Best place to buy a copy of Windows 8?

[Billspear]

I've been searching the interwebs for the best deal on Windows 8 and come across sites like this:

Are they legit?

Are there any sites in particular that are cheaper than Microsoft, LEGAL, trustworthy, etc?

 

[USAFRet]

Amazon, Newegg, TigerDirect, MicroCenter....

If you find it significantly cheaper than those, either a short term sale, or it is almost certainly not legit.
Win 8 Pro for 1/3 the regular price raises huge red flags.

It costs what it costs.

 

[Metalxdelights]

I'm not entirely sure if that's legit or not but I searched the interwebs and finally decided to get a copy of Windows 8.1 full version from Walmart. They price match, I bought mine for around $100 before taxes.

 

[Billspear]

I'm not entirely sure if that's legit or not but I searched the interwebs and finally decided to get a copy of Windows 8.1 full version from Walmart. They price match, I bought mine for around $100 before taxes.

Thanks guys.

I currently don't have an OS on my new PC. The SSD is completely blank. Is it possible to install Windows 8.1 cleanly without a previous version of Windows 8? I've googled around but the answer is unclear.

This is what I'm looking at. Windows 8.1 at Wal Mart for $105.

 

[USAFRet]

I'm not entirely sure if that's legit or not but I searched the interwebs and finally decided to get a copy of Windows 8.1 full version from Walmart. They price match, I bought mine for around $100 before taxes.

Thanks guys.

I currently don't have an OS on my new PC. The SSD is completely blank. Is it possible to install Windows 8.1 cleanly without a previous version of Windows 8? I've googled around but the answer is unclear.

This is what I'm looking at. Windows 8.1 at Wal Mart for $105.

What you've linked will work perfectly.

AS would this, for a few $$ cheaper:
http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-8-1-Full-Version/dp/B00EDSI7QO

 

[Billspear]

What you've linked will work perfectly.

AS would this, for a few $$ cheaper:
http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-8-1-Full-Version/dp/B00EDSI7QO

Wow, good deal! THANKS! I might pick that up.

Last question before I make my purchase: I'm really big on options and don't want the OEM version because I think it's locked to your motherboard. If I get the full version, can I install it as many times as I want in the future as long it's running on one PC at a time? Does it matter if it's a physical copy or download version? I prefer physical but if the download is cheaper and I can make a backup on DVD/USB and use it at my discretion, I may consider that.

 

[Metalxdelights]

Walmart and Target both price match Amazon If you're in a hurry.

 

[USAFRet]

What you've linked will work perfectly.

AS would this, for a few $$ cheaper:
http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-8-1-Full-Version/dp/B00EDSI7QO

Wow, good deal! THANKS! I might pick that up.

Last question before I make my purchase: I'm really big on options and don't want the OEM version because I think it's locked to your motherboard. If I get the full version, can I install it as many times as I want in the future as long it's running on one PC at a time? Does it matter if it's a physical copy or download version? I prefer physical but if the download is cheaper and I can make a backup on DVD/USB and use it at my discretion, I may consider that.

Reinstall as many times as you want, 1 PC at a time.

The licensing for Win 8/8.1 has changed significantly from Win 7. It is no longer tied directly to that first motherboard, OEM or retail. But it is only a few $$ difference.
The main difference is who you can call for 'support'.

Retail, you can call MS. OEM, you can ask us here. And we will give you better answers than the 21 year old who has been at the Tier 1 seat for 3 weeks.....:lol:


But for the very few $$ difference, get the retail version (linked above) for peace of mind.

 

[Billspear]

What you've linked will work perfectly.

AS would this, for a few $$ cheaper:
http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-8-1-Full-Version/dp/B00EDSI7QO

Wow, good deal! THANKS! I might pick that up.

Last question before I make my purchase: I'm really big on options and don't want the OEM version because I think it's locked to your motherboard. If I get the full version, can I install it as many times as I want in the future as long it's running on one PC at a time? Does it matter if it's a physical copy or download version? I prefer physical but if the download is cheaper and I can make a backup on DVD/USB and use it at my discretion, I may consider that.

Reinstall as many times as you want, 1 PC at a time.

The licensing for Win 8/8.1 has changed significantly from Win 7. It is no longer tied directly to that first motherboard, OEM or retail. But it is only a few $$ difference.
The main difference is who you can call for 'support'.

Retail, you can call MS. OEM, you can ask us here. And we will give you better answers than the 21 year old who has been at the Tier 1 seat for 3 weeks.....:lol:


But for the very few $$ difference, get the retail version (linked above) for peace of mind.

I had no idea. That's great to know that the licensing has changed since 7. Thanks so much! I love this community and am new here. I'll probably stick to the retail version but I'll still come here first over Microsoft 😀

 

[USAFRet]

Good luck!

 

[Billspear]

Just want to update this thread for future readers with similar questions/concerns.

Unfortunately, Wal-Mart does not price-match online retailers such as Amazon. However, the good news is that Target and Best Buy do! The item must be shipped and sold by Amazon, not a third-party.

I ended up getting Windows 8.1 from Best Buy and they were happy to price-match Amazon's sale on Windows 8.1 (full version) for $97.99.