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?

RELATED STORIES TO CHECK OUT:

What is it going to cost Windows 10 after 1 year of upgrading.

What is it going to cost Windows 10 after 1 year of upgrading?

and Can I rollback to Windows 7 or 8 after 1 year of upgrading

Windows 10 will be free for the first year to all Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Phone 8.1 users. This means, as long you upgrade within the first 12 months (July 29th 2015 to July 29th 2016), you will not have to pay for Windows 10 at all.

Wow, thats cool, but does that mean, I will have to pay for Windows 10 after the first year?

No. Its a promotion to get as many users to upgrade their existing Windows 7 PCs and Windows 8.1 devices to Windows 10. Once you upgrade within the first year for free, its yours forever at no additional cost. As Microsoft Program Manager for Windows Terry Myerson described it:

This is more than a one-time upgrade: once a Windows device is upgraded to Windows 10, we will continue to keep it current for the supported lifetime of the device – at no additional charge.

I heard Microsoft representatives mention they are moving to a servicing model for Windows 10, does that mean Windows 10 is going to require a subscription?

No, Windows 10 remains a perpetual license, which means, you can upgrade to Windows 10 and use it forever without it expiring or going into any reduced functional mode.

Are you saying there will be no more versions of Windows after Windows 10?

Microsoft is moving Windows to a servicing model with Windows 10. The days of major revisions or what are called big bang releases are no more. As Microsoft Program Manager for Windows Terry Myerson described it:

This is more than a one-time upgrade: once a Windows device is upgraded to Windows 10, we will continue to keep it current for the supported lifetime of the device – at no additional charge. With Windows 10, the experience will evolve and get even better over time. We’ll deliver new features when they’re ready, not waiting for the next major release. We think of Windows as a Service – in fact, one could reasonably think of Windows in the next couple of years as one of the largest Internet services on the planet.

And just like any Internet service, the idea of asking «What version are you on?» will cease to make sense – which is great news for our Windows developers.

Why is Windows 10 free, is there some catch?

No, its not a catch. We are computing in different times. Windows 10 is free so app developers can standardize on one platform and reduce the fragmented market of different versions and editions of Windows that have been an issue in the past. When everybody is on the same platform, it means better quality apps, a healthier ecosystem and more advances in hardware and software innovation.

Can I uninstall Windows 10 if I do not like it or something goes wrong?

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 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.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

How to factory reset a Windows 10 computer, to help you troubleshoot or prepare to sell a PC

How to take a screenshot on any Windows 10 computer in several different ways

How to boot your Windows 10 computer into ‘Safe Mode,’ to diagnose and troubleshoot problems

How to split the screen on a Windows 10 computer, for all of your multitasking needs

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