How do you test if the Operating System is legit?

[NonTechSavvySheep]

I'm in the market of buying a new laptop or netbooks. This time, I do not ask you to help me decide which laptop to buy as I already have clear idea which laptop to buy as I have done my research. However, I am buying from local store in my city and I know that those places are notorious for selling pirated software and OS.

I want to buy laptop with pre installed operating system as it is cheaper than buying separate license key. I know OEM is bloated at all and retail is better, but life happens

How do I make sure that I actually buy the laptop that is actually OEM and not pirated.

Example:
Lenovo Idepad 110 cost $200 DOS
Lenovo Ideapad 110 cost $230 with Windows 10 Home installed

I worry that they actually gives me a laptop that is actually cost $200 but they charge me $230 because it has Windows 10 even though that the Windows 10 is pirate. How do I make sure that I do not get ripped off. How do I test the laptop operating system? Thanks. Much appreciated

 

[SkyNetRising]

First you check if windows is activated.
Then you check for windows activation key in BIOS. You can do that with RW-Everything.
If you want to be absolutely sure, you can do clean reinstall of windows. If it activates automatically, then it's 100% legit.

 

[geofelt]

If you can successfully do a windows update, you are likely to be OK.

Laptop makers can buy windows from Microsoft for a big discount so the $30 difference could be legitimate.

 

[USAFRet]

However, I am buying from local store in my city and I know that those places are notorious for selling pirated software and OS.

Then I would not trust it to be 'legit'. Even if it does get regular updates.

 

[geofelt]

You can call Microsoft to check if your windows is legit.
1 (800) 642-7676

OR

1-866-493-2825 (toll free) or 1-650-526-6950 (International toll charges may apply.)
00-800-9522-3000 (toll free) or 650-526-6950 (International toll charges may apply.)