Types of Windows licenses. New Windows Store

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Updating to Windows 10 through the official utility

Despite claims of 67 million installed Windows 10, not everyone has done it yet. For more smooth 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

Burning an image to a flash drive or creating an ISO image:

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 creation method does not suit you bootable flash drive through the utility.

How to get OEM Windows 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 the Windows 10 image is recorded and press the Enter key.
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 files Windows installations 10:

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 old version 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 "Delete 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- a combination for viewing open applications.

That's all for now. Thank you for your attention!

Windows 10 OEM is a type of system from Microsoft. It is available for all builds (Home, Pro and others) and is the version that comes exclusively in digital form, which means it does not have a box.

The appearance of numerous versions of one operating system from Microsoft is the merit of the marketing department of this organization. A modern user can obtain a license in several ways. For example, purchase a device that already has Windows 10 OEM preinstalled. Of course, in this case you are dealing with serious restrictions on the use of the OS itself, but you won’t have to pay for it. Well, or the amount of such payment turns out to be very small.

This type of license is also used for other software products of this company. For example, recently such a well-known package as is also pre-installed on some devices. As an alternative to this variety, there is a boxed version, that is, a boxed version. It's called a BOX, and it gives you a physical product that you can touch or put on a shelf. But this is not the only difference between the versions, let's take a closer look.

Features of Windows 10 OEM

Until recently, all versions of this OS could be called “boxed”. That is, they were distributed separately from the company's hardware and software. But in order to attract as many users as possible into its ranks, Microsoft makes some tricks and can even offer its OS for free, but under certain conditions. For example, when purchasing some equipment.

If you have already purchased equipment with a similar version of the OS, then it must contain distribution kits of the OS itself, various certificates of authenticity, as well as other pre-installed software products. Most often, you can get all this “wealth” in some branded store.

If we talk in a little more detail about the types of company licenses, they can be as follows:

FPP is the most popular version, most often called the “boxed” version;
ESD – in this case the user receives a linked electronic key, which is only suitable for one device;
OEM – already implemented for a specific device;
Corporate – intended for one organization and issued to a legal entity.

Of course, there are more specific types of licenses, but we will not talk about them in this material.

If you have your eye on some interesting laptop and want to get a licensed OS, then the easiest and cheapest way is to use Windows 10 OEM. This will allow you to save a lot of money. But such a license will only be valid for a specific device.

It is also worth considering that Microsoft company allows you to turn any virtual assembly into a completely real one physical media. A utility is available for this. And if you notice that a cheap digital copy is being sold somewhere, then you can easily use this opportunity to buy cheaper, and then create a flash drive or disk yourself to install the OS on your computer.

We recommend using Windows 10 OEM for anyone who doesn't need the box. And in 2018, such users are the majority. But we can also discuss which assembly is better. Share your vision and observations in the comments, let’s discuss and identify the best option.

The rules have changed dramatically.

Windows licensing has always been opaque and nebulous. For example, Windows 7 had a retail version, an OEM version, and enterprise editions. In theory, the OEM version (i.e. when the OS shipped with a new computer equipment) was tied to the hardware it came with. Retail retail versions were “portable”, and the user was able to transfer his copy of Windows 7 from one computer to another, provided that the old car the system will no longer be used. Most retail versions were used specifically for installation on upgraded machines or manually assembled computers individual components. Typically you would have to re-authorize your copy of Windows to new system, but in most cases this procedure was just a formality.

In the long term, portability is not a feature of the free version of Windows 10. When you install Windows 10, Microsoft's activation servers create and store a unique identifier based on the old key and the current machine's hardware configuration. The new Windows 10 will be tied to the updated system, and the original Windows 7/8.1 key will no longer be valid. (This way, you will be able to roll back to Windows 7, but you will not be able to run the original OS and Windows 10 at the same time, for example, in a virtual machine or in multi-OS mode at boot).

Comment from a Microsoft official: “ After the first year, you will no longer be able to transfer the copy to another device, because... the update is tied to a specific computer, and not to a license, or account Windows. A year after Windows release 10, if the device has not been updated to Windows, the user will need to separately purchase a copy of Windows 10 from the Microsoft Store or official distributors Microsoft products”.

The best part is that if you end up buying the retail version of Windows 10, you will be able to freely move it from one computer to another - this version comes with a portable feature.

Be that as it may, you can still update your Windows 10 system. Just like you could with previous versions of Windows (usually tied to Windows program Genuine Advantage), you'll need to call Microsoft to reactivate your license if you change major components on your computer after upgrading to Windows 10 (many users find this annoying, but it's not really a painful process).

Unfortunately, the criteria for changes that require system reactivation are quite vague. For example, when adding RAM reactivation not required, but when replacing the motherboard it is needed (in OEM versions, replacing the motherboard is allowed only if the PC is still under warranty).

Upgrading from 32-bit Windows to 64-bit

Retail versions of Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 included two installation media - one for 32-bit systems and one for 64-bit systems. The free version of Windows 10 allows you to upgrade only to a system with the same bitness as the original system. In other words, you can only upgrade a 32-bit Windows 7 to a 32-bit version of Windows 10. Assuming that no one wants to upgrade a 64-bit system to a 32-bit system, then to upgrade from a 32-bit system to a 64-bit system you need will perform a clean install original Windows 7/8.1 using the 64-bit installation media, and then upgrade to Windows 10.

Upgrade only to similar versions

The Windows 10 Free Update does not allow you to upgrade your version of Windows. If you own a Win7 Starter, Home Basic, or Home Premium license, you will receive Windows 10 Home, and if you have Windows 7/8.1 Pro, you will receive Windows 10 Pro respectively. Owners Windows licenses 7 Ultimate will also receive Windows 10 Pro due to the lack of an Ultimate version of Windows 10.

Some Windows users complain about the lack of Media Center in Windows 10. The corresponding page on the Microsoft web portal notes that on some systems you can get a DVD player application for free from the Windows Store. Other users will be able to purchase this application. Of course, there are a large number of good third-party players on the Internet.

There is a whole list of functions that are no longer available on the corresponding page on the Microsoft website.

Yes, it's free, but with some caveats. As has been repeatedly reported, this free update will be available until July 2016. After this period, if you did not have time to take advantage of the free update, you will need to purchase Windows 10.

Everything can change. Apple users free OS updates are also always expected. For example, an iPhone can be upgraded for free until the new OS stops supporting older hardware. In some cases, you may still get the new OS, but the smartphone will not use some of the new features. At that moment, users usually change the phone to a new one, because... The old device won't hold a charge, but the larger screens and new features look tempting.

After all, Microsoft could adapt a similar business model: the operating system is just a platform for highly profitable services and software. But as the TechNet UK blog points out, the current free version Windows 10 has no expiration date - you won't have to pay for it in two or three years. Be that as it may, Microsoft plans to add new features to Windows 10, and at some point, some features may not work on your computer, or your device may stop receiving future updates altogether.

Is it possible to run Windows 10 in a virtual machine in dual boot mode?

Many cautious users tend to leave it on their Windows machines 7 or Windows 8, installing Windows 10 on a second drive or logical partition. Typically, they want to copy or image a Windows 7 installation, upgrade to Windows 10, and then restore the system to its original state on a different drive or partition. Sorry, but such actions are not allowed. If Windows 10 is installed, it takes over the original Windows 7/8.1 license. Within a month after the update, Windows 10 allows you to downgrade to Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, but in this case the new OS is removed.

As always with Windows, virtual copies must have their own licenses, separate from the host systems. As mentioned in the TechNet UK blog, a Windows 10 license “allows you to install only one copy of the software for use on only one device, whether it is physical or virtual. If you want to use the software on multiple devices, you need to purchase separate OS licenses for each of them.”

Windows as a service

The old Windows update model (XP, Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8) seems to have fallen into disuse. New model is confusing for the long term Windows users. It assumes that for a specific machine you will only need to pay for Windows once - when you buy a new PC, order a retail version, or register for volume licensing. The main features of the “Windows as a Service” concept are:

You don't have to pay for Windows multiple times when using the same hardware - you always have latest version;
No more erasing and reinstalling updates;
Vendors and software developers can ensure that 90 percent of users have the same build.

Microsoft expects that the vast majority of users using the same version of the OS will simplify the process of developing third-party applications.

Enterprise customers should note: To upgrade to Windows 10, you must have a valid Software Assurance contract. If you simply purchased a Windows 7 Enterprise license, you do not have the right to upgrade to the new OS. Customers with a signed contract will be able to log into the Microsoft License Center and download the Enterprise edition. You will also be required to renew your current Software Assurance contract to receive future Windows updates 10.

Free does not mean without some costs. It probably comes as no surprise to many that the free update comes with limitations. Some may find them not too onerous, but you should familiarize yourself with them before upgrading. Whether you can work under these restrictions is up to you. If they are too critical, let us remind you that despite the fact that Windows 7 will not receive new improvements, Microsoft will fix errors and security problems of this OS until January 14, 2020, and the deadline Windows support 8 expires in 2023.

Found a typo? Press Ctrl + Enter

License for PC builders, OEM (OEI) Windows license, Office license, Windows Server. You can sell!

What does OEM consist of?

Typically this type of license includes a Certificate of Authenticity (COA for short), an end user license agreement that must only be executed in in electronic format, as well as a distribution kit with the product.

Rules for selling versions with an OEM license

OEM products do not have colorful packaging, unlike boxed versions. OEM packaged in brown cardboard. Depending on the product type and specific delivery option, there may be three or one separate OEM software licenses inside the technology packaging.

The system builder accepts the terms of the special “Microsoft System Builder License” by the very fact of opening the package. The terms of this agreement specify that the system builder is obligated to distribute this OEM license exclusively as part of the system assembled by him in its entirety. computer systems. When it comes to desktop applications and OS, the requirement to install this software on the PC first comes into play; There is no this requirement for server products. All components included in the OEM-licensed version must be transferred by the assembler to the customer upon sale; In this case, the system builder must stick the certificate of authenticity on the computer case.

Can I buy OEM-licensed software separately from my computer?

No. According to policy Microsoft given This product version is intended exclusively for server and PC builders. Distribution separately from computer equipment unacceptable to end users.

Features of using the version with an OEM license

The main feature is that each individual copy of a product of this version is “tied” to the computer on which it was originally installed. Therefore, it is not possible to transfer such a product to another PC or replacement computer. A personal computer is considered completely assembled system, which includes HDD, frame, CPU, power supply and motherboard. The right to use the OEM license remains with the user even after replacing any component of the PC, but with the exception of the motherboard. If the motherboard has been replaced, there is a need for a new license, although there is an exception here: if motherboard replaced with an identical or similar one to the previous one during warranty repairs, a new license will not be required. The right to use the OEM version of the product is granted to the user on the basis of an agreement between him and the system builder License Agreement. Under this agreement, the end user receives the right to provide him with technical support carried out by the collector. Most often, this agreement is distributed electronically; it is displayed when the software starts. The computer on which the OEM version is installed is prohibited from being rented or temporarily used by third parties without purchasing an additional license that grants the right to rent out the software. Microsoft software for rent. The user has the right to transfer the OEM licensed product along with the equipment. When such a transfer is made, the owner is obliged to transfer full set OEM licenses.

Activation of this product version

OEM-licensed Microsoft products are technologically protected from copying; If you do not complete the activation procedure, the use of OEM versions will be limited. Activation is performed by calling the Activation Center or via the Internet. The Certificate of Authenticity must be affixed to the PC case - this confirms the user's license rights. To maintain accounting and be able to further confirm licensing rights, it is necessary to save the packaging and all components of the purchased OEM version of the product without exception (discs with a hologram, etc., similar to the boxed version) and documents that confirm the fact of purchase. All necessary information confirmation that the product is legal are in the license agreement.

About confirming that you have a licensed copy of the OSWindows:

To legalize Windows OS on the customer's PC, the Get Genuine Windows Agreement (abbreviated as GGWA) is used, which is designed specifically for licensing desktop OSes on personal computers. Access to this agreement is provided under Open programs License. GGWA is used by government and commercial entities that need to purchase more than four Windows 8.1 Professional licenses. The terms of this agreement provide that the client undertakes (after the conclusion of the GGWA) to subsequently purchase replacement, as well as new PCs, exclusively with full and legal Windows version. For educational institutions The agreement used is GGWA-A, accessible through the Open License Academic program. This solution is used for educational institutions, who needed more than four licenses for the base OS for their existing PCs. After concluding this agreement, the client must subsequently purchase replacement or new PCs from a legal basic version Windows. For users who needed to install Windows OS on five or fewer PCs that previously had pirated software installed copies of Windows, the recommended solution is GGK (Get Genuine Kit).

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 Rus. USB (BOX) hangs on the logo even before installation... only after unpacking it on the SSD). The 32-bit version installs from USB without any problems.

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 version, NOT installed with USB flash drives which comes included.

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 with USB media, on one media there are 2 x86 and x64 distributions at once, it 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.