Cheap Windows Software that Works

[christianhan02192003]

Is there a place where I can find a cheap windows 10 install key? I'm trying to build a budget pc, and paying over $100 for windows isn't in my budget (especially when it costs as much as my Processor. All i need to know is if it works. Thank You (I also have some laptops that are currently running Windows 7, but I don't how how to get an upgrade key from there to my pc (stated from another thread)). Also, how does unactivated windows work?

 

[Peter Martin]

no.

Students get big discounts.

98 dollars regular price.
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832416892&cm_re=windows_10_home-_-32-416-892-_-Product

 

[Barty1884]

Lots of sources exist where you can pay lesser amounts of money for a Windows "key". The problem is, those are highly unlikely to be legit.
They might activate initially, but have the potential to be blacklisted etc.

You can run Windows 10 unactivated, with very little limitations until you can afford a license key.
Download/create your own installation media here:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/software-download/windows10

And skip when asked for a key.

 

[dextermat]

you can try amazon. If you have prime and get a compromised, they will give you your money back. Look at the sellers review to be sure.

 

[christianhan02192003]

Is there any limitations on unactivated windows 10?

 

[Barty1884]

Personalization is the only thing I can think of off-hand. No changing wallpaper/color themses through the settings menu - although can change wallpaper by right clicking on the relevant image file and choosing "set as wallpaper".

There's really no reason to look to the 'grey' market for a cheap key, with the minimal limitations imposed running unactivated.

Whatever you do, ensure you create your own installation media from the link I posted above.
1. If you opt for a cheap 'grey' key, any install media provided may be infected
2. Even if you buy a retail MS key, from an authorized retailer - the media provided will be (at a minimum) months old. Creating your own will install the latest patches etc, avoiding the inconvenience of running a ridiculous amount of Windows updates once installed.

 

[christianhan02192003]

Are there any limitations regarding gaming? I would like to run league of legends, Fortnite, Steam, etc

 

[USAFRet]

Is there any limitations on unactivated windows 10?

Sometimes appearing nag text at bottom right.
No personalization of the desktop or taskbar.

That's it.

It gets all the same updates, on the same schedule.
I have a long running test of an Unactivated Win 10, installed in a VM, to test exactly this.
Installed on Dec 8 2016, 644 days.
Runs exactly as Day 1.

 

[christianhan02192003]

Thanks!

 

[USAFRet]

Are there any limitations regarding gaming?

None at all.

 

[cryoburner]

I have a long running test of an Unactivated Win 10, installed in a VM, to test exactly this.
Installed on Dec 8 2016, 644 days.
Runs exactly as Day 1.

I kind of wonder if Microsoft will change this at some point though. They could eventually increase the nag messages, or maybe include something like advertising on the desktop for unactivated users. Currently, they're playing nice to convince people to install the new OS, but who knows if that will still be the case later on, such as after extended support for Windows 7 Home ends in a little over a year.

 

[Peter Martin]

well, it is their intellectual property to do with as they wish, us mere license holders. I wouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth in other words.

 

[timba91]

You can buy cheap keys from trusted European online shops no problem. There are some laws here that make it legal(reselling software cannot be illegal). I paid 7,50E for my retail pro key and it's worked for over a year now.

 

[Barty1884]

You can buy cheap keys from trusted European online shops no problem. There are some laws here that make it legal(reselling software cannot be illegal). I paid 7,50E for my retail pro key and it's worked for over a year now.

It's not the 'reselling' argument that is overly cause for concern - although technically against the EULA, regions have ruled it cannot be legally enforced. That legal argument though, IIRC, is for software you legally acquired for personal use. So a prebuilt desktop that shipped with W10 Home (for example).

The issue with 'grey' keys, is they have potentially been bought with stolen credit cards.... Or a volume license that has a limited number of activations, but continues to be resold.
Both of those examples (and many others, I'm sure) can fully, and legally be deactivated by MS.

Your sample size of 1, doesn't really validate anything - take a browse around this forum for specific sites that are known for selling keys. Some interesting reading.

Ultimately, they're buy at your own risk.

 

[timba91]

You can buy cheap keys from trusted European online shops no problem. There are some laws here that make it legal(reselling software cannot be illegal). I paid 7,50E for my retail pro key and it's worked for over a year now.

It's not the 'reselling' argument that is overly cause for concern - although technically against the EULA, regions have ruled it cannot be legally enforced. That legal argument though, IIRC, is for software you legally acquired for personal use. So a prebuilt desktop that shipped with W10 Home (for example).

The issue with 'grey' keys, is they have potentially been bought with stolen credit cards.... Or a volume license that has a limited number of activations, but continues to be resold.
Both of those examples (and many others, I'm sure) can fully, and legally be deactivated by MS.

Your sample size of 1, doesn't really validate anything - take a browse around this forum for specific sites that are known for selling keys. Some interesting reading.

Ultimately, they're buy at your own risk.

That's a really friendly and informative way to point out I said something stupid.