Windows 8 retail version

Tim · March 8, 2013

Hey guys,

My brother will be building a new rig soon and wants to run windows 8. The only problem is that we can't find a retail version anywhere. Is it just the upgrade and OEM versions available?

GoodBytes · March 8, 2013

You only have Upgrade and System Builder versions. While some retail stores calls it OEM.. it's not OEM, it is System Builders.

There is a change on license edition of Windows 8. OEM are exclusive licenses of Windows given to large computer manufacture, where the product key of Windows is stored on the BIOS chip. This is stop the requirement of putting the ugly Windows logo sticker, which generally wears off with time, and now you can't read the product key if you need to re-install the OS.

System Builder, is the old OEM license from Windows 7 and earlier Windows. It follows the same rules. However, the license has been updated to make it more clear, as before it always gray area. System Builder is NOT for building a computer for yourself, it is for selling it. However, you can switch your license of Windows 8 System Builder for free, to Personal Use license, by agreeing to the following license agreement, http://personaluselicense.windows.com/en-US/default.aspx, and that's pretty much it.

So why bother with the switch if it's just a stupid license agreement? Well, beside the assumption that you try to be 100% legit. System Builder is NOT transferable. Like the old Windows Vista/7 OEM, you cant' transfer your license to another computer. HOWEVER, Once you agree to the Personal Use license, you CAN.

It states if you read it:

Can I transfer the software to another computer or user? You may transfer the software to another computer that belongs to you. You may also transfer the software (together with the license) to a computer owned by someone else if a) you are the first licensed user of the software and b) the new user agrees to the terms of this agreement.

So that's pretty cool. It's like if you purchase the full retail license, which no longer exist, without paying the higher price. And all you have to do, is put your full name and e-mail address on that page.

Tip: I would strongly suggest to get the Windows 8 Pro over Windows 8. The Pro allows you for a nominal fees (I dont' know where you live, but it's 10$ in Canada/US), Media Center add-on which also add the ability to play DVD's (this was removed from Windows 8 to reduce it's price). While DVD movie will only be playable on Windows Media Center, and not player, you can set Media Center to auto-run and play your movie from the Windows Auto-run panel, and you avoid paying 30-50$ getting an alternative DVD codec player with some shitty half ass player.