How Much Does Windows 10 Cost in 2019?

Even if I explained this to my friends so many times, some of them still ask me this annoying question about Microsoft’s latest operating systems – how much do Windows 10 and Windows 8.1 cost? Probably, what many mean by this is this – they hope there is a way to get Windows cheap or even for free. We will compile a guide on that, as well, but now, let’s clear this basic question for my friends and many of you out there that are still wondering.

How much does Windows 10, 8.1 upgrade cost?

You can buy the Windows 10, 8.1 OS if you run Windows 8 or a previous version of Microsoft’s operating system. Of course, it can be performed as a clean install, as well.

So, how much does Windows 10 cost in 2019? You can still upgrade to Windows 10 free or charge even in 2019. You can also buy the official installation media for $119.

If you run Windows 8

If you bought Windows 8, then the Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 update is absolutely free, so it costs nothing! If you are running a preview version of Windows 8.1, then follow our short guide on how you can do that. Also, some of you might encounter some issues while looking for the update, we’ve got a fix for that, as well.

If you run a previous version of Windows

If you have currently installed any edition of Windows 7, Windows Vista or Windows XP (which is a huge target for hackers after Microsoft stopped supporting it), then you will simply have to buy Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 just as you would’ve done with the first version – Windows 8. You just need to decide whether you need Windows 8.1, Windows 8.1 Pro or Windows 10.

What you need to know is that if you’re running Windows 8 and you wish to upgrade to Windows 10, 8.1 Pro, this won’t be for free, as you’ll have to pay for the extra features, alas. Just open the search bar and type there “add a feature” and you will find the option that will let you do this. Be careful, if you are still running a preview version, it won’t let you do it.

If you are looking to get a cheaper Windows 10, 8.1 or to make use of any offers there are, then follow our guide and you might save a few bucks.

Install Windows 10, Windows 8.1 for free

You can also install a new OS version on your computer by downloading the ISO files of the update. Despite Microsoft’s word of warning, upgrading your OS is still free. Follow the links listed below to upgrade your machine:

Before you download the respective files, make sure that you have a stable internet connection and sufficient data storage available on your computer and external USB drive. You need a blank USB or DVD with at least 4 GB of space.

Since the writing of this post, Microsoft launched a new Windows 10 version codenamed the October 2018 Update. So, if you go to Microsoft’s update webpage and you install the Update Assistant, this is the version that you’re going to dowload and install on your PC?

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How much does Windows 10 cost?

Are you planning to buy Windows 10? We have prepared this guide to help you figure out how much does Windows 10 cost? What is Windows 10 Pro Upgrade price? And if you are looking to buy for business for multiple computers, you need to know about Windows 10 Enterprise price and Windows 10 cost for regular usage.

How much does Windows 10 cost

There are multiple ways to buy Windows 10. The price will depend on the requirement, the number of licenses, users, home or business scenario. The following scenarios have been discussed:

1. Windows 10 License from Microsoft Store
2. Microsoft Partner which is suitable for small-medium business
3. Volume licensing service center if you run a big business
4. Windows 10 Upgrade Price.

Buy Windows 10 License from Store

If you are planning to buy Windows 10 for use at home, you can get a Home version or Professional version. The later offers features which come in handy if you take it to your work as well. The best part is that you don’t have to go anywhere to buy it, and can be done from within the Windows 10.

First, download and install Windows 10 from the Microsoft website. You can use a bootable USB to do that. Make sure to choose the right version. Once installed, you can go to the activation section, and then decide to buy a product key. The cost is usually $199 for Windows 10 Pro and $139 for Windows 10 Home.

Buy Windows 10 Enterprise from Microsoft Partner

Unlike Windows 10 Pro and Home which is a per device license, Windows 10 Enterprise is sold on per user basis. While Microsoft asks you to get quotes, to what we have read, it costs $7 or $15 per user, and they can access allowed five devices. Microsoft runs two subscriptions – E3 and E5. The difference between E3 and E5 is that the later includes Windows Security System with ATP. So if you are using third-party security system, you can pay $84 per year or you can for E5 which costs $168 per year. Go here to find a Microsoft Partner to get pricing and purchasing details.

Volume licensing service center if you run a big business

If you are running a business where you have 100s of computers, choosing a VLS or volume licensing service is a better option. Compared to what you get from Microsoft Partner, Microsoft offers an entirely different type of license – KMS and MAK.

• KMS or Key Management Services Keys: These keys are reusable, but the computers need to connect with a KMS server every 180 days to keep the critical valid.
• MAK or Multiple Activation Keys: This allows to activate multiple computers with a single license. However, they can only be activated once with that key.

You can read about KMS/MAK License keys in detail, and also figure out if your license is a regular one or KMS/MAK. Many users fall in the trap for cheap offers and end up with an invalid license shortly.

The price of these keys depends on the volume. The more you buy, the cheaper it will be. So its best to contact Microsoft with your business email id, and get a quote. When you buy Windows 10 Enterprise Upgrade license through Volume Licensing, you can also acquire Software Assurance for that license. Windows Software Assurance and Windows VDA, offer flexible access to Windows Enterprise, plus several additional benefits.

Windows 10 Upgrade Price

If you already have a Windows Home and plan to upgrade to Pro, the Windows 10 Pro upgrade price is usually $100. At least that’s what I see in the Microsoft Store. However, it is best to look for offers when you plan to get the Pro version. You might get it for cheap if there is an offer. Microsoft allows you to change the product key, and when you activate Windows using that, it will unlock all Pro features.

Upgrading Windows 10 Pro to Enterprise is a different ball game. You will have to go through the steps mentioned above, and its best an ID admin does that. It is possible that you have to install Windows 10 Enterprise version.

While these are the guaranteed official sources for buying Windows 10 – there are some website which offer lower prices. But you may want to check out their reputation & genuinity of the product key, before you decide to buy from them.

How Much Does Windows 10 Cost?

It’s 2020 and Windows 10 is getting popular among consumers. Even the previous version — Windows 7 is losing its user rapidly due to mass-migration to Windows 10.

While Windows 10 was introduced as a service (instead of product), you still have to pay some amount of money upfront. However, from that purchase you will receive unlimited Windows Updates for lifetime!

So, from all being said, how much does this operating system cost? And how to get the best deal?

The price of Windows 10

The official package of Windows 10 Home costs $119 while the slightly higher version Windows 10 Pro costs at $199. For enterprises, Microsoft offers Windows 10 Pro Workstations for $309 which comes with a lot of business-related features.

Windows 10 Home is great for personal and home usage although you may use it for work. Windows 10 Pro is slightly more advanced but offering a little difference over its little brother. This version of Windows 10 is perfect for a company, school, or organization.

The highest version — Windows 10 Pro for Workstations is only for enterprises who dealing with a lot of data and computer power. You are definitely don’t want to use it unless necessary.

Where to buy Windows 10?

Right now, you can get Windows 10 from Microsoft Store and they will send the package right at your home. Some online stores also partnered with Microsoft to sell the license. Often, the price can be slightly lower while offering exactly the same product.

There are some brick and mortar stores that also sell Windows 10. If you have one nearby, it best to just from them directly.

How to get a cheaper Windows 10?

Have you ever own a laptop or tablet that already has Windows 10 installed on it?

It’s called Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). Basically, the manufacturer partnered with Microsoft by buying tons of Windows 10 licenses for a lower price and install them to their product.

You can literally buy a brand new $90 Windows 10 tablet from Amazon and get unlimited updates from Microsoft for a lifetime. It’s the same Windows 10 version you can buy from Microsoft Store, but cheaper.

But, there’s a catch: The license on Windows 10 OEM is attached directly to the machine, meaning that it can’t be moved between devices. If the device is broken, then there’s nothing you can do but accept that fate.

Windows 10 volume licensing

Volume licensing is nearly similar to the OEM version. It’s a bulk license purchased by a company or organization which has a dozen PCs. They make a deal to Microsoft in order to get Windows 10 OS for the lowest expenses as possible. Unlike OEM, volume licensing is supposed for the company itself, not for personal use.

But apparently, some Windows 10 licenses have been ‘leaked’ and being sold by some merchants online. Most of them cost $20 or even lower. They also guarantee money back if the license is failed to be activated. And the license is attached to your Microsoft account which means it can be moved between devices.

Well, I don’t know how can the license is leaked but honestly the cost is really fascinating and I saw a lot of people comfortably using that kind of license.

Is volume licensing valid?

The license issued by Microsoft, so it’s original and valid. It comes with a lifetime update as well.

Does it an ethical license?

Albeit the license is valid, the way the licenses were distributed is wrong. OEM and volume licensing are meant for the corresponding company or organization, not an individual entity.

But personally, I found Microsoft aware of that problem and seemingly not really concern by them. They must be very happy as long as Windows can maintain the majority of the operating market share. Also, there’s a fascinating discussion about this topic here in Quora.

Conclusion – How much does Windows 10 cost?

Windows 10 retail version offers a lot of benefits, including full support from Microsoft and the license can be moved between devices.

Meanwhile, Windows 10 OEM version doesn’t come with that privilege, which means the license is attached to the hardware of where the operating system was installed. However, Windows 10 OEM is considerably the most economical option.

And finally, we get the Windows 10 volume licensing version which apparently not legally distributed but quite popular in developing worlds. I found this type of license is far cheaper than the retail version while offering the same features.

‘How much is Windows 10?’: A cost breakdown of all three versions of Windows 10

• You can choose from three versions of the Windows 10 operating system.
• Windows 10 Home costs $139 and is suited for a home computer or gaming.
• Windows 10 Pro costs $199.99 and is suited for businesses or large enterprises.
• Windows 10 Pro for Workstations costs $309 and is meant for businesses or enterprises that need an even faster and more powerful operating system.
• Visit Business Insider’s homepage for more stories.

Windows 10 is the latest version of the Windows operating system. Like its predecessor, Windows 8, it was designed with tablets and touchscreen laptops in mind.

Microsoft has pared down the Windows 10 product selection to just two main versions, Home and Pro, along with the more advanced Pro for Workstations.

Simplifying the product offering can mean an easier choice for you, the consumer. Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro have many features in common, although there are some key differences.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Windows 10 Home (From $139 at Best Buy)

Windows 10 Pro (From $199.99 at Best Buy)

Windows 10 Pro for Workstations (From $309 at Microsoft)

Windows 10 Home

Windows 10 Home is well-suited for everyday tasks you might need a home computer to perform, as well as being a solid option for gaming. Standard communications apps such as Mail, Calendar, Photos, and Videos are included.

Windows 10 Home costs $139. Here’s what it offers.

• Windows 10 supports a digital pen and touch support on enabled devices.
• Cortana is the Windows digital assistant. Use it to request information about weather, schedule appointments, search your computer files, and more.
• Android and iPhone devices are supported, so you can access supported mobile content from your PC.
• Device encryption is available on most modern devices.
• Firewall and network protection is built-in to help protect against malware threats, including ransomware.
• Windows Defender SmartScreen scans apps and internet content for a safer experience.
• Secure Boot prevents malware and other unauthorized programs from loading when Windows starts.
• Windows Defender Antivirus and parental controls are also available.

Windows 10 Pro

Windows 10 Pro includes all the features listed above, along with some that may be better suited for business and large enterprises. It also includes additional security and networking features.

Windows 10 Pro costs $199.99. Here’s what else it offers.

• Dynamic provisioning allows you to easily customize a device to meet your organization’s needs.
• Windows Update for Business offers greater control over Windows Update deployment.
• Group Policy support allows specific security and networking rules to be applied based on a user’s access group.
• A Kiosk Mode can be set up quickly and easily for kiosk use.
• Assigned Access allows network administrators to designate specific applications to run based on a user’s assigned permissions.
• Active Directory support allows IT staff to manage access to resources like files and shared printers for network users.

Windows 10 Pro for Workstations

Windows 10 Pro for Workstations is a more advanced version of Windows 10 Pro, with faster data handling, more storage, and a new file system that finds and repairs faults.

This operating system is more suitable if your business or enterprise is dealing with large amounts of data and needs to store and process it quickly.

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