Building first PC

[wardaneeagle]

So, I'm trying to build a fairly high end rig on a relatively low budget. My buddy got me a parts list together and I'm slowly chipping away at it and succeeding in doing it rather inexpensively. However, there is one question that I cannot seem to figure out. I found a link on reddit that people use to buy a code to activate windows 8 that only costs about $20. My question is this. My pc will not have an OS on it to begin with, so how would that activation code work for my build? Thanks

 

[Denithor]

If you're a current student with a valid .edu email address you can get a free copy of Windows 8/10 direct from Microsoft, just search their site for details.

If student status does not apply, this is likely not a legitimate copy/license of Windows you would be buying for $20. Microsoft has never (to my knowledge) sold their OS this cheap.

If you choose to pursue this course of action, you would likely purchase the code, download a copy of Windows, install the copy onto the new computer and then use the code to activate once online. (You can install Windows without activation but it is not fully functional until activated and will disable itself in like 3 days if not activated.)

 

[wardaneeagle]

Good deal. Thanks for the tip. And the $20 link was definitely not from microsoft directly so the legitimacy was in question. I'll try the student route and see how that goes. Would I be able to download the new version on my laptop then move it to a flash drive to install on my new pc? Thanks.

 

[thestrangebrew1]

Good deal. Thanks for the tip. And the $20 link was definitely not from microsoft directly so the legitimacy was in question. I'll try the student route and see how that goes. Would I be able to download the new version on my laptop then move it to a flash drive to install on my new pc? Thanks.

I believe you can download an install tool and the OS image onto a flash drive and install from there onto your laptop. You'll have to do a search for the install tool on MS' site.

Edit: If I remember correctly, you need at least an 8gb flash drive (?)