He often warns me that getting a Windows key from eBay is a fraud.
He often warns me that getting a Windows key from eBay is a fraud.
That was a temporary offer after they stopped the free upgrade from Windows 7/8 to 10. You could only get free Windows 10 by joining the Windows Insider Program, which also had a limited time. I missed it by a month. I’m part of the Windows Insider Program but my Windows 10 isn’t activated.
Not officially turned on, the insider version acts as a temporary license for participation, valid for about a year per build. The licensing structure differs from what you described. Microsoft has previously pursued legal action against private owners, though it wasn't profitable. Doing this remains against the law. Selling keys on eBay or elsewhere is considered illegal. This typically involves either a) reused stolen keys until caught and unrecognized by authentication servers or b) selling OEM keys and reselling them as unauthorized versions for $5 to $50, often by third parties like Kinguin. The standard MSRP for Windows 10 is $100 for Home and $199 for Pro. I can expand further if needed, but I'm not keen on repeating this multiple times. This isn't the same as the free OS Upgrade Program. Edited January 29, 2018 by SansVarnic
Based on some research, a scam involving a cheap key can be understood in three ways: 1) You buy a genuine key from an unlawful source, deceiving Microsoft. 2) You fall for a scam by buying a fake key believing it to be valuable. 3) You purchase a non-functional key and are unable to reclaim your payment.
Definition of the grey market
Reference to products sold outside official channels at reduced prices.