Windows 10: Windows 10 retail ?

Retail hasn't changed, it why its still the most expensive version and you're right you can transfer over as many time possible, just as long its on only one PC

 

That makes sense. 1709 only came out in October. Note that the genuine Microsoft USB in those boxes is read-only. You can't re-use or update it.

 

I know in my city those boxes do have a usb flash drive, though the version and build that I don't know . And, they're retail versions which can be re used as often as one likes. Again, just as long installation is only on one PC at a time .... Though I'm still curious to know if anyone has installed a retail windows 10 pro version what is shown under activation

 

Hi,
I got one "retail" at Newegg but I'm not using it at the moment
Post in a little while what do you want to know exactly ?

I just downloaded the iso and burned it to a dvd :/

 

The installation media is generic - the product key determines the EULA type.

 

No, I mean the USB itself cannot be reformatted, written to or reused for any other purpose - Microsoft have made it permanently read-only as a security precaution.

 

Hi,
Has anyone tried to take ownership of the device
I personally didn't get one I knew where to get a current iso all I needed was the activation key.

I was wrong I didn't buy at Newegg
I bought from Amazon
The 10 pro was 20.us cheaper and still says retail
Even a 10 pro upgrade shows retail bought from MS store a long time ago now
It's still on 1703 or creators update.
No actual activation key with that one though it was in place and tied to my MS account = I actually hate that part.

 

yes, the usb drive is encrypted . it really doesn't serve any purpose since all is really need is the license key

 

True, but I'm still curious to know what is shown under Activation with the retail versions . All my PCs say Windows is activated with a digital license

 

If you read on the MCT, it clearly says the download will be a earlier version. Once you install it, it installs 16299.15..

 

Bree, A USB can be reformatted, any data on it will be deleted.
If you have a USB with data on it, right click on USB, in list you will see Format.

 

Actually not the ones which Microsoft are selling windows on it, those flash drives are encrypted. Its funny MS don't actually updated them to the latest windows 10 version. And they can't tell which builds/ versions is on them, all they can tell you which year the flash drives were created

 

A normal thumb drive yes. These Microsoft branded Windows 10 thumb drives are hardware locked as read only. That's so they can't get corrupted or infected with malware etc. Downside is, they will very shortly become outdated when a new build gets released. Still usable, but you'll need to update/upgrade to the new build after your clean install

@sn00ker When Windows 10 first came out, if I used one of my MSDN Retail keys, it would show as "activated with a product code". Now those same keys get a Digital License. Started with the AU I think? I do believe the only installs that don't get a Digital License are corporate Volume License installs. Even my MSDN Enterprise MAK keys get a Digital License.

 

Thanks... And the point I was trying to get to before I got a warning about those flash drive is like what you mention, after a new version comes out those drives are pretty much useless unless one wants to install an older version but why would anyone do such when it just make sense to always get the latest from MS site

 

The same deal would happen if they put a DVD in the box instead of a thumb drive. They just choose to use thumb drives, less chance of damaging them. Easier to carry in your pocket etc. It's just hard to wrap your head around not being able to update them like a normal thumb drive. Or reuse them for something else. If I had one, it wouldn't be long before I cracked it open to have a look inside to see if the read only was defeatable. *Wink