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Patch reliability is unclear. Unless you have an immediate, pressing need to install a specific patch, don't do it. |
I’m about to get a new custom built computer (in the process of upgrading from Windows 7).
I would value people’s opinions on whether it’s worth paying the extra to buy Windows 10 retail version, rather than the OEM version.
Basically, what are the advantages – if any – of buying the retail version?
Upgrading to Windows 10 (probably for free) on the old computer isn’t an option because, although it’s working fine, it’s 9 years old and running 32-bit Windows 7.
I believe you can still use that Win7 licence to install Win10, downloaded, if you have the proper licence activation code for it – others should confirm that, I believe.
The main issue I get concerned with with new computers is the bloatware that come installed with branded computers (experience with Dell & HP, recently). By building your own, you should be able to avoid that disruption! 
it’s 9 years old and running 32-bit Windows 7
With the Win7 32 bit license you will be only able to upgrade to Windows 10 32 bit which is a shame. Will access only 4GB of RAM, support only 32 bit software…You will be able to upgrade Windows 10 32 bit to Windows 10 64 bit doing a clean install
Buying a retail will send you on a hunt for drivers… So, an OEM PC with pre-installed Windows 10 Pro 64 bit and all the needed drivers installed is a better option.
The product key is not tied to a specific bit level – you can use the same key to install 64-bit Windows 7 as for 32-bit.
The main issue with OEM licensing is that from a legal perspective, the licence lives and dies with the system. You can’t legally transfer the licence to another machine – it’ll work but it’s not allowed. I believe this restriction has been overruled in Germany but not so in other countries.
There is no difference between OEM and retail in my experience.
Buy OEM and save some cash for an external backup drive.
cheers, Paul
I agree with Paul T as there are virtually no differences between the OEM and retail versions of Win10.
There is a difference between OEM and Retail, of particular interest to DIY. Retail is portable, OEM is not. If you get the notion for a new build down the road, you can use the Retail copy you already own; uninstall from the old build and transfer to the new. OEM is not portable; new build, new license.
I haven’t bought a new license since Retail Windows 7 Ultimate in 2003. I did upgrade a Retail Windows 7 Home to Pro several years ago for $89 if I recall correctly.
Retail or OEM most likely will make little difference for any one asking. However DO get the PRO version not the Home Premium. I have had no problems to date with the cheaper licenses available online but opinions vary but the Pro version (for now at least) gives more control options. And of course for a new computer 64 bit is the only way to go. IMHO of course.
If you ever have any thought of running Windows 10 in a virtual machine, you will need a retail license to do that; OEM license won’t work in a virtual machine.
For example, you may decide to wipe your drive and install Linux Mint instead of Windows 10 as your host OS, and then install Windows 10 in a virtual machine inside of Linux Mint. A W10 retail license will allow you to do that.
This is the most likely scenario that comes to my mind as to why you would need a retail W10 license.
Thanks.
That’s handy to know, but I would say it’s highly unlikely that I’ll find myself in the situation that you mention.
If by chance I do face that dilemma, I’ll worry about it then. More than enough to think about at the moment.
…What YOU used? No, I can’t tell you that. 
But I can say how people should be able to find the license type of the machine they are using:
Start Cmd.exe (Run as administrator), type in:
slmgr /dli
For a new build last July, I bought W10 pro directly from microsoft. Retail can be transferred/reused. I don’t believe OEM can. Also, local stores had older versions on the shelf (1709?). Online buyers had many complaints with issues at the time. MS sales assured me I would be getting ver. 1903, but what I received turned out to be 1809 upon installation. Unfortunately, MS has since killed my advanced pause options.
As a legal retail version, why can’t you upgrade to ver 1903 or ver 1903? You do have the license…..referring to store bought older version here.
D
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