumeric · 27 Oct 2017

Ztruker said:

Seems like the store should tell you what build it is currently selling.

You would think? Assuming he or she actually knows what they are doing.

hemlock40a · 27 Oct 2017

alphanumeric said:

You would think? Assuming he or she actually knows what they are doing.

I thought they would know until I asked them (see above).

My wife socializes with friends in the nearest city. If any of them have a cable plan with no caps/throttling, then the option mentioned by
NavyLCDR might be viable. Ill look into that when the time comes.

Thank you all for your attention and replies.

pparks1 · 27 Oct 2017

NavyLCDR said:

Except the OP doesn't want to do a 5 GB download due to his cell phone data plan limit.

D'oh...not sure how I missed that critical element.

To the OP, if you get an old version I could make up a 4GB key for you and ship it out. Cost would be minimal.

alphanumeric · 27 Oct 2017

Switching to USB install media seems like a good idea for Microsoft. I can see why they did it. For one, you would need a dual layer DVD to accommodate the current ISO size. And not every device has an optical drive, let alone older PC's that don't have a dual layer drive. The downside is the Microsoft supplied drives are read only. That is done so they can't get corrupted or infected with malware. The downside is, with the current quick update cycle they soon become outdated. You'll have to install then upgrade to the newest build. Not ideal IMHO. In a year or so you'll have an outdated thumb drive that can't be updated or repurposed. Just my 2 cents.
The last time I went into a retail outlet and looked at the Boxed Windows offerings, that's all they were. Empty display boxes with little actual info on them as to the exact version of Windows 10 they were for. Just Edition info, Home Pro etc.

alphanumeric · 27 Oct 2017

As mentioned though, your really paying for the Product Code. Which is good for any current builds and any future builds. You only really need to use it once to get your Digital License. Once you have that you can skip entering a key on a clean install.

pparks1 · 27 Oct 2017

Actually, the new Fall Creators Update is under 4GB.