Why are copies of Windows 7 so cheap?

[LeonWBA]

Why are copies of Windows 7 so cheap? Are they legit?

 

[Valnac]

Mainly because mainstream support from MS ended Jan 13 2015 and it won't support new features like DX 12.

 

[LeonWBA]

Mainly because mainstream support from MS ended Jan 13 2015 and it won't support new features like DX 12.

Thanks for replying- can't you upgrade to Windows 10 using this anyway?

 

[giantbucket]

also, because the cheap ones are not legit. they're very likely keys that are "recycled" from the stickers on computers that are in the trash.

 

[Valnac]

Mainly because mainstream support from MS ended Jan 13 2015 and it won't support new features like DX 12.

Thx for replying, but can't you upgrade to Windows 10 using this anyway?

Yes you can. I recommend a fresh install with key which there are plenty of tutorials for.
http://www.howtogeek.com/224342/how-to-clean-install-windows-10/

 

[LeonWBA]

also, because the cheap ones are not legit. they're very likely keys that are "recycled" from the stickers on computers that are in the trash.

So are they likely to be deactivated in the future?

 

[giantbucket]

they could very likely be an OEM key that's tied to a Dell or HP that's in the trash. you might be able to use it, you might not. you might get the same key that someone else had, or you might get one that hasn't been used much. i'd look at who the seller is before spending the money.

if you want a cheap/free operating system, say hello to Linux.

 

[LeonWBA]

they could very likely be an OEM key that's tied to a Dell or HP that's in the trash. you might be able to use it, you might not. you might get the same key that someone else had, or you might get one that hasn't been used much. i'd look at who the seller is before spending the money.

if you want a cheap/free operating system, say hello to Linux.

Yeah- I was planning on switching to either Linux Mint or Ubuntu before seeing these- thanks for your help!

 

[Valnac]

also, because the cheap ones are not legit. they're very likely keys that are "recycled" from the stickers on computers that are in the trash.

So they are deactivated ones that can't be used? (Sorry, I'm a bit of a noob in this forte)

A lot of those keys are leftovers from companies that bought them in bulk and are trying to get rid of them before they become entirely obsolete. Though it is true there are many disreputable companies that would do this, theres quite a few legitimately selling them cheap. A little buyers research is all you can do. If the Windows 7 activates you get a different (and legit) key for Windows 10 when you upgrade.

 

[giantbucket]

they could very likely be an OEM key that's tied to a Dell or HP that's in the trash. you might be able to use it, you might not. you might get the same key that someone else had, or you might get one that hasn't been used much. i'd look at who the seller is before spending the money.

if you want a cheap/free operating system, say hello to Linux.

Yeah- I was planning on switching to either Linux Mint or Ubuntu before seeing these- thanks for your help!

i've used Ubuntu for a few years (from 7.04 until 10.10, i think) and i'll be trying out Mint as soon as i have time to actually install it on a new machine.

 

[LeonWBA]

also, because the cheap ones are not legit. they're very likely keys that are "recycled" from the stickers on computers that are in the trash.

So they are deactivated ones that can't be used? (Sorry, I'm a bit of a noob in this forte)

A lot of those keys are leftovers from companies that bought them in bulk and are trying to get rid of them before they become entirely obsolete. Though it is true there are many disreputable companies that would do this, theres quite a few legitimately selling them cheap. A little buyers research is all you can do. If the Windows 7 activates you get a different (and legit) key for Windows 10 when you upgrade.

OK then, thanks for the answer!

 

[jsmithepa]

Awesome- thx! I will do some extra research and only buy from trusted retailers. Fingers crossed I find a legit one!

And there, you will find slightly discounted, nothing 20 quids.