Buying Windows 10 questions...

[RejZoR]

So, I want to buy a copy of Windows 10. I used to do it in retail stores in the past, but now I want to do it online. It seems cheaper as a download, but I'm wondering few things which are a bit confusing...

Windows 10 Pro
http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/pdp/Windows-10-Pro/productID.319935900

"Buy Windows 10 (Download)" option down below.

So, this is what I want to buy. How do I know what type of Windows is this (apart from knowing it's a Pro version)? It doesn't say whether it is 32bit or 64bit so I'm assuming it will give me both. It also doesn't say if this is a full version that I can re-install countless times on countless new motherboards/CPU's/disks opposed to OEM/DSP which have limited number of activation and you can't transfer them across different hardware. OEM/DSP can usually only be bought with new hardware/computer.

So, I'm assuming this is the actual full fat Windows 10 Pro 32bit/64bit that I'll be getting. Am I correct?

Also, can I buy it in Microsoft Store US opposed to my local one? The price difference is stupendously high.

Thx for help

 

[Frick]

Afaik since 8.1 it's retail unless specified otherwise.

I don't think you can buy from MS USA. I have tried so in the past but it was no go then, unless you provide false information and go through a proxy/vpn or something I guess. Don't know how well it would play with update servers etc though.

 

[RejZoR]

I could use the webpage and drop stuff to Cart. Unless it'll complain at actual checkout.

 

[rtwjunkie]

@RejZoR from the end of the page on your link:
• Single license • 32 & 64-bits on USB 3.0 included

All Retail versions have 32 and 64 bit. The OEM/system builders only come in one flavor.

 

[RejZoR]

Hm, now that I'm thinking, maybe Windows 10 Home will be enough. Only difference worth mentioning would be Client Hyper-V. What exactly is this used for?

Potentially Group Policy editor for doing specific tweaks to the system. But it's 160€ price difference which is hm a lot.

 

[Aquinus]

Only difference worth mentioning would be Client Hyper-V. What exactly is this used for?

Virtualization. If you don't plan on running any VMs within Windows itself without another virtualization tool such as VMWare Workstation or VirtualBox, then you won't need it. It's just Microsoft's home grown hypervisor.

 

[Kursah]

Hyper-V is virtualization, so you can host VM's natively on your Windows 10 PC, Hyper-V is also what is used on Windows Server OSes so you could migrate to and from server VM's. It's very useful for me in my home network/server setup, test labs for certifications and so on.

Pro allows domain connectivity too...not sure if that's important for you or not...

That's a helluva price difference. Why not buy a cheaper Win 7 pro key and just use that to activate the new 10 Pro install? Works like a charm...I bought a $30 7 Pro x64 key off a guy on [H] from his old system, worked like a charm. Or if you have an old 7 Home/Pro key laying around not in-use then just use that...

 

[RejZoR]

So, if I use virtualization systems from other vendors, they'll still work fully (hardware VT). In that case I don't need it since all provide their own virtualization.

So, only Group Policy then. Is this just the editor (like front end) and you can still set the settings through external means (for example for O&O ShutUp 10 to work) or do I need Group Policy for any of this to even work?

 

[alucasa]

Yeah, going for Win 7 key, even used one, is a sound advice. Just make sure to buy from a reputed seller.

Win 10 pro also has the ability to shut auto-update off, I believe.

 

[stinger608]

Hey @RejZoR , I shot ya a PM regarding Windows 10 purchase decision.

 

[Kursah]

So, if I use virtualization systems from other vendors, they'll still work fully (hardware VT). In that case I don't need it since all provide their own virtualization.

Yes, make sure those features are enabled in UEFI and you'll be fine to use other virtualization options.

So, only Group Policy then. Is this just the editor (like front end) and you can still set the settings through external means (for example for O&O ShutUp 10 to work) or do I need Group Policy for any of this to even work?

GPO can manage how a system is used, accessed, what automatically happens during login and allows for finer control of user accounts and security. It's usually more useful for setting account policies on a domain network, but is sometimes useful at the local level (like when wanting to use BitLocker encryption on a system w/o TPM). You can still make registry changes, system changes and use other software to make changes without GP Editor.[/quote][/QUOTE]

 

[RejZoR]

So, just front end then for things scattered within registry?

 

[newtekie1]

The OEM/system builders only come in one flavor.

The OEM/System Builder versions only come with either a 32-bit or 64-bit disc, but the key is actually universal. You can switch between 32 and 64-bit with any Windows key actually, its been this way since Vista. You can even dual-boot 32 and 64-bit on the same machine using the same key.

So, if I use virtualization systems from other vendors, they'll still work fully (hardware VT). In that case I don't need it since all provide their own virtualization.

So, only Group Policy then. Is this just the editor (like front end) and you can still set the settings through external means (for example for O&O ShutUp 10 to work) or do I need Group Policy for any of this to even work?

Most external things should still work, as most GP things are registry entries that can be changed without the GP Editor. However, some things can't be changed in the registry.

Though most external programs like O&O Shutup work just fine on the Home Edition.