Question Do you need to buy an operating system?

[ThatSourMelon]

I’m picking out some computer parts for a friend, he gave me a budget and a windows operating system is pretty expensive. He has a laptop that is windows 10, I heard somewhere that you can transfer operating systems? Something like that. Transfer the files from one computer to another including the operating system, anyone know if you can do that and how?

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

https://www.thewindowsclub.com/how-long-can-you-use-windows-10-without-activation
How long can you use Windows 10 without Activation?

 

[Colif]

Did laptop come with win 10 installed or did he update it from win 7 or 8?

If laptop had win 10 pre installed you cannot move the license to a new PC as big OEM (like Dell & HP) don't let you move the license

If laptop was updated from 7 or 8, he should be able to move the license.
Have a look at this: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change
won't be able to use laptop after though.

otherwise, like Dark Lord shows is the cheapest option.

 

[Alabalcho]

I’m picking out some computer parts for a friend, he gave me a budget and a windows operating system is pretty expensive.

OS license is no different than CPU, or GPU. It is part of the build, with associated costs.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Win 10 can be installed and used with a few customization features missing. Otherwise fully functional.

 

[ThatSourMelon]

Did laptop come with win 10 installed or did he update it from win 7 or 8?

If laptop had win 10 pre installed you cannot move the license to a new PC as big OEM (like Dell & HP) don't let you move the license

If laptop was updated from 7 or 8, he should be able to move the license.
Have a look at this: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change
won't be able to use laptop after though.

otherwise, like Dark Lord shows is the cheapest option.

It came with windows 10...

 

[diveshsehgal11]

You can download and intstall windows 10 yourself and can also activate it with help of serial key , if your friend has one or <Mod Edit>

<Moderator Warning: We do not discuss any non-legal methods of activation here>

 

[Colif]

It came with windows 10...

Dark Lord's suggestion is best choice apart from buying a licence for new PC. You can's move that license.