Installing Windows 10 on DIY Computer.

[whm1974]

I need to buy a copy of of Windows 10. I built the System back ~June 2013 With Windows 8.0. I also installed Linux Mint on a Separate SSD. Due to not thinking I wipe the Windows drive to install Linux Native games to. Flood of them on Steam...

 

At the time Linux was my main OS, and didn't use Win8 much. Now it turns out that I might need to use Windows Applications from time to time.

 

So can I buy a OEM Windows 10 on a Flash Stick and it will wipe the drive I had it on and simply reinstall? The reason I'm asking is I was looking to buy a OEM Copy from Amazon. Want it on USB Stick and not the DVD. The last time I ordered Windows 7 for a friend, the DVD arrived broken. Didn't know that Newegg have Third Party Sellers and their customer service gotten worse.

 

So Can I Still get Windows 10 on USB? Or should I pay full Price for Retail? Am Considering OEM Windows Pro instead.

[Dukesilver27-]

Maybe just buy a key, and download the installer on your current computer, make your usb into a bootable installer? That's what I did anyway.

[TylerD321]

I would make the flashdrive yourself (view link below). You can buy just the code from most vendors, or wherever else you might choose to buy a windows key. You insert the code during windows install. Or you can fully install windows and activate it at a later date - if you choose to ever activate windows. Activating windows technically isn't normally an absolute necessity. 

 

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/create-installation-media-for-windows-99a58364-8c02-206f-aa6f-40c3b507420d

[Mark Kaine]

7 minutes ago, TylerD321 said:

Activating windows technically isn't normally an absolute necessity. 

it's not but long term it really sucks... i installed a new mobo recently and then wanted to change something (honestly forgot what but it was not a background wallpaper or something,  it was something rather important) and windows wouldn't let me do it until i "reactivated" it... 

[whm1974]

Will a Linux the Flash USB utility finalize the USB flash the Windows 10 ISO file so Windows will boot?

 

I was using the Windows 10 trial install and Balena Etcher which will do this. Other Linux USB Flash Utilities wont. Hence buying this on USB.

[whm1974]

I meant to ask but where I buy some Dual Layer DVDs? Like a Store? Once I get my Credit Card I will have no buying them or even buy Window Retail.