Windows 10: Is there a "retail" version of Windows 10 available for purchase?

"Retail" versions of Windows 7 can be installed multiple times on new hardware or motherboards, as long as it's only one PC per license.

Is there an equivalent version of Windows 10 that carries the same privileges?

I am NOT referring to the "free upgrade" or upgrading from a pre-existing Windows 7 or 8.1 license.

I mean a stand-alone product that can be installed on a bare metal hard drive when the purchaser has never owned any prior version of Windows. And can continue to be installed as the purchaser cycles through various hardware/motherboard changes into the future.

Does the product in the following link meet the criteria of allowing multiple motherboard changes?

Amazon.com: Microsoft Windows 10 Pro | Download: Software

No mention of OEM, no mention of System Builder. But I don't see the term "retail" in the description.

Even if it qualifies, it's a download. Is there a DVD or USB equivalent? What's the SKU?

I thought I had read that "retail" versions as previously known for Windows 7 had been done away with for Windows 10, but I need clarification on the limitations of certain products.

If there still are "retail" versions of Windows 10, how can I identify them? Just avoid anything that says "OEM" or "System Builder"? Or?

:)

 

Lumia " The Future is Here "

This is a support forum, not a complaints department.

I suggest you directly submit your complaints about hardware to Nokia and software to Microsoft.



Also it often helps to read reviews when switching platforms to make sure it suits your needs. From what you've said the Lumia 820 clearly doesn't suit you.

 

" Waiting for approval " until when !????

It means that it's waiting for approval from your operator and it has nothing to do with Nokia.

You could call your operator and ask about this approval, someone in technical service may know that how long it takes to approve the newest firmware. (For some reason, every operator has to approve the firmware updates and only after that their clients
can do the update)

 

Yes, a retail version of Windows 10 is available in Home and Pro, 32 and/or 64 bit. Home is $109 and Pro is $199.

A retail version can be installed on any computer that will run it as long as it's installed on only one computer at a time.

The one on Amazon you point to is retail. You can download the ISO or have them send you a flash drive with the ISO on it ready for install.

If you download, Rufus is a good choice to use the create your own installable flash drive.

If you look at the side of the Flash drive Pro box it says Pro Full Version.

 

If you buy Windows 10 from Microsoft Store, it is the retail version if it is not specifically mentioned it is an OEM version. You can get it on USB if you need physical install media instead of an ISO. The original Microsoft Windows 10 USB install media contains both bit versions.

• Windows 10 Pro: Upgrade or Purchase - Microsoft Store
• Windows 10 Home: Upgrade or Purchase - Microsoft Store

At the moment Microsoft does not directly sell OEM or System Builder versions to consumers. You can buy OEM for instance from Newegg: Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 64-bit - Newegg.com ($139.99 + $2.99 shipping)

 

Kari, that one is $139. The one linked to on Amazon is $199 so I'm sure it's the "Retail" version.
The Pro version from MS is also $199 which matches the Amazon one.

 

Absolutely no idea what you are talking about? I gave links to Microsoft Store for Pro and Home Retail versions ($199.99 and $119.99 respectively), and thereafter link to Windows 10 Pro OEM at Newegg at $139.99.

Please could you tell what was / is wrong in my post?

 

@ignatzatsonic

Your Amazon link shows a retail purchase of the Windows 10 Pro flash drive.
You probably have to choose which one you want.

I bought a Windows 10 Pro flash drive (thumb etc...) device from the Microsoft Store by telephone purchase.
Called their sales number and ordered a flash drive which was delivered.
I think it is the so-called retail version. It was delivered in a box along with the product key.
I did pay $199 plus tax / shipping = ~ somewhere about $210. US dollars

Microsoft Store - Sales and support

License Transferring:
Installing to a different motherboard requires deactivation of a license.
You will need to call Microsoft and ask if you can have a license transferred.

How to transfer a Microsoft license

 

managed to have a brain freeze and posted in wrong post

 

Why are you sure?

Because the Amazon price matches the MS Store price?

I'm not doubting, I'm sincerely asking.

If I see Windows 10 Pro non-OEM, non-System Builder, for 177.99, should I infer something about that product, based on the price?

Have SKUs been discontinued?

Is it mere coincidence that the prices match? Historically, prices for completely legit Windows had significant price variation, depending on the vendor.

It appears Newegg prices match to the penny also:

Microsoft Windows 10 Home - Full Version USB Flash Drive - Newegg.com

Microsoft Windows 10 Pro - Full Version USB Flash Drive - Newegg.com

I see that the Newegg descriptions use the word "full". Amazon does not use that term. Nor do I see that term at the Microsoft Store.

I'm just seeking clarity. I always build my own PCs and typically upgrade all hardware periodically.

Are there any bona fide Microsoft links where this confusion regarding terminology is explained?

 

OEM vs Full Version - Microsoft Community

Page down on the link for details.
The terminology is the same as in 2009.

Hope it's ok to link to "Microsoft Answers"

Almost out of time, here. Using mobile hotspot is expensive.
Will have to get out and find free wifi in the future.
Signing off.

 

NT:

The newest comment in that link is over 4 years old and applies to Windows 7, when the term "Retail" was used by vendors and SKUs were commonplace.

I'm looking for current and definitive information since Windows 10 was released--something from the last few months.

 

Like this?:
Windows system builder licensing for personal use


From a bona fide Microsoft website it is interesting to note:
"Windows 10, Windows 8.1, and Windows 7 system builder software does not permit personal use, and is intended only for preinstallation on customer systems that will be sold to end users.*"

 

@ignatzatsonic, I know what you are looking for, I just haven't been able to find it yet. I can only infer that Newegg differentiates between Windows 10 Pro OEM and Windows 10 Pro Full Version and prices reflect a difference. With Windows 7 the description stated "Retail" version. Windows 10 does not seem to.
Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 64-bit - Newegg.com
Microsoft Windows 10 Pro - Full Version USB Flash Drive - Newegg.com

 

Windows system builder licensing for personal use


"Building a PC for personal use licensing comparison by product
Windows 10
Full packaged retail product is needed."