You can either install Win11 directly or use a USB drive since you just purchased it.
You can either install Win11 directly or use a USB drive since you just purchased it.
I notice most YouTube videos focus on PC builds, downloading the newest Windows OS, and then using a ~$20 legal activation code. I see why you’d think that since the site provides updates, it wouldn’t require as many changes. But why doesn’t Microsoft sell activation codes instead of the full OS software? It’s confusing. There’s a difference between buying an official USB (~$120) with a code versus getting a free MS Win11 download and one of the many ~$20 activation codes.
The activation codes you purchase for about 20 units are typically OEM keys. These are linked to the motherboard and can only be used once. A retail key isn’t tied to the hardware and can be transferred roughly five times (though I’m not sure). If a Windows account is involved, it might affect which type of key is needed. I believe Linus covered this topic in a video for Windows 10, and nothing seems to have changed since then.
I realized there might be an issue here. It felt too straightforward to believe. Should I still create a boot drive using the latest information from the MS website and apply the retail key I purchased with the operating system, or should I just use the OS version on the USB and proceed with updates, even if it takes longer?
Explore the legal aspects of those codes further: https://forums.