Windows OEM keys?
Windows OEM keys?
You can simply download and install Windows 10 for free without activation. If you prefer not to use an OEM key, keep in mind it’s usually valid only once and linked to your motherboard. Your laptop’s key might also be connected to it, so changing hardware could cause issues.
Are you sure about this? (Except the bothersome "Windows isn't activated" alerts...) I'm ready when Microsoft agrees with Apple's view on operating systems. They should be open to offering them for free forever so more people update.
It will never be free like OS X, and OS X is only compatible with very constrained systems. Usually GNU/Linux comes up unless you want to run games or use certain productivity tools.
OSX has its strengths, but I disagree with some points. Microsoft did attempt a free giveaway, and it had limited success. Today, Windows 10 holds the second biggest market share, right after Windows 7. It didn’t perform as expected, but it still managed to gain traction in some areas. If they aim for upgrades, offering something free seems necessary. Most users don’t see a reason to switch, and many apps that function on 10 will still work on older versions like Vista, 7, or even XP. People often upgrade OSX because it brings extra features for mobile devices. Nowadays, you can connect your phone to your computer, share files across devices, and so on. I’m not saying these things are truly valuable, but they help with marketing and encourage upgrades. Windows doesn’t do that as effectively. What makes Windows 10 special compared to Windows 7 is unclear to me. The start menu tiles look impressive, though I might just be unfamiliar. For the OPs, I understand that OEM versions run on one machine initially, then can be moved between systems, which explains the higher cost of retail copies.
This is correct. To Microsoft, you are the manufacturer if you get OEM. If you call and try to get it reactivated on a new mobo, they'll simply tell you to contact your manufacturer. From what I can tell, at least from legit stores, 2 OEM keys cost more than 1 retail, so if you plan to upgrade hardware go for retail. Just for information purposes, here is a link explaining exactly how to go about reactivating Windows after a hardware swap: http://www.windowscentral.com/how-re-act...are-change
Since 2000, purchasing and trading OEM keys has become permissible. For a deeper dive into the legal details, check out the provided link.