Windows 11 isn't here yet, but fortunately, you can get Windows 10 for free or cheap -- if you know where to look. Getting hold of the Windows installer is as easy as visiting support. Once that's done, you can boot from your installation media and load Windows 10 onto your PC. During installation, Microsoft asks for an activation key. You can skip it, but eventually, Windows will start alerting you that your install isn't activated. Of course, you can buy a key from Microsoft online, but there are other websites selling Windows 10 keys for less.
And does your carefully crafted PC build face any risks? Below we outline the top ways you can get Windows 10 -- from free, to cheap, to most expensive -- and the downsides of each option. Yes, this still works, as a Microsoft rep has confirmed. If you already have a Windows 7, 8 or 8. You activate it by using the key from one of those older OSes.
But note that you can only use a key on a single PC at a time, so if you use that key for a new PC build , any other PC running that key is out of luck. To do this with a Windows compatible PC after backing up your important data, of course download Windows When asked, select " Upgrade this PC now.
Note that if you've recently changed your PC's hardware, such as the motherboard , Windows may not find the license for you device. That means you'll have to reactive the OS. Here are Microsoft's instructions for reactivating Windows 10 after changing PC hardware.
When using an older Windows key to activate Windows 10, you may run into complications if Microsoft isn't sure whether you're eligible to update or not. However, that seems to be happening less in recent months and years. I have colleagues who have used non-activated versions of Windows for years without Microsoft ever shutting it down. Microsoft brands PCs running an unactivated version of Windows 10 with a watermark in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
A Microsoft spokesperson told me that activating Windows 10 ensures you have a legitimate copy of Windows 10, and the watermark is an attempt to alert consumers that their version could be false. However, if you downloaded your ISO directly from Microsoft, there's no way your copy can be a fake.
That means you can't choose personal desktop wallpapers, slideshow backgrounds, Start, taskbar, Action Center or title bar colors, light or dark color schemes, font choices or lock screen options.
The lack of custom aesthetics can be a downer, especially if you like to liven things up by changing colors and images. However, we checked, and you can still change your wallpaper if you right-click an image from the web or a personal photo and set it as your wallpaper.
And if you have a wallpaper tied to your Microsoft account, it will appear if you sign into Windows with that account. Microsoft offers students attending certain universities and high schools the ability to get Windows 10 for free by allowing them to activate Windows 10 Education for free. You can see if your school is eligible and download your free Windows 10 key here.
The key is yours even after you graduate. But is Windows 10 Education any different from Windows 10 Home? Windows 10 Education is the same as Windows 10 Enterprise, which Microsoft calls the most robust version of Windows The OS has features targeting security, device control and management and deployment that Windows 10 Home lacks.
In addition to ethical concerns, if you get caught, Microsoft can make you pay up anyway. And while some turn to Microsoft for this purchase, there are third-party websites selling keys for much cheaper than Microsoft. Be sure to check their refund policy before buying. Now, let's address the elephant in the room. While we can't vouch for all of them, websites selling lower-priced Windows keys are likely selling legitimate codes.
One popular site, Kinguin, has 37 merchants worldwide selling Windows keys. It's just another marketplace. However, we've encountered reports of customer dissatisfaction, including from users who wanted a specific type of key like non-OEM only , ended up with something different like an OEM version and could only get a refund, rather than the type of key they originally tried to buy.
We've also heard reports of slow customer service. Kinguin hasn't responded to requests for comment. A hint will be if that key is too cheap -- i. And, as with anything else, if you haven't heard of a seller, check their ratings or go elsewhere.
No matter where you get your product key, you shouldn't download Windows 10 from anyone besides Microsoft. At the moment there are a limited number of sites where you can legally purchase digital downloads of Microsoft software.
These non-Microsoft websites have varying return policies for software key purchases. While Kinguin seems to have an open return policy, we've seen reports of the service being too slow or the company insisting on replacing the key instead of refunding it or vice versa.
Amazon and Newegg both have no-refund policies for software keys. Amazon claims all keys sold on its site are genuine, and any gripes you have with your key must be handled by the individual vendors. PC gaming is better than more social than ever on Windows 10, with 4K gaming, and DirectX 12 graphics. Microsoft Store offers world-class customer support and guidance, ensuring that our customers find the best devices, games, apps, software, and resources for their personal and professional needs.
Learn more. Return almost any product in like-new condition in its original packaging within 30 days. Windows 10 provides virus and real-time protection against threats from malicious apps and ransomware. Sleek, lightweight new PCs have more power, longer battery life, and are optimized to showcase the best of Windows 10 2.
With Windows 10 at the heart of your computer you can do it all. Licensed for one PC or Mac. These products are sold separately. Active Directory makes management easier but is not required. BootCamp is included with macOS, and lets you choose which operating system you want to run at startup. Run your favorite Windows apps and play PC games right on your Mac.
You don't need a Windows device to play PC games. Whether it's racing to the checkered flag or saving the planet, you can enjoy rich graphics and heavy animation games even on your Mac. Stay informed about special deals, the latest products, events, and more from Microsoft Store. Available to United States residents.
By clicking sign up, I agree that I would like information, tips, and offers about Microsoft Store and other Microsoft products and services. Privacy Statement. Upgrade to Windows 10 Pro to unlock enhanced features like Remote Desktop, automatic cloud backup, and BitLocker security. The best Windows ever Be more productive and creative with 3D tools, cross-device experiences, and more. Ready to upgrade to Windows 10?
Best for personal or household use. Fast start-up and Windows Hello for password free sign-ins [1] Windows Mixed Reality for exploring new worlds, going to top destinations, and playing immersive games [2] My People for easy access to key contacts, drag and drop sharing and sending animated emojis Windows Ink for creating lists, sticky notes and drawings, writing directly on your screen, and working smarter on Office documents [3][5] 4K gaming, DirectX 12 graphics, and a more intuitive Game mode [4] Paint 3D and Remix 3D for seeing 3D creations in your world, or enhancing photos, videos and Office documents [5] The reimagined Photos app for creating videos with soundtrack, transitions, 3D effects, and Windows Ink Microsoft Edge for longer battery life, 4K Ultra HD and Dolby Audio, and organizing the web your way Cortana, your personal digital assistant [6].
All of the features of Windows 10 Home, plus: Get built-in protection from security threats at no extra cost with BitLocker, Windows Defender Antivirus and more Access all your files, folders and apps from virtually anywhere on any device with remote desktop Choose deferred updates so you can decide when and how to update your devices Connect to your school, business, or corporate network via the cloud with Azure Active Directory Create and run virtual machines with Hyper-V [7] Make use of powerful management tools for single sign on and more control over your devices.
Get started with Windows Upgrade your device to Windows 10 Before you start, make sure your Windows PC or tablet can support the upgrade. Free 2—3 day shipping No minimum purchase, available on eligible products.
Hassle-free returns Return almost any product in like-new condition in its original packaging within 30 days. Instant software downloads Don't wait for delivery. All of our software is ready for instant download.
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