I need to klnow where to go to purchase an os??

[JEDIYoda]

it doesn`t matter windows 8 or windows 10..
Where am i most likely to get a OS without spending an arm and a leg?
I hope this si the right place to ask?

 

[amd6502]

linux mint is free.

win10 licenses can be found for $10-15 from resellers. but one does run the risk of scams,

 

[pauldun170]

it doesn`t matter windows 8 or windows 10..
Where am i most likely to get a OS without spending an arm and a leg?
I hope this si the right place to ask?

What are you using it for?
You have sorts of legitimate option that can range from an oem license tied to the build to a retail that you can use wherever to just running an unactivated one for free.
Only impact of not activating is an occasional unobtrusive overlay in the corner asking you to activate.

 

[KeithP]

Windows 10 still activates with a Windows 7 key, at least on a clean install. I have done this with both a retail Windows 7 license as well as an OEM license that came with an old HP system I had. So, if you have an old copy of Windows 7 around, it might be useful.

-KeithP

 

[Cogman]

Define arm and a leg.

Looks like $140 for pro is about where you'll see a brand new copy.

Microsoft Windows 11 Home 64-bit, DVD - Newegg.com

Buy Microsoft Windows 11 Home 64-bit, DVD - Operating Systems with fast shipping and top-rated customer service. Once you know, you Newegg!

www.newegg.com

 

[UsandThem]

You can get Windows 10 PRO for $40 or Home for $30.

https://software.pcworld.com/p43252-windows_10_professional
https://software.pcworld.com/p43251-windows_10_home

 

[RLGL]

You can get Windows 10 PRO for $40 or Home for $30.

https://software.pcworld.com/p43252-windows_10_professional
https://software.pcworld.com/p43251-windows_10_home

Links dead

 

[UsandThem]

Links dead

Yeah, it looks like it's back to regular price now. They put the two versions of Windows on sale quite often, but the sale price doesn't usually last more than a day or two. If anyone wants to catch it on sale, just go to their main storefront home page for software.

 

[Fanatical Meat]

I know these forums don’t like this suggestion however it appear Microsoft just wants people using windows 10 and they don’t appear to nit pick over what version or what licensing model was attached to the windows key any longer.
There are plenty of places that will sell a windows 10 key for $40 or less.

 

[ArisVer]

A YouTuber made a video a couple of weeks ago, cheap retail keys he says.

 

[Pohemi]

Win10 Pro Retail key currently $15.99 (@ HRKgame.com)

They offer OEM keys for less $ but I recommend buying a Retail version key, as it will be reinstallable and not tied to the system.

I've purchased Win 10 Pro retail keys there for $10-15 on sale. They are legit.

 

[owensdj]

Win10 Pro Retail key currently $15.99 (@ HRKgame.com)

They offer OEM keys for less $ but I recommend buying a Retail version key, as it will be reinstallable and not tied to the system.

I've purchased Win 10 Pro retail keys there for $10-15 on sale. They are legit.

I don't understand how these could be legit Windows 10 Pro Retail licenses when places like NewEgg and Amazon are selling these for about $200.

 

[Pohemi]

I don't understand how these could be legit Windows 10 Pro Retail licenses when places like NewEgg and Amazon are selling these for about $200.

Probably the same way that the site (and others) offers game keys for fractions of what they cost directly from the studios or Steam stores.
It doesn't mean they aren't legit. HRKgames is not some fly-by-night operation, although it IS Hong Kong-based and that's why they use various payment methods from the US.

 

[deustroop]

Shit falls off the back of the truck. Has for decades.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

You can get a new license for an existing installation. But in my case, with a motherboard, processor and RAM changeout, it wasn't necessary. It has a digital activation tied to my MS account. I started with Win 7 and then got the free upgrade to Win 10, back in 2016/2017.

If you want a complete Windows 10 OS with a new license, you can get an OEM "white box" or a Retail version.

In those cases, I'd look at Newegg and MyChoice Software. As it seemed when I looked at the options recently for thinking I'd have a reactivation problem, you can get either type of license for Win 10 Pro (OEM verus Retail) as a download and e-mailed license key, or a USB stick -- which they provide with a license key. The retail box will cost you above $200. The OEM version is likely around $130.

If you find Win 10 for less than $90 -- the Pro version -- I'd be careful and first investigate the outfit selling it. The price I quoted is usually the firm price-level that MS charges for OEM. That's why, for something like this, I'd buy it at My Choice -- or - for that matter -- Newegg.

 

[Pohemi]

The first Win 10 Pro (Full retail) activation key that I purchased from HRKGames was initially installed on a custom Intel build. Then it was reactivated on a custom AMD build. Then reactivated after a reinstall follwing a complete mobo, chip, and ram swap-out.
I'm not trying to sell anyone on using their site and trusting the keys, but they've worked for me without a hitch for years now, just saying. This has been WITHOUT tying them to an MS account or being tied to specific hardware because they were purchased as retail version keys.
The trick is that the version you want or need isn't always available on their site, either.
And needing to use one of their payment methods.

 

[jsalpha2]

I hope I don't get in trouble for posting this, but I've used this site, Here
Very cheap I think it is Russian.

 

[JackMDS]

I hope I don't get in trouble for posting this, but I've used this site, Here
Very cheap I think it is Russian.

It is impossible that for its price that is quoted on the site it is legit.

Either ir will not activate at all, or it will activate for short period of time and after while it will get out of activation.

 

[Steltek]

It is impossible that for its price that is quoted on the site it is legit.

Either ir will not activate at all, or it will activate for short period of time and after while it will get out of activation.

Or, it might work for a long time. Microsoft seems to have dipped into one of their "pretty much couldn't care less" phases regarding key sellers.

Guess that will continue until they finally get around to deciding exactly what they will do with Windows.

 

[balloonshark]

Or, it might work for a long time. Microsoft seems to have dipped into one of their "pretty much couldn't care less" phases regarding key sellers.

Guess that will continue until they finally get around to deciding exactly what they will do with Windows.

I've recently bought a Windows 10 Pro retail key for $10 and it's working fine. Someone supposedly asked MS if that place was selling legit keys and MS said they were fine. Even if MS revokes the activation I would only be out $10. I just can't see paying full price for an OS that's basically an app store, has ads and doesn't give me full control of the updates without using workarounds. I wouldn't click the link above though.

 

[Steltek]

I've recently bought a Windows 10 Pro retail key for $10 and it's working fine. Someone supposedly asked MS if that place was selling legit keys and MS said they were fine. Even if MS revokes the activation I would only be out $10. I just can't see paying full price for an OS that's basically an app store, has ads and doesn't give me full control of the updates without using workarounds. I wouldn't click the link above though.

Though I didn't come right out and say it, that is what I was hinting at. And, since Microsoft itself is still giving away the upgrade and has made it so non-activated Windows works with minimal limitations , I no longer worry about it much myself.

As far as the "asking Microsoft" thing goes, I'll believe it when I see it posted on a press release for widespread dissimination by someone high up authorized to speak on the subject. Until then, it is just random, maybe-or-maybe-not Microsoft call center employees (none of which are authorized to speak on the subject anyway) relating their own opinions.

Microsoft runs hot and cold concerning their piracy enforcement. I personally know one big operation that runs out of a residential home in Dallas, Texas. They sell keys that are clearly derived using a key generator. Retail keys, OEM keys, reseller keys, both Windows and Office, they sell them all at prices from $8.00 (with frequent coupons) to $20 or more. They guarantee the key they provide will activate, and will replace it if it does not. Doesn't make it legal, but what they provide passes Microsoft's activation system. I also know Microsoft is fully aware of that operation, but has done nothing about it for over two years now.

So, as long as Microsoft doesn't care, I don't care either as it ain't my monkey or my circus.