[SOLVED] How does a windows 10 retail work?

[Ronv1011]

Hey guys never had windows retail before, currently have an OEM so say if I want to buy a windows 10 retail now can I buy it digital or have to go to local store and get a disc copy? And when I buy it how can I install the windows retail when I already have the OEM in my system?
Sorry for wierd question!
thanks for help!

 

[Colif]

why do you want retail? especially if you have win 10 already?

there is very little difference between win 10 oem and retail, about only one is how many PC you can put it on?
seems a waste to put it on a PC that already has win 10 on it?

Or are you buying Pro and have home now?

I am not sure but pretty good chance the only digitalretail versions are from Microsoft direct.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-au/store/b/windows?activetab=tab:shopwindows10

You can buy retail copies that are on USB from most stores

 

[Ronv1011]

why do you want retail? especially if you have win 10 already?

there is very little difference between win 10 oem and retail, about only one is how many PC you can put it on?
seems a waste to put it on a PC that already has win 10 on it?

Or are you buying Pro and have home now?

I am not sure but pretty good chance the only digitalretail versions are from Microsoft direct.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-au/store/b/windows?activetab=tab:shopwindows10

You can buy retail copies that are on USB from most stores

Lets say I am planning to buy a new motherboard so I will need to buy a new OEM or retail version so I want to get the retail so I can just install it in every computer and not buy the oem always when switching motherboards.

 

[Colif]

IS the current PC an upgrade from win 7/8 and do you intend to keep using it after you get new one?

If the current PC is an upgrade and you don't want to keep using it, you could just use the current licence on your next PC and then buy retail further down the track. All you need to do is have win 10 licence linked to an email address and you can simply move it to next PC - https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change - this lets you move licence to an entirely new PC.

If win 10 isn't an upgrade and it comes from a big OEM like Dell or HP, those licences can't be moved.
Obviously if you intend to use PC after you won't want to move licence

The restrictions regarding moving win 10 from one mb to another are blurred now. Its possible retail still lets you move it more times but if you replace motherboards now it doesn't always mean you have to buy a new licence. the move method above still works with new OEM copies too.