The lack of custom aesthetics can be a downer, especially if you like to liven things up by changing colors and images. However, we checked, and you can still change your wallpaper if you right-click an image from the web or a personal photo and set it as your wallpaper. And if you have a wallpaper tied to your Microsoft account, it will appear if you sign into Windows with that account. Microsoft offers students attending certain universities and high schools the ability to get Windows 10 for free by allowing them to activate Windows 10 Education for free.
You can see if your school is eligible and download your free Windows 10 key here. The key is yours even after you graduate. But is Windows 10 Education any different from Windows 10 Home? Windows 10 Education is the same as Windows 10 Enterprise, which Microsoft calls the most robust version of Windows The OS has features targeting security, device control and management and deployment that Windows 10 Home lacks. In addition to ethical concerns, if you get caught, Microsoft can make you pay up anyway.
And while some turn to Microsoft for this purchase, there are third-party websites selling keys for much cheaper than Microsoft. Be sure to check their refund policy before buying. Now, let's address the elephant in the room. While we can't vouch for all of them, websites selling lower-priced Windows keys are likely selling legitimate codes. One popular site, Kinguin, has 37 merchants worldwide selling Windows keys. It's just another marketplace. However, we've encountered reports of customer dissatisfaction, including from users who wanted a specific type of key like non-OEM only , ended up with something different like an OEM version and could only get a refund, rather than the type of key they originally tried to buy.
We've also heard reports of slow customer service. Kinguin hasn't responded to requests for comment. A hint will be if that key is too cheap -- i. And, as with anything else, if you haven't heard of a seller, check their ratings or go elsewhere.
No matter where you get your product key, you shouldn't download Windows 10 from anyone besides Microsoft. At the moment there are a limited number of sites where you can legally purchase digital downloads of Microsoft software. These non-Microsoft websites have varying return policies for software key purchases. While Kinguin seems to have an open return policy, we've seen reports of the service being too slow or the company insisting on replacing the key instead of refunding it or vice versa.
Amazon and Newegg both have no-refund policies for software keys. Amazon claims all keys sold on its site are genuine, and any gripes you have with your key must be handled by the individual vendors. This final downside is only applicable if you want to equip your PC with Windows 10 Pro for Workstations. Want a version of Windows 10 where you can enjoy dynamic slideshows on your home screen and vibrant red, green, pink, or purple taskbars? Do you enjoy the thrills of a watermark-free screen and the comfort of knowing you can call Microsoft support if you have any problems?
Then you need a key, which, as discussed, you can get from various retailers. In addition to selling keys for Windows 10 Home and Pro, Microsoft is the only place you can get a key for Windows 10 Pro for Workstations. This plan is valid for a year after activating Windows Microsoft charges the most for Windows 10 keys.
If you have an old Windows key you can get Windows 10 free by carrying that key over from a previous build -- that's your best option. If you don't have a key on hand, you need to decide whether you're comfortable using an unactivated version of Windows 10, which limits your customization options, has an ugly watermark and leaves you ineligible for Microsoft support.
Many would argue that downloading Windows without paying for or already owning a product key is ethically wrong. That said, Microsoft has made this process easier over various Windows iterations and lessened the limitations and nagging that happens when you don't activate. I've even seen well-known vendors and Microsoft partners do press presentations with watermarks on their desktop.
If you must buy a Windows 10 key, you can save a lot with a low-cost seller such as Kinguin , although customer service will likely be lacking and isn't the best option if you only want a very specific type of Windows Still, Microsoft's price is astronomically high. Scharon Harding has a special affinity for gaming peripherals especially monitors , laptops and virtual reality. Previously, she covered business technology, including hardware, software, cyber security, cloud and other IT happenings, at Channelnomics, with bylines at CRN UK.
Scharon Harding. Topics Software. See all comments I bought a key on ebay and it turned out to be a VL key volume. Which works but shouldn't be sold. I contacted the seller and he refunded me. Very good breakdown of the ways to activate Windows Most people don't even realize you can still use a windows 7 key to activate, only after you get into windows, and not during the setup process.
Learn more. Return almost any product in like-new condition in its original packaging within 30 days. Windows 10 provides virus and real-time protection against threats from malicious apps and ransomware. Sleek, lightweight new PCs have more power, longer battery life, and are optimized to showcase the best of Windows 10 2.
With Windows 10 at the heart of your computer you can do it all. Licensed for one PC or Mac. These products are sold separately. Active Directory makes management easier but is not required. BootCamp is included with macOS, and lets you choose which operating system you want to run at startup. Run your favorite Windows apps and play PC games right on your Mac. You don't need a Windows device to play PC games. Whether it's racing to the checkered flag or saving the planet, you can enjoy rich graphics and heavy animation games even on your Mac.
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Ready to upgrade to Windows 10? Best for personal or household use. Fast start-up and Windows Hello for password free sign-ins [1] Windows Mixed Reality for exploring new worlds, going to top destinations, and playing immersive games [2] My People for easy access to key contacts, drag and drop sharing and sending animated emojis Windows Ink for creating lists, sticky notes and drawings, writing directly on your screen, and working smarter on Office documents [3][5] 4K gaming, DirectX 12 graphics, and a more intuitive Game mode [4] Paint 3D and Remix 3D for seeing 3D creations in your world, or enhancing photos, videos and Office documents [5] The reimagined Photos app for creating videos with soundtrack, transitions, 3D effects, and Windows Ink Microsoft Edge for longer battery life, 4K Ultra HD and Dolby Audio, and organizing the web your way Cortana, your personal digital assistant [6].
All of the features of Windows 10 Home, plus: Get built-in protection from security threats at no extra cost with BitLocker, Windows Defender Antivirus and more Access all your files, folders and apps from virtually anywhere on any device with remote desktop Choose deferred updates so you can decide when and how to update your devices Connect to your school, business, or corporate network via the cloud with Azure Active Directory Create and run virtual machines with Hyper-V [7] Make use of powerful management tools for single sign on and more control over your devices.
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Instant software downloads Don't wait for delivery. All of our software is ready for instant download. Talk with an expert Our team of experts are here to answer any of your questions. Windows 10 Get the new and improved Windows when you upgrade to Windows You'll soon discover that it is familiar to Windows users, but a more personalized experience that takes everything you already love about prior versions like Windows 7 and 8 to the next level.
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