Discussing a Windows 10 upgrade.
Discussing a Windows 10 upgrade.
Hello, for your holiday system upgrade you're looking at, let's review the options. The listed OSes range from budget-friendly to more advanced versions. The "medialess" in Win8.1 OEM suggests it runs without additional media drivers, which can simplify setup. Prices vary slightly but staying within a small margin is wise for saving money. Regarding Windows 10, yes, there are different editions—like Home, Pro, and Enterprise—each with unique features and licensing. If you're aiming for full access to upgrade to Windows 10, ensure the version you choose supports that feature. Always check compatibility and future support before purchasing.
Medialess indicates a lack of disk or any physical storage. You could possibly obtain the software, but only the product code remains. You must decide whether to pay extra for the correct edition and version that matches your key. I recommend investing the additional cost to receive the actual disc. The term "FPP" remains unclear, so proceed with caution. All the versions discussed will allow you to upgrade to Windows 10 at no cost. You have until July 29th, 2016, to do so. Personally, I prefer a physical disc or a new USB drive, though that depends on your choice. There are two consumer editions of Windows 10 available: Windows 10 Pro and Windows 10 Home. If you own Windows 8.1 Pro, you'll receive Windows 10 Pro. For Windows 8.1, it will be Windows 10. If you have Windows 8 with the Media Center add-on purchased (valued at $10), and that feature is removed in Windows 10, you'll get Windows 10 Pro along with a free DVD player app for that specific machine. When you reinstall Windows 10, consider installing the Media Center add-on first, then upgrade to Windows 10, or alternatively, reinstall Windows 8.1 Pro and add the Media Center, after which you'll receive the DVD player app included. Normally, Windows 10 doesn't support playing DVD movies like older versions without the Media Center. You can purchase the app for $15 if you wish; it works on up to ten computers using the same account. Buying it will link to your account, making a clean install straightforward. By default, Windows 10 offers three licenses: OEM, OEM System Builder, and Retail OEM. Only trusted partners like Dell, Lenovo, HP, and Acer can provide OEM System Builder, as they offer customized pricing from $0 to $50-60 depending on the build. To confirm your license, you must buy a computer directly—don't accept the agreement without verifying. The product key is embedded in the UEFI chip and cannot be transferred. OEM System Builder is sold at specialized stores, though some mistakenly label it as OEM. You typically need to purchase it with a physical hardware component, as per Microsoft's terms. This license is tied to your motherboard; a new board means a new license. Retail versions come with a box, manual, and both 32-bit and 64-bit disks (or a USB drive for Windows 10). These are pricier but include 90 days of support from Microsoft for installation help. The benefit is the ability to move the license between systems—up to one at a time works fine. If you plan multiple upgrades within the same Windows version, this option is ideal. It's also the only license that allows resale, though the resale value will likely be low since keys can be easily shared or sold.
Windows 7 and 8 professional retail licenses are available on Craigslist, Reddit, or eBay for around $50 or less. Ensure you obtain a retail license, not an OEM one, and include the 64-bit edition. See this link: https://www.reddit.com/r/microsoftsoftwareswap/ For Windows 7 Ultimate 64, you can find it for $25, which also provides a free upgrade to Windows 10 Professional.
FPP refers to a complete packaged product. This means a retail license, a concept Microsoft hasn't applied for in a long time. It simply describes the retail version.
Upgrading to Windows 10 Home from 8.1 will only give you Windows 10 Home, not anything else unless you upgrade to 8.1 first. Windows 8 Pro won’t work without an upgrade to 8.1 either. Once you upgrade to 8.1, you’ll get Windows 10 Pro when you move to Windows 10. It doesn’t seem necessary to buy 8.1 or even 8 if you’re aiming for 10, especially in the UK where the prices for 8.1 and 10 OEM versions are similar. You wouldn’t need to go through the upgrade process unless you want it.
According to demonix00, I need to upgrade from Win8 Pro to Win8.1 Pro to reach Win10 Pro. Is there still a chance to upgrade from Win8 directly to Win8.1? Also, I can't install Windows 10 through the retail channel here. I actually prefer the pre-packaged CD set version, since I already have one for Windows 7.
Windows 8.1 requires Windows 8.1 as an upgrade from Windows 8.0. For those with Windows 8.0, proceed by installing Windows 8.0, then (if applicable) adding the Media Center Pack for Pro edition, skipping it if not, and moving forward. Apply all updates, then upgrade to Windows 8.1, which will become available. Next, complete updates and upgrade to Windows 10. If you're on Windows 8.1, start by installing Windows 8.1, add the Media Center Pack for Pro edition if needed, continue with updates, and finally upgrade to Windows 10.
For Windows 7 users: begin with installation, apply every available update, obtain the latest service pack, complete all updates, and then upgrade to Windows 10.
The closer your version is to Windows 10, the quicker the process will be. Although Windows 7 appears simpler, it contains a large number of updates requiring many restarts.
Thanks for all the help guys This really is a helpful place. Imma close the thread now (doesn't know how to close). May you all have a Merry Christmas!!! HO-HO-HOOOOOO (I think that's what my profile pic says...) :lol: I might make a post of a new system I'm getting this holiday, cheers