Need a cheap Windows license.

[balloonshark]

I'm looking for an inexpensive Windows license. I would prefer Windows 8.1 Pro full 64bit or Windows 7 SP1 Pro full 64bit. If that costs too much then I guess I could go with OEM.

I've been looking around ebay. I'm confused with what they have to offer and what would work with my new machine. I asked one vendor if "Full version" meant the key can be transferred and he didn't know :\. I can't post ebay links so any suggestions here or via PM will be appreciated.

 

[Elixer]

You need "Retail" version to transfer between machines.
OEM is stuck on one machine.

As for the cheapest, unless you find a retail copy at a pawn shop, then it seems to have to wait for some kind of sale. The versions I see now (for retail) are all the same price.
OEM versions for win 7/8 for the Pro are around $140 @ the egg, and $100 at Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-System-Builder-Disc/dp/B00ZSHDJ4O

 

[Puffnstuff]

For genuine software I'd stay away from ebay or any other retailer who's prices seem too good to be true - because they probably are. For software I like amazon, newegg and viosoftware depending on who has the best price and selection at the time of purchase.

 

[Dahak]

Essentially Windows software has been at a set rate for years, and while you may find it on sale, its not that much off

As general average this is what I have seen

Home (7,8,8.1) Retail = $129
Pro (7,8,8,1) Retail = $199

OEM Home = $99
OEM Pro = $149


Now again these are general averages, you may see it a bit cheaper but not ususally by much.

If for example there is a Pro Full/Retail going for $50 something is fishy.

OEM VS Retail/Full
Oem cannot be moved to another computer (per the license)
Retail/Full you are allowed to move it to another computer

 

[balloonshark]

Thanks for the input everyone. Would you do me a favor and search ebay for "Windows 8.1 Professional PRO 64 Bit by Microsoft Full Version w/Update w/COA". It's $69.95 from VA. I can't figure out what type of license it is. I asked if it was a full version and about transferring the license and they said in theory yes it would work but they never tried doing it.

 

[Raduque]

I wish I could upgrade from Vista to 10 for free. I have 3 unused Vista Ultimate licenses. I've had them forever. Only activated one and it's not even in use anymore.

 

[Elixer]

Thanks for the input everyone. Would you do me a favor and search ebay for "Windows 8.1 Professional PRO 64 Bit by Microsoft Full Version w/Update w/COA". It's $69.95 from VA. I can't figure out what type of license it is. I asked if it was a full version and about transferring the license and they said in theory yes it would work but they never tried doing it.

Can't tell, though, that packaging suggests it is OEM, or pulled.

 

[balloonshark]

Can't tell, though, that packaging suggests it is OEM, or pulled.

Thanks for taking a look Elixer. It sounds like the disk and coa are separate.

 

[postmortemIA]

Essentially Windows software has been at a set rate for years, and while you may find it on sale, its not that much off

As general average this is what I have seen

Home (7,8,8.1) Retail = $129
Pro (7,8,8,1) Retail = $199

OEM Home = $99
OEM Pro = $149


Now again these are general averages, you may see it a bit cheaper but not ususally by much.

If for example there is a Pro Full/Retail going for $50 something is fishy.

OEM VS Retail/Full
Oem cannot be moved to another computer (per the license)
Retail/Full you are allowed to move it to another computer

newegg has them for 15-20% off once a month... so cheapest and safe is $79 for home version

 

[Oyeve]

I have about 20 useless 32bit win7 pro licenses. Bought them a couple of years ago but went 64bit since.

 

[DeviousTrap]

Anybody have any experience with https://www.reddit.com/r/microsoftsoftwareswap/?

 

[Ketchup]

Anybody have any experience with https://www.reddit.com/r/microsoftsoftwareswap/?

Oh, those posts look SO legit. NOT!!!!!

 

[mikeymikec]

I have about 20 useless 32bit win7 pro licenses. Bought them a couple of years ago but went 64bit since.

No difference between 32 and 64-bit licences.

 

[Ketchup]

Correct. You can install 32- or 64- bit of your version with the same license code ever since Vista/ Server 2008.

 

[cytg111]

I have about 20 useless 32bit win7 pro licenses. Bought them a couple of years ago but went 64bit since.

Goldmine dude.. to ebay for the win (before july 16')

 

[Oyeve]

Hmm, plugged in a key at MS site and they come up as pre-installed OEM. Bummer.

 

[Fallen Kell]

If for example there is a Pro Full/Retail going for $50 something is fishy.

Except for when Microsoft has in the previous pre-release for a new OS offered huge discounts. I bought 3xWin 7 64bit Home Retail for $29.99 each, and 1xWin 7 Pro 64bit Retail for $34.99. Window 8 release had a similar deal, however, I stayed away from the POS because it was a POS at that time (8.1 fixed some of it, but the whole One-OS-to-rule-all-devices mentality was faulty logic and doomed from the start). Case in point for Win10, it is a free upgrade if you already owned Win7 or Win8...