Where to buy Windows?

[Noor_awsome]

Building my first gaming pc. However, I'm kind of skeptical on where I should buy a copy of Windows. I've seen many reviews and opinions on different methods on buying Windows.

1. Microsoft SoftwareSwap Marketplace. The youtuber TechSource has included this marketplace in many of his gaming build guides. I don't really trust this subreddit even with its positive reviews and comments. However, I've seen some conversations that they are actually selling pirated keys and would sometime be deactivated by Microsoft after a few months.

2. Online OEM copies (sold on amazon, newegg.etc). Even though I've seen many builds buying the copies on pcpartpicker. I'm also certain many complained that some of the copies don't work or are actually pirated.

3. Retail. The most trusted. However, its really expensive. I do not want to waste that much money.

Which option would you suggest for a rookie?

 

[COLGeek]

Purchasing directly from Amazon or Newegg will not result in "grey market" license issues. They will only provide legit products.

If you use one of their 3rd party vendors, it is possible to have the same issues as purchasing from alternate sources. That is why many of us do not recommend "grey market" providers. Buyer beware.

If you can't afford Win 10 now, use it un-activated until you can. Just get a legit install now and save yourself the hassle later (by using those "too good to be true" sources).

 

[bmockeg]

Best advice is above

 

[Noobiness_Unlimited]

If you were willing to dish out some money from your pocket then I would've suggested buying a retail one...
You can also buy online a digital windows 10 serial key and while downloading an ISO file from the Microsoft webpage, enter that serial key and use a bootable USB drive to install it
And lastly, online OEM copies from Amazon are not fake I think, unless it is sold by a fake sounding company...
Final decision is up to you

 

[Noor_awsome]

If you were willing to dish out some money from your pocket then I would've suggested buying a retail one...
You can also buy online a digital windows 10 serial key and while downloading an ISO file from the Microsoft webpage, enter that serial key and use a bootable USB drive to install it
And lastly, online OEM copies from Amazon are not fake I think, unless it is sold by a fake sounding company...
Final decision is up to you

I am on a budget for my gaming build. So I doubt I would be spending extra money for a retail copy. Yes, I am well aware the process in installing windows. Thanks to all of those gaming build guides. I actually have high hopes for amazon and newegg. I just don't want to be one out of many who got a bad copy.

 

[COLGeek]

If you were willing to dish out some money from your pocket then I would've suggested buying a retail one...
You can also buy online a digital windows 10 serial key and while downloading an ISO file from the Microsoft webpage, enter that serial key and use a bootable USB drive to install it
And lastly, online OEM copies from Amazon are not fake I think, unless it is sold by a fake sounding company...
Final decision is up to you

I am on a budget for my gaming build. So I doubt I would be spending extra money for a retail copy. Yes, I am well aware the process in installing windows. Thanks to all of those gaming build guides. I actually have high hopes for amazon and newegg. I just don't want to be one out of many who got a bad copy.

Just make sure you buy directly from Amazon or Newegg or even Microsoft and not a 3rd party vendor and you'll be good to go.

 

[Noor_awsome]

If you were willing to dish out some money from your pocket then I would've suggested buying a retail one...
You can also buy online a digital windows 10 serial key and while downloading an ISO file from the Microsoft webpage, enter that serial key and use a bootable USB drive to install it
And lastly, online OEM copies from Amazon are not fake I think, unless it is sold by a fake sounding company...
Final decision is up to you

I am on a budget for my gaming build. So I doubt I would be spending extra money for a retail copy. Yes, I am well aware the process in installing windows. Thanks to all of those gaming build guides. I actually have high hopes for amazon and newegg. I just don't want to be one out of many who got a bad copy.

Just make sure you buy directly from Amazon or Newegg or even Microsoft and not a 3rd party vendor and you'll be good to go.

Thanks! I'm just getting that rookie feeling. Getting a part that doesn't work is our worse nightmare.

 

[COLGeek]

'Tis all good. That is what we are here for. Good luck and have fun!

 

[USAFRet]

I do not want to waste that much money.

I am on a budget for my gaming build. So I doubt I would be spending extra money for a retail copy. Yes, I am well aware the process in installing windows. Thanks to all of those gaming build guides. I actually have high hopes for amazon and newegg. I just don't want to be one out of many who got a bad copy.

Everyone is on a budget.
A valid Win 10 license costs around $90.

You've bought all your other parts from reliable retailers, at the stated price.
If you came across 16GB DDR4 RAM for $20, you'd run away laughing. Knowing it was a scam.
Licensed software is no different.

Find it much cheaper than retail from one of the major retailers, it is NotValid.