Anything wrong with buying Win 10 Pro for home system?

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Craig234

Lifer
May 1, 2006
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It says it's intended for resale and I don't like to violate the rules on things like that.

But the 'retail' version seems to go for $199 while Fry's has this for $119?

What are the issues, moral, technical, in picking?

I thought people normally buy the OEM for their own systems, but...
 
luv2liv

luv2liv

Diamond Member
Dec 27, 2001
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theres nothing wrong legally nor morally with using pro version at home.
 
Puffnstuff

Puffnstuff

Lifer
Mar 9, 2005
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If the software is legitimate go for it and enjoy. I'm a big fan of the ultimate/pro version of windows.
 
C

Craig234

Lifer
May 1, 2006
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"theres nothing wrong legally nor morally with using pro version at home. "

But what I'm asking about is oem versus retail.
 
corkyg

corkyg

Elite Member | Peripherals
Super Moderator
Mar 4, 2000
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How do you know it is an OEM package?
 
I

ignatzatsonic

Senior member
Nov 20, 2006
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Is it known for a fact that there is a "retail" version of Win 10, in the same sense that there used to be retail versions of Win 7 that were clearly marked as such by vendors?

I thought I'd read that the "OEM" versus "retail" distinction has been discontinued with Win 10. No? Yes?

Craig: What are the SKUs of the 2 packages that are under consideration?
 
SparkyJJO

SparkyJJO

Lifer
May 16, 2002
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OEM is pretty much technically just tied to whatever hardware you first activate it on. Microsoft has historically been fairly lenient with that however.

Retail can be transferred from system to system (only on one system at a time).

If you don't mind repurchasing windows for a replacement PC in a few years (or calling to reactivate and seeing if they'll do it) then just go OEM.
 
Ketchup

Ketchup

Elite Member
Sep 1, 2002
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TBH Craig234, I can see how you may be correct here. I have been going over the license, and see a few thing.
Authorized Distribution and Acceptance. To distribute the software in this Pack, you must be a System Builder and accept this license... If you comply with the terms of this license, Microsoft grants you a limited license to preinstall and distribute the software. Except as granted in this license, you may not use, run, copy, modify, display, distribute, repackage or reassemble the software, OPK or Preinstallation Tools.... For each product key for desktop operating system software, you must preinstall one copy of the software on a Customer System prior to distribution using the OPK.
Click to expand...

To me, MS does not come out and say things are straightforward as the poster in the Microsoft Answers forum, and I don't see how one would get in "trouble" with Microsoft for installing it on one's own system, considering it is easily obtainable from several reputable online e-tailers.
 
MongGrel

MongGrel

Lifer
Dec 3, 2013
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ignatzatsonic said:
The first one looks like 10 Pro.

The second one looks like 10 Home.

Not nearly the same product.
Click to expand...

Got me, I know I've purchased the OEM version of Windows in the past and really didn't have any problems even reactivating it a new build then over the phone.

Even the first link you posted has the Home version cheaper of course.

http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Win...1876803&sr=8-1&keywords=windows+10+pro+retail

vs

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...ue&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_1&smid=A3ODHND3J0WMC8
 
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Mike64

Platinum Member
Apr 22, 2011
2,108
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Craig234 said:
Reading the small print, it seems like a violation to use OEM for a personal build.
Click to expand...
Well, for practical purposes, if Microsoft thought so, you'd better believe we (along with every computer parts dealer in the US, not to mention the rest of the world) would have heard from their lawyers long before now...
 
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JackMDS

JackMDS

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 25, 1999
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It is very simple if you buy the Retail you know it will always work.

If you buy the OEM and you have No planning to deviate from the TOS it is OK.

Otherwise, we can say here whatever we want {"blubering" is easy), but If $80 are so important to you should take into consideration that you trade it with Risk.



:cool:
 
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Ketchup

Ketchup

Elite Member
Sep 1, 2002
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In reality, if Microsoft were serious about this, they wouldn't make it available to online e-tailers, or require registration through Microsoft to actually buy it.

As it stands, there is nothing standing between buying OEM and Retail but some very fine print that is not nearly as easy to access as the software itself.
 
JackMDS

JackMDS

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Oct 25, 1999
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ignatzatsonic said:
http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Win...1876803&sr=8-1&keywords=windows+10+pro+retail

Craig:

What makes you think the above product for $199.99 is "retail"?

It might be. I don't know. Why do you think so?

I don't see "retail" mentioned in the detail of the link.
Click to expand...


If your patient stretch was a little more than the Typical Online Forum's member j/k. ():)

From the Amazon Link:

Note: This operating system may be installed over previous versions of Windows XP and Windows Vista by completing a clean installation, or Windows 7, and Windows 8.1 by accessing the upgrade center built into the OS. However, specific hardware requirements must be met to support this system. See below for instructions on how to complete your download. Visit the system requirements section of this page to verify that your hardware will support this operating system.

1. Once you have placed your order you will receive your Windows 10 product key and instructions to redeem your Windows 10 product key.

2. Follow the link within the instructions to navigate to the Microsoft page containing step by step details to install your new software.


----------------------


The above Amazon "Yak" means Retail. :eek:



:cool:
 
SparkyJJO

SparkyJJO

Lifer
May 16, 2002
13,357
7
81
LOL if you click "USB Flash drive" it is $11 cheaper than the digital download, and has free shipping :p
 
C

Craig234

Lifer
May 1, 2006
38,548
350
126
On the one hand, it's clearer the license issue is that you are supposed to buy a retail copy for a personal system.

On the other, Microsoft is undermining doing that with the very easy ability to buy the OEM version and pricing it so much lower.

That difference is getting larger - here's a nice version of 7 Pro OEM that can be upgraded to 10 for $69 compared to the retail 10 for $200.

http://smile.amazon.com/Windows-Pro..._UL160_SR160,160_&refRID=1Q3YNJ3XK4ZMBSTPA442
 
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Craig234

Lifer
May 1, 2006
38,548
350
126
Looking a little more, I'm thinking of getting Windows 10 Home full version - $110. I don't see things I need in 10 Pro for a gaming system.
 
VirtualLarry

VirtualLarry

No Lifer
Aug 25, 2001
56,587
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126
Craig234 said:
On the one hand, it's clearer the license issue is that you are supposed to buy a retail copy for a personal system.

On the other, Microsoft is undermining doing that with the very easy ability to buy the OEM version and pricing it so much lower.

That difference is getting larger - here's a nice version of 7 Pro OEM that can be upgraded to 10 for $69 compared to the retail 10 for $200.

http://smile.amazon.com/Windows-Pro..._UL160_SR160,160_&refRID=1Q3YNJ3XK4ZMBSTPA442
Click to expand...

You can only use those "Refurbished" licenses of Windows if you are an official "Microsoft PC refurbisher", which means that you refurb something like 1000 PCs a month.
 
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