In this article, we’ll show you how to buy a Windows 10 or 11 license, explain the pricing of each version, and explore the different types of editions available on the market.
Windows is installed on about 90% of the computers around the world. Therefore, it is not surprising to think that 9 out of 10 users who arrive here already have a version of Microsoft’s system or want to upgrade to a higher version. That is why we want you to know everything about Windows licenses before you get one or upgrade the one you already have today.
What are the 3 types of Windows licensing?
If you’re buying a Windows 10 or 11 license, be sure to consider if you’ll be able to install it on one computer or several, whether you’ll be able to use many devices at the same time. There are three sorts of licenses:
- OEM licenses: They are usually the cheapest to get, and are intended for use on a single computer. They can only be installed on one device. Be careful with these OEM licenses, because they could have been obtained by unorthodox methods.
- Retail licenses: They are priced similarly to OEM licenses, but these usually come on an optical drive such as a DVD or USB. They can be installed on several computers, but only one of them can be used at the same time. It is not possible to use these licenses on two or more devices.
- GVLK licenses: We can use this license on several computers simultaneously. They are intended more for the business environment, in which using an OEM or Retail license does not pay off for any company that manages dozens of computers.
What are the editions of Windows 10 and 11 available?
Depending on the environment and the computer on which you are going to use Windows, Microsoft has different editions. It is not difficult to tell the differences between Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro since they are two editions targeted at different audiences.
- Windows 10/11 Home: This version is destined for domestic use, generally for individuals. It more than meets the basic needs of any user. It supports up to 128GB RAM in its version of 64 bits.
- Windows 10/11 Pro: This version is the same as Home, but with the increased RAM usage, up to 2TB (in the 64-bit version). This is a substantial improvement for the use of the corporate network system in small and medium-sized companies.
- Windows 10/11 Enterprise: The features of the previous two versions are included in this one. It is designed for large network deployment and an increase in the number of hosts. It allows a maximum of 2TB RAM in its 64-bit version.
- Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB and LTSC: This version is intended for companies that require greater stability and fewer annual updates (only every 2 or 3 years). It does not include Cortana, Edge, or modern apps in the system. Microsoft offers a full 10 years of security updates for this version. It is usually more stable for a longer period.
- Windows 10/11 Education: This version is intended for educational institutions. The maximum RAM supported is 2TB.
- Windows 10/11 Pro Education: It is a special edition for schools. It will be possible to disable Cortana, as well as system tips and hints. 2TB is the maximum RAM limit.
- Windows 11 Mixed Reality: Previously known as Windows Holographic, this version is intended for compatible virtual reality screens mounted on virtual reality glasses. Different mixed reality applications can be run to achieve an immersive holographic experience.
- S versions: Windows 10 S is a more secure system that prevents users from downloading malware. This version only lets users download apps from the Microsoft Store. This more secure and controlled version can be found in Home, Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.
Windows 10 and 11 license prices
The price of a Windows 10 and 11 license varies depending on the edition. While it is true that the prices of the different versions of Windows have been decreasing over time since Windows XP, many people and companies still prefer to get their hands on different versions of the Redmond operating system through some cheaper ways.
The prices of the Windows licenses depend on the place where we buy them. We can start with the official prices on Microsoft’s website and go down to the prices offered by other online stores, depending, of course, on the version and edition we buy.
As for the Windows 10 versions, we move in a range from $163 for the Home version, through $292 for Windows 10 Pro, to $495 for the Enterprise version for companies.
Where to buy a Windows 10 and 11 license
The best place to get a Windows 10 or 11 license is the Microsoft website, and you will have all the guarantees that the license is genuine, even if you pay more than on other websites, you will always have access to Microsoft support at all times. However, many other websites sell OEM versions too.
How to buy Windows 10 from Microsoft’s website?
The simplest way to get an authentic license from Microsoft is to go to the website and do it there. You’ll avoid any hassle that might cause you problems with your supplier, store where you buy it, or after-sale customer service provided by them. There will be no issues with the manufacturer/developer itself.
How to buy a Windows 10 license?
To acquire a Windows 10 license, go to their website and select whether you want Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Professional. The next step is to add one of the two items to your shopping cart, either as an indirect download or in USB format. If you work for a business that requires Windows 10 Pro for Workstations, things are similar.
How to buy a Windows 11 license?
Currently, we can not buy a Windows 11 license but we can upgrade for free if we update our device with the latest version of Windows 10. If your device is not compatible, you still have to wait for Windows 11 licenses to be sold individually in OEM, Retail, and GVLK versions. Check the minimum requirements of Windows 11 before anything else.
How to buy a cheaper Windows 10 license?
It’s not all about where you buy your Windows license; it’s also about the sort of license and the number of devices on which it is to be utilized. OEM licenses are a type of license that has been created to be installed on a single computer and that the vendor has acquired in one manner or another. Original licenses, as a rule, can only be used on a single machine, whether OEM or Retail. If you want a version that may be installed on numerous computers, go for the Pro or Enterprise editions.
Which Windows 10 edition to buy in 2022?
We do not suggest upgrading your computer to Windows 11 at this time. It’s a great operating system, but it has some issues that need to be addressed before we can fully embrace it. Although many computers are still being sold with Windows 10, the time will come when most laptops and desktop PCs will come with Windows 11 preinstalled.
Anyway, if you have Windows 10 in a system compatible with the last version, you can try a few days/weeks with Windows 11, and if it does not convince you to return to the previous version until further notice.
How to check which version of Windows you have?
To know which version we have installed at the moment, we only must go to the system settings. To do this right-click on the start button, then go to System, and there you will see below the version that you are running, as well as the installation date and the last version of the update implemented.
