[SOLVED] Which is right version?

[Cjpace]

Hey guys - I’m sure it’s been asked before but which version of Windows 10 do I buy? This is for a brand new build. I want the retail version but am confused on the difference between these two:

https://www.newegg.com/microsoft-windows-10-home/p/N82E16832350411?&quicklink=true

or

https://www.newegg.com/microsoft-windows-10-home-full-version-usb-flash-drive/p/N82E16832588528

 

[gardenman]

Welcome to the forums.

Buy it from Microsoft instead.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/b/windows

Use another PC to download it to your own flash drive.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10
Use the "Media Creation Tool". It will download the files and automatically place them on the USB flash drive for you.

Then during setup to your new PC, it will ask you for the Activation code that you got from Microsoft.

 

[USAFRet]

And once you get the install on the flash drive, this for the actual installation:

How To - Windows 10 clean install tutorial

If you are looking for the Windows 11 Clean install tutorial, you can find that here: Windows 11 Clean install tutorial (Click here) Otherwise, welcome to the Windows 10 Clean install tutorial This tutorial is intended to help you, step by step, to perform a clean install of Windows...

forums.tomshardware.com

 

[Wolfshadw]

The main difference between the two "versions" you linked is the seller. The cheaper one is sold by Newegg. The more expensive one is sold by OutletPC. Yes, the OutletPC version also includes the 32-bit version, but honestly, unless you have a very specific need, no one runs that by choice. Also, it's not like you could use both versions on two separate systems. You only have one license.

There are also several downsides to purchasing these USB installs.

1. You have no idea how long the USB has been sitting on the warehouse shelf. It could be that you install the OS from this USB and then, literally have to re-download all of Windows 10 to get the latest updates.
2. While uncommon with better known resellers (like Newegg) it IS possible to get a false key (I know from experience).

I would definitely follow @gardenman's advice and purchase just the license directly from Microsoft. Use another computer to run the Media Creation Tool to create your own USB (of course, this IS the latest version of Windows 10) and use that to perform a clean install of Windows 10 onto your new system.

-Wolf sends

Edit: And btw, despite what some advertisers have on their page, unless you are a major PC manufacturer (Dell/HP/Acer/etc...), Microsoft has all but done away with the "OEM" vs "Retail" distinctions.

 

[Cjpace]

Awesome. Appreciate the help guys. Will do just that!