How to determine the type of Windows license (Retail, VL, OEM). How do the RTM version of the distribution images differ from the RETAIL version? What is a Not For Resale license?
operating room Windows system is the most popular in the world. It works on 90% of devices owned by housewives, office workers, large companies, schools, IT professionals and developers. Each category of user uses the computer in its own way. For some, a web browser is enough and Office package, someone needs more fine tuning systems, and some simply need powerful defense mechanisms. In this regard, several editions of Windows have emerged, differing in different functionality, license price and purpose. In this article, we will look at how they differ, and also explain what certain terms mean that you may come across on the Internet.
What editions of Windows 10 are there?
There are only 6 main editions of desktop Windows 10:
- Home Single Language (Home SL)- Homemade for one language.
- Home- Homemade.
- Pro- Professional.
- Enterprise- Corporate.
- Education- For educational institutions.
- S- publication for students and educational institutions.
- Lean- not yet officially released, but only an edition under development for tablets with 16 GB of internal memory. Information on it will appear later.
Of course, there are other highly specialized editions. For example, the operating conditions of IT companies in China are slightly different than in the other world, so Microsoft created a special version of Windows 10 - Windows 10 China. However, an ordinary user from a CIS country is unlikely to encounter this, so disassemble similar systems we will not.
Note that Windows 10 editions often include Windows 10 Mobile, which is available in two versions:
- Windows 10 Mobile.
- Windows 10 Mobile Enterprise.
In fact, Windows 10 for smartphones is a separate operating system, so we won’t talk about it here either.
What is the difference between different editions of Windows 10
There are quite a lot of differences between the editions, but not everyone can understand them. We will look at the available editions based on a couple of criteria that can influence your choice of one or another Windows 10.
Where to buy a license for Windows 10, and how much does it cost?
In this section we will consider the possibility of purchasing a license for a particular edition of the system from the point of view of an ordinary user.
- Home SL: This edition is the cheapest, but the average user cannot buy a license for it. Microsoft licenses Windows 10 Home SL only to manufacturing companies that can pre-install it on tablets or laptops.
- Home: the most common version of Windows 10 in the world. A license for it can be purchased by any user in the Microsoft Store or Microsoft partner stores. The price in the USA is $120, but in other regions it may differ due to differences in exchange rates. The Russian Microsoft Store offers to buy Windows 10 Home for 8,699 rubles.
- Pro: a more expensive edition created for IT professionals, developers and small organizations. Also available to every user. The original price is $200, but the Russian Microsoft Store sells Windows 10 Pro for 15,299 rubles. We also note that a paid upgrade from Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Pro is possible - to do this, just type the request Windows 10 Pro in the Windows Store.
- Enterprise: edition created specifically for corporate clients. A license for it can only be purchased by legal entities.
- Education: publication for educational institutions. The subtleties of its licensing are quite complex, but the main thing is that it is also inaccessible to the average user.
- S: This edition is also aimed at educational institutions and is not available to ordinary users. However, it can be preinstalled on laptops and tablets (in particular, Surface Laptop). In this case, the user will be able to upgrade to the Pro edition for $49.99.
In which editions can you disable Windows 10 updates?
Windows 10 users quite often complain about automatic system updates. Windows 10 itself downloads and installs security updates, bug fixes and new driver versions. Many people want because of possible problems in latest builds systems and drivers. Let's figure out how you can influence this process in different editions of Windows 10.
- Home SL: no way. There's absolutely nothing you can do with updates. The system will automatically download updates and install them within 7 days.
- Home: Similar to Home SL, there are no ways to control the update center.
- Pro: in this edition you can disable driver updates, postpone any updates for 35 days, limit automatic download updates, and also switch to the corporate update branch - Current Branch For Business (instead of the standard Current Branch). New builds of Windows 10 are released into the business branch only after thorough testing by Microsoft and ordinary users, so the likelihood of errors in them is minimal.
- Enterprise: In addition to the Pro Edition features, you get the option to switch to the LTSB (Long Term Servicing Branch). Here updates come with long delays, and major updates come with huge delays. All for the sake of stability.
- Education: everything here is similar to the Pro edition.
- S: Update settings in Windows 10 S are also completely similar to the Pro edition.
What features differ between Windows 10 Home, Pro, Enterprise and other editions?
Let's look at other functional differences between the Windows 10 editions.
- Home SL: This edition is the most limited. You only get the basics Windows features 10. A rather unpleasant aspect is the lack of official ability to change the system language. However, it is still possible.
- Home: The functionality of this edition is absolutely similar to Home SL, with the exception of changing the main system language: in Home it is possible without problems.
- Pro: Compared to Windows 10 Home, you get quite a lot additional functions. Note the availability of the editor group policies, which allows for flexible system configuration, built-in mechanism Bitlocker encryption, the ability to activate and . There are also some corporate features available that are not useful to the average user.
- Enterprise: the most functional edition. In addition to the capabilities of Windows 10 Pro, there are powerful security mechanisms (though you need to learn how to use them), Direct Access functions, Windows-To-Go (the ability to create a flash drive with Windows 10 that can be used on different computers), BranchCache and more.
- Education: Functionality is similar to the Enterprise edition.
- S: The main feature of this edition is that it blocks the installation of classic programs. You will only be able to download apps from the Windows Store. In addition, the ability to change the default browser is software disabled ( Microsoft Edge) and search engine (Yandex in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Turkey, Bing in the USA and European countries). All other functionality is similar to the Pro edition, with the exception of a few proprietary features created specifically for educational institutions.
How to Download Windows 10 Home SL, Home, Pro and Enterprise ISO Images
We have already told how from the official Microsoft website. Let's figure out which sites listed in the corresponding article can be used to download specific editions.
Official site
On this site, any user can download ISO Windows 10 Home SL, Home and Pro without any problems. To download required edition, select the following image:
- Home SL: Windows 10 for one language.
- Home / Pro: Windows 10. You can select a specific edition when installing the system from this image.
TechBench website by WZT
On a resource created by amateurs, you can easily download images of Windows 10 Home SL, Home/Pro, as well as Windows 10 Enterprise or Windows 10 Education. You don't need instructions for this: everything is pretty obvious.
Third Party Resources
If you are using other image sources, look at the ISO name or description. Usually its author indicates the built-in publications.
What do the letters N, KN and LTSB mean in the name of the image?
Even on the official Microsoft website you can see images of Windows 10 N or Windows 10 KN. Windows 10 LTSB can also be found on various resources. Let's explain what these letters mean.
What is Windows 10 N
Postfix N denotes a different set of programs built into the system, in particular, the absence Windows components Media Player. This subtype of editions was created after Microsoft's litigation in the European Union.
Microsoft provides images of Windows 10 Home N and Pro N to ordinary users. For people from most CIS countries, it is enough to know that Windows 10 N is not available in Russian or Ukrainian, so its use in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine or Kazakhstan does not make sense. If you did see an N-image in Russian on some third-party resources, then know that this language was integrated into the image by its author, which is why you may have problems later.
What is Windows 10 KN
KN editions are similar to N editions with the only difference: while N editions are created for EU countries, KN editions are only available for Korea and only in the Korean language.
What is Windows 10 LTSB
We have already mentioned the term LTSB above as one of the Update options in Windows 10 Enterprise. Windows 10 LTSB images are created for enterprise users only. Their main features are the following:
- Lack of any built-in metro programs, including Windows Store and Microsoft Edge.
- The default update center is set to the LTSB branch.
If you don't want to deal with the lack of metro programs, then you definitely shouldn't use these images. If you need as much as possible clean Windows 10 then best option you won't find it. Just keep in mind that licenses for this version of Windows are only sold legal entities, and you will have to do something with the activation.
What does OEM, Box, Retail, FPP and VL mean?
While downloading images on the Internet or simply discussing them with someone, you may come across terms like OEM, Box or Retail. They are usually used in the context of Windows 10 editions, and many consider them to be separate editions. In fact, all these names have nothing to do with the editions of Windows 10 and, accordingly, the functionality of the system, but indicate Windows license delivery channel. Let's look at this point in more detail.
What is an OEM license
OEM license- a Windows license that is tied to the device’s motherboard. An ordinary user cannot purchase such a license; it is available only to PC manufacturers at a fairly low prices(usually $10-20 depending on the edition of Windows).
The catch with the OEM license is that, according to the license agreement, it cannot be transferred to other devices.
What is a Retail, Box or FPP license?
Retail license- a Windows license that is not tied to anything and can be transferred to other devices. Regular users receive this type of license when purchasing Windows 10 Home or Pro.
Since such licenses are most often sold in boxes (with a disk or flash drive), the name is also common Box (box license) or FPP (Full Packaged Product). Note that in the context Windows licensing 10 concepts Retail, Box And FPP mean the same thing.
What is a VL license
If we consider licenses for Windows 10, then VL denotes a volume license that is not available to ordinary users: it is intended only for large enterprise customers. Its peculiarity is the ability to activate several hundred systems at once with the same license key.
What is a Not For Resale license?
If you have come across a similar term somewhere (although it is quite difficult to come across it by chance), then know that Not For Sale literally means Not for resale.
Is the functionality of Windows 10 OEM and Retail different?
No, it's no different. Functionality and Windows setup 10 OEM or Windows 10 Retail does not depend in any way on the license delivery channel for it.
What are RTM, Final, RC and Insider
In addition to abbreviations indicating Windows 10 license distribution channels, you may come across the terms RTM, Final, RC and others. As with OEM/Retail, they are in no way associated with Windows 10 editions, but indicate the system version. Let us give an explanation of the main notation.
What is RTM, Final or Gold
RTM (Release To Manufacturing, release) - the final version of the system, which is released as official. Words Final or Gold in this context they mean the same thing.
What is RC or Insider
R.C.(Release Candidate) - a beta version of the system, which may contain shortcomings and bugs. This abbreviation applied to Windows 7 and Windows 8. Starting with Windows 10, the notation is used Insider or Insider Preview . Insider builds are quite often unstable, so you should not install them unless absolutely necessary.
What is TH1, TH2, RS1, RS2 or RS3
Similar terms indicate code name Windows versions 10. We will provide information about all currently known versions of Windows 10, including code names, version and build numbers.
- TH1 (Threshold 1)- version 1507 - assembly 10240 . Released in July 2015 under the name of the original version of Windows 10 ( IR). Status - RTM.
- TH2 (Threshold 2)- version 1511 - assembly 10586 . Released in November 2015 under the name November Update NU). Status - RTM.
- RS1 (Redstone 1)- version 1607 - assembly 14393 . Released in July 2016 under the title Anniversary Update (anniversary update AU). Status - RTM.
- RS2 (Redstone 2)- version 1703 - assembly 15063 . Released in March 2017 under the title Creators Update(updates for designers C.U.). Status - RTM.
- RS3 (Redstone 3)- version 1709 - assembly 16299 . Released in October 2017 under the title Fall Creators Update (autumn update for designers FCU). Status - RTM.
- RS4 (Redstone 4)- version 1803 - assembly 17134 . Released in May 2018 under the title April 2018 Update ( April update). Status - RTM.
- RS5 (Redstone 5)- version 1809 - assemblies 17xxx. On this moment is in active development, the update is expected to be released in September-October 2018. Status - Insider.
Now you know exactly how Windows 10 Home and Pro differ, and you also know how to distinguish the edition of Windows 10 from the license delivery channel or system version.
Articles. I hope you find it interesting.
Updating to Windows 10 through the official utility
Despite claims of 67 million installed Windows 10, not everyone has done it yet. For a smoother transition, without dancing with tambourines and other rituals, Microsoft has released a special update utility that allows you not only to update your PC, but also to burn an image to flash-card or create ISO image.
*The program was released almost immediately, I’m just slow.
You can download the utility from the official website Microsoft:
"Special utility to upgrade to Windows 10"
System update:
- Download the utility for the bit size of your system (32 or 64 bit)
- "Upgrade this PC now"
- Wait for the update to complete and follow the instructions during installation
- Download the utility for the bit size of your system ( 32 or 64 bit)
- Launch the application and select "Create installation media for another computer", press "Further".
- Select the desired system language, version, and architecture (bit depth).
- Select an item "USB flash memory device" in case of recording to a flash drive, or point "ISO file" in case of creating an ISO image for further recording to disk. Click "Further".
- If you choose to write to a flash drive, select it from the list of connected ones, and if you choose to create an ISO image, select the location where the ISO image will be saved. Click "Further".
- Wait for the process to complete. The process may take long time, depending on your Internet speed, flash drive writing speed, or system disk and so on.
Notes
[1
] To find out bit depth installed operating system, go to “Control Panel – System and Security – System – line “System Type”».
[2
] To find out the installed version Windows on your computer, go to “Control Panel – System and Security – System – “Windows Edition” line.
[3
] Created ISO image can be used not only for recording to a DVD, but also for recording to a flash drive, if for some reason the method of creating a bootable flash drive through the utility is not suitable for you.
How to get a Windows OEM key:
The key may be needed to activate your Windows if the installer for some reason did not activate it itself.
- Download the program RWEverything s for your system bit size (32 or 64 bit);
- If you do not want to install the program, then download its Portable version and unzip it into a folder convenient for you;
- If required, install the program;
- Run ( Rw.exe or via shortcut for installed version) and click on the button ACPI;
- Next, open the tab MSDM and in the line Data see yours OEM key;
- Copy or write it down so you don't lose it and use it if Windows installer will ask.
"How to get an OEM key"
Installing Windows 10 from a drive:
- Insert the media that contains the recorded image Windows 10.
- Turn off your device (PC, Laptop, Tablet).
- Turn on your device by pressing the key to call Boot Menu(you can view the list of keys for calling, but only for PCs or laptops).
- In the menu that appears, select your device on which you recorded Windows image 10 and press Enter.
- Wait for the installation to start and follow the installer's instructions. This shouldn't be a problem.
"Approximate view of the Boot Menu on a computer"
Cleaning the disk from old Windows and Windows 10 installation files:
Not everyone has hard disks, and even more so SSD, large sizes. It’s not good for such people to keep “ unnecessary folder Windows.old with an old version of Windows. How to get rid of it?
Warning
Attention! When deleting a folder Windows.old It will become impossible to roll back to the previous version of the OS, only a clean installation.
- “Start – Settings – System – Storage”
- Select the disk where the system is installed and wait for the count of occupied files
- Select an item "Temporary files"
- To delete old Windows files, click "Remove previous versions"
In my case it was liberating 22.5 GB. And how much do you have?
Roll back to a previous version of Windows after upgrading to Windows 10:
Warning
Attention! Rollback is possible no later than 30 days after upgrading to Windows 10 and if there is a folder Windows.old
- "Start - Settings - Update and Security - Recovery"
- Select an item "Return to Windows 8.1" or "Return to Windows 7"
Hotkeys in Windows 10:
I don't think you need to explain what the hotkeys are for. The list below lists almost all the hotkeys available in Windows 10.
General:
- Win+A opens the notification center in the right pane;
- Win+I launches Settings;
- Win+Q activates the voice assistant Cortana for voice input;
- Win+S does the same thing, but for entering commands in text;
- Win+X opens the context menu;
- Win+ the window moves to the right. The combination works similarly with the and ↓ buttons;
- Win+Ctrl+D creates a new virtual desktop;
- Win+Ctrl+F4 closes the active desktop;
- Win+Tab allows you to access all desktops and applications;
- Win+Ctrl+ ← or → - navigation between desktops;
- Win+Alt+G enables recording of screen activity, and Win+Alt+R ends the process;
- Win+G includes DVR recording for games (not all games are supported);
- Ctrl+Shift+Esc opens Task Manager;
- Win+M minimizes all windows;
- Win+Shift+M returns minimized windows to the desktop;
- Win+Home minimizes all windows except the active one;
- Win+L displays the lock screen, allowing you to change your account;
- Win+S opens Search;
- Win+E launches Explorer;
- Alt+Tab navigation by active applications and windows;
- Win+Enter turns on the screen reader;
- Ctrl+Alt+Tab- combination to view open applications.
That's all for now. Thank you for your attention!
What's new in Windows 10?
Key features include:
- Advanced Start Menu. The familiar Start menu is back in place and provides fast access One-click access to your most frequently used features and files, plus the ability to personalize your favorite apps, programs, people, and websites.
- Applications that run on Windows. Windows Store apps now open in the same format as desktop apps. They can be dragged around, the window can be resized, and there is a title bar at the top that allows users to expand, collapse, and close the app with just one click.
- Improved pinning feature. Thanks to the new quadrant layout, you can pin up to four apps on one screen. Windows will show you other running apps and programs that you can pin, and even make recommendations on how to fill the remaining screen space with other open apps.
- New button task presentations. A new taskbar button provides one view for all open applications and files, allowing you to quickly switch between user-created desktops.
- Several desktops. Instead of cluttering one desktop with files and applications, you can now simply create multiple desktops for different purposes and projects and easily switch between them.
What editions of Microsoft Windows 10 are there?
Flaws:
The software is “tied” to the hardware upon activation. Purchasing a license separately from a computer is illegal 1 .
Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro editions are sold as OEM.
Box
Advantages:
Possible variant, if you purchase licenses separately from computers. Easy licensing, no restrictions minimum quantity. If the seller has it in stock, the delivery time is minimal. The price includes VAT. Licenses are not personal, they can be transferred to another organization, but no more than once.
This is the only type of Windows licensing that allows you to transfer the license to another computer.
Flaws:
High price. There is no right to use previous versions. Inconvenient logistics for large purchases. The need to store packaging (empty boxes) to confirm the legality of the software. A box license is not the same as a corporate license.
Windows 10 Home and .
Electronic key
In online stores of Microsoft partners you can purchase Windows 10 electronic keys and download the corresponding distributions. These licenses are intended for personal users and correspond to the boxed versions.
As electronic keys Windows 10 Home and Editions sold:
Enterprise license
Under volume licensing programs, Windows OS is available only as an update (“upgrade”). This means that volume licenses are purchased after OEM licenses, boxes or dongles are purchased.
Of the commercial editions of Windows 10, volume licenses exist for the Pro and Enterprise editions.
Advantages:
Multiple installation keys (VLK). It is possible to legally use previous versions - downgrade. The production time for licenses is from 2 working days.
Flaws:
Licenses are personal and cannot be transferred to another organization. There are restrictions on the minimum order (at least 5 licenses).
How to legalize Windows?
The optimal and most economical way to purchase complete Windows licenses– purchasing a pre-installed OS on a new computer (OEM license). However, if you detect counterfeit software or apply a license to Windows updates As part of volume licensing, computers without a corresponding operating system can use solutions that will resolve the inconsistency. We are talking about the so-called “legalizers” of Windows.
Product licenses
We tried to make the description as good as possible so that your choice would be unmistakable and informed, but... We may not have used this product, but only touched it from all sides, and after you buy it, try it out, your review can make this world a better place, if your review is really useful, we will publish it and give it You have the opportunity to make your next purchase from us using the 2nd column.
Microsoft Windows 10 Home - The software stood up without dancing with tambourines.
5 Tovarnova Maria Alexandrovna 29-01-2019
Microsoft Windows 10 Home - everything is great!
5 Kuznetsova Victoria 24-12-2018
Microsoft Windows 10 Home
Advantages:
I expected that there would be problems with installing Windows, but I was wrong, everything was easy and simple, even a teapot like me managed the installation myself without outside help!
Flaws:
No
Microsoft Windows 10 Home - Great operating system
5 Igor 21-11-2018
Device owner rating: Microsoft Windows 10 Home
Advantages:
It installs from USB, is self-configuring, and works quite quickly. It installed perfectly from this USB and immediately contained almost the entire update package.
Flaws:
A bit complicated interface of advanced settings.
- No better than Windows ME
3 Emelyanov Egor 26-10-2018
Device owner rating: Microsoft Windows 10 Professional
Advantages:
Advantages other than recycled appearance I couldn’t find any tablet mode either.
Flaws:
But it is made up of shortcomings: 1. I don’t know where all the usual settings are - you always have to look for everything, often on the Internet. 2. Heavy. 3. There are no gadgets familiar to 7 - still a nice feature. 4. An incomprehensible Microsoft lobby among PC manufacturers - you can’t install the familiar 7 on new ones - and you can hate 10 for this alone. 5. Not all programs work on it. 6. Constant intrusive updates interfere with work, and it always starts updating exactly when you urgently need to turn on the PC and do something quickly. You can disable it, of course, but according to the EULA this is already interference in the code. Idiocy. 7. There are more glitches - if 7 is a stable OS, then 10 is worse in this regard. Bottom line: if everything continues in the same spirit, then I’ll switch to Linux, after testing Ubuntu I realized that the OS is quite viable, you just need to get used to it, but it’s one hell of a thing - getting used to 10 or Linux, the latter has even more possibilities will give in a professional way. And so 10 is an OS for housewives who can spend money on an IT specialist in case of problems.
Microsoft Windows 10 Home - Good operating system.
5 Sobolev Mikhail Alexandrovich 12-10-2018
Device owner rating: Microsoft Windows 10 Home
Advantages:
It has a wide range of drivers in the system itself (it independently configures connected hardware and peripheral devices), modern design, an informative start menu, emulates previous versions to work with old software... Not ideal, but demanding on the system..., it’s better for older machines don't put it.
Flaws:
To install the 64 bit version you need to create bootable usb straight from the Microsoft website and you will be happy... (Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64-bit Russian USB (BOX)
Microsoft Windows 10 Home - Modern OS
3 Igor 27-09-2018
Device owner rating: Microsoft Windows 10 Home
Advantages:
New OS with modern design and capabilities, installation from a USB flash drive. This version already with new updates (could not check).
Flaws:
Exactly this
Microsoft Windows 10 Professional - Good
3 Novel 12-04-2018
Device owner rating: Microsoft Windows 10 Professional
Advantages:
With all the wealth of choice there is no other alternative!
Flaws:
They still have a lot to do.
Microsoft Windows 10 Home is a good OS.
5 Tsarev Vladimir Sergeevich 11-01-2018
Device owner rating: Microsoft Windows 10 Home
Advantages:
Convenient, works quickly, and is updated quite often (a plus for me).
Flaws:
Didn't find it.
Microsoft Windows 10 Professional - Not bad
3 Vorobiev A.V. 23-06-2017
Device owner rating: Microsoft Windows 10 Professional
Advantages:
Work is done, games are played. Not a bad system. No worse than seven.
Flaws:
Monitors the user a lot. I have to turn it off.
Microsoft Windows 10 Home - New modern system
5 Igor 05-04-2017
Device owner rating: Microsoft Windows 10 Home
Advantages:
Installation from a USB drive, on one drive there are 2 x86 and x64 distributions at once, works quite quickly on the E5400+4Gb+HDD sata processor. I found and installed network printers myself.
Flaws:
I couldn’t find a driver for the built-in video card, it swears, but everything works.