Should You Pay Full Price for Windows?

Summary

In this video, the host explores the various ways to obtain Windows 11, ranging from official purchases to pirated methods, while discussing the pros and cons of each. It starts with the official retail and OEM licenses, explaining their costs and limitations, before moving on to free options like upgrading from Windows 10 or using a Windows 7 key. The host also investigates third-party sellers offering cheap keys and the risks involved. For those seeking alternatives, Linux is presented as an option, with a humorous nod to Valve’s upcoming Steam OS. Throughout, the video includes tips, tricks, and a casual critique of Microsoft's practices.

Takeaways

• 😀 Official Windows licenses are often overpriced, especially when considering ads and privacy concerns.
• 😀 Windows can be obtained from Microsoft directly, but the download version and retail boxed versions are similarly priced, at around $140.
• 😀 Windows can be installed without an internet connection by bypassing certain steps in the installation process, saving time on updates.
• 😀 OEM licenses (sold to system builders) are cheaper than retail but come with trade-offs, including being tied to a single computer.
• 😀 You can upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 for free if your PC meets the hardware requirements.
• 😀 Windows 11 can be activated using a valid Windows 7, 8, or 10 key, with no major issues or feature restrictions.
• 😀 You can install Windows 11 without a product key, but personalization features are locked, and you'll receive a watermark on the screen.
• 😀 Piracy is a quick, easy way to activate Windows using a simple PowerShell script, though it's not official or legal.
• 😀 Third-party websites offer discounted Windows licenses, but they may come from questionable sources, supporting fraudulent activities.
• 😀 Linux is a free alternative to Windows, though it's not always perfect out-of-the-box and may require experimentation.
• 😀 Students and teachers may get discounted or free Windows licenses, and organizations can explore volume licensing for easier management.

Q & A

What are the primary options for acquiring Windows according to the video?

The video outlines several options: purchasing Windows directly from Microsoft, buying retail versions from retailers like Best Buy, using system builder (OEM) licenses, upgrading for free from Windows 10 to Windows 11, and even pirating Windows using a Microsoft activation script.

What is the difference between a retail Windows license and a system builder license?

A retail license can be transferred to a different machine, while a system builder license is bound to the first computer it's installed on. System builder licenses are typically cheaper but come with fewer support options, as the system builder is responsible for support, not Microsoft.

How can a user install Windows without an internet connection?

By pressing Shift + F10 during the installation process to open a command prompt, the user can type 'UB backslash bypass nro' to bypass the need for an internet connection and use a local account instead of being forced to sign into a Microsoft account.

Can Windows 11 be installed without purchasing a product key?

Yes, users can install Windows 11 without a product key. The installation process allows users to skip the key entry and still complete the setup, although some features like personalization will be restricted until the key is entered.

What are the downsides of using Windows without activation?

Using Windows without activation results in a 'Activate Windows' watermark, and personalization options like changing the desktop background and enabling dark mode are unavailable. Additionally, certain Windows updates may be missed, and graphics performance can be affected, particularly with issues related to G-Sync and variable refresh rates.

What is the Microsoft activation script and why is it significant?

The Microsoft activation script is a method of pirating Windows by entering a simple one-liner into PowerShell, which activates the OS. While this method activates Windows without any apparent issues in performance or features, it is illegal and violates Microsoft's terms of service.

Is it safe to purchase Windows licenses from third-party websites?

While it's possible to activate Windows using keys from third-party websites like G2A and AllKeyShop, the origins of these keys are often unclear, and purchasing them may support illegal or fraudulent activities. It is recommended to avoid these sources unless you are certain of the key's legitimacy.

Can students and teachers get discounted or free Windows licenses?

Yes, students and teachers can often obtain discounted or even free Windows licenses through their educational institution's agreement with Microsoft. However, these licenses may expire after graduation or when the institution's agreement ends.

What is the Windows Insider Program and how does it benefit users?

The Windows Insider Program allows users to access early builds of Windows, giving them a chance to test new features and provide feedback. It can be appealing to those who want to experience the latest updates before they reach the general public, but the builds may be unstable.

Why might Linux be a good alternative to Windows for some users?

Linux is a free and open-source operating system, making it an attractive option for those who want to avoid paying for Windows. It offers a wide range of distributions that cater to different needs, though it may require some learning and technical knowledge, especially for users new to Linux.