OS In new build

[Filipe Mata]

I will buy my PC in a few days. I will be using a NZXT S340 so I don't have any optical drive. I also don't want to buy and OS. Can I Download Windows 8.1 for free? I will have to use USB Flash Drive right?

 

[DiegoD]

You can load windows without a license but after 3 day, sometimes it is on first boot, it will say that the copy is not a legit version of windows. You will still be able to run your PC but windows updates will be disabled and you can forget about changing your background.

If you are in the US ebay is a great place to find Windows licenses If you hunt you can probally find a Windows 7 pro for $50.

 

[rgd1101]

The only free Windows is the https://insider.windows.com/ which you will be beta testing for microsoft.

Windows 7 pro for $50, probably fake

 

[WildCard999]

With that case you don't need to use a USB flash drive since you can take the side cover off and use a disk drive for the initial Windows install then remove it when you don't need it, or use a USB external disk drive (usually around $35).

Just buy a legit version of Windows, then you won't need to worry about pre-installed viruses, malware or the inability to update your system. Also you will be able to upgrade to Windows 10 without issues.

 

[DiegoD]

The only free Windows is the https://insider.windows.com/ which you will be beta testing for microsoft.

Windows 7 pro for $50, probably fake

No, actually it isn't. I purchased 29 copies just last week for, well, 29 new builds. If you are wary just find one that is backed by Ebay so if you are ripped off you will be compensated.

 

[McHenryB]

A $50 copy of Windows Pro may appear to work at first, but don't make any long-term plans that rely on it. Most of these cheapos are MSDN keys that will be banned once Microsoft realize that they are being used multiple times. Good luck getting your money back from eBay a few months down the line - amongst the items not covered by eBay's guarantee is "Digital Content".