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a bit off-topic, are there cheaper ways to buy a windows 10 license than directly from microsoft for $200? (I'm not a student).


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Win 10 Home is only $110 from Newegg or Amazon, and less if you get the "OEM" version. I forget the restrictions on the OEM version, but I think its intended for people building systems and reselling them -- I don't think anything stops you from using it on your own system, its just technically in violation of the licence.

Windows 10 Home doesn't include the Group Policy Editor though, so if you buy that you're basically stuck having all manner of things shoved down your throat.

While the Pro version won't necessarily save you entirely from this, it goes a long way towards giving the user more freedom (at additional cost, of course).


OEM keys don't allow you to call MS for help as it's intended that you'd call your OEM for support.

I think they are supposed to be non transferable as well (can't transfer to a new PC)


You can get an Professional OEM license from Kinguin[1] for ~$30.

One limitation I am aware of is that you can only license / activate one system at a time and I had to call MS to get the key unlocked after upgrading my gaming system.

[1] https://www.kinguin.net/category/19429/windows-10-profession...


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