Advice on Windows 10 purchase
Advice on Windows 10 purchase
Hi everyone, I’m planning to switch from Windows 8 to Windows 10 but the free version no longer works for me. I’m based in Western Australia and need a genuine, lifetime license. Local shops are charging around $190 (about 143 USD), which feels expensive even for an official copy. I’ve noticed terms like OEM, Home edition, Full, etc., but I’m specifically after the full Windows 10 Home version with a physical USB or CD. I’d also like to know about licensing details—like whether it allows unlimited installs on multiple PCs, similar to some 1PC licenses. Also, I recently bought an SSD from this store and wonder if this one matches what I’m looking for.
It seems the setup went through without issues, but then it got corrupted just before finishing the upgrade to Windows 10. You're missing the license key for the older Windows 8 version, which makes it harder to get another one. While I understand wanting to do things properly, it feels like the process isn't very appealing right now.
When you install a Windows 10 ISO on Windows and do an in-place upgrade, does it turn active right away? It seems likely. After activation, you can perform a clean installation without a product key, and it will automatically activate once online. I suggest creating a system image backup first, then attempting the upgrade. You might be surprised if you don’t have to pay anything. If you’re using Linux or macOS, you can get the ISO directly from the official site. On a Windows machine, visiting that link will redirect you to the media creation tool. The MCT also allows downloading an ISO, which adds one extra step. I believe it’s worth trying if you really need or want to upgrade to Windows 10.
Previously, it seemed you could switch to Windows 10 by reinstalling the operating system and using your old Windows 7/8/8.1 activation key, even without the GWX app. It appears Microsoft has stopped offering this method publicly. The process seems to vary by location. For Canadians, the cost is about 165 CAD from the official site, which is roughly 10 USD more than the 119 USD price in the U.S.
With Windows 8 (or 10), the license is linked to your device, allowing a smooth reinstall without entering the key manually. You might also attempt a direct install of 10. It seems the free upgrade option could still be available.
Thank you all for your responses. The main challenges I encounter are: 1. I’m unsure if I’ll be able to locate the Windows 8 key, and 2. My current laptop’s HDD is failing and needs replacement with the SSD I purchased. While using Windows 8 on the new SSD would work, it might not be feasible without the necessary code since I don’t know how to transfer files. I’m considering getting a lifetime Windows 10 home DVD/USB to ensure compatibility and allow me to reinstall whenever needed. Are all Windows 10 models that come with a DVD/USB available for unlimited or lifetime installations? For example, this product: https://www.pccasegear.com/products/3277...medium=cpc
I believe Microsoft is moving away from the old FPP model https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/wind...b3fe68a93e They seem to control the customer, are they allowed another activation on another device? Linus made the video a long time ago for his benchmark setup and he’s no longer eligible after five uses. I’ve never seen an online shop claiming unlimited activations across different machines. Also, PCCasegear is selling OEM keys, not FPP keys. Again, I’ve never noticed any store offering FPP Windows 10.