You only pay Microsoft for the key to activate, you aren't paying for the software itself. When you buy a key from an authorized retailer, some sort of installation media is generally included for your convenience. You don't pay extra for this, it's free with the key. Microsoft also makes this software accessible to anyone for further convenience, you can download it from their website to create your own installation media. There really isn't any pros or cons here, you're doing the same thing either way, and you're only paying for the key in both instances. The only pro I can think of is creating your own installation media using the latest download can cut down on time for updates, but that's not of much concern if you're only doing it one time. Answer from -UserRemoved- on reddit.com
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Microsoft
microsoft.com › en-us › d › windows-11-home › dg7gmgf0krt0
Buy and Download Windows 11 Home | Microsoft
Buy the Windows 11 Home download from Microsoft Store. Download Windows 11 Home to experience enhanced design, security, efficiency, and more.
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Microsoft
microsoft.com › en-us › d › windows-11-pro › dg7gmgf0d8h4
Buy and Download Windows 11 Pro | Microsoft
Buy the Windows 11 Pro download from Microsoft Store. Work anywhere with Windows 11 Professional tools, designed for productivity, focus, and security.
Discussions

Should I buy the Windows 11 Home retail USB or purchase a USB, download Windows onto it, and then buy an online key to remove the watermark?
You only pay Microsoft for the key to activate, you aren't paying for the software itself. When you buy a key from an authorized retailer, some sort of installation media is generally included for your convenience. You don't pay extra for this, it's free with the key. Microsoft also makes this software accessible to anyone for further convenience, you can download it from their website to create your own installation media. There really isn't any pros or cons here, you're doing the same thing either way, and you're only paying for the key in both instances. The only pro I can think of is creating your own installation media using the latest download can cut down on time for updates, but that's not of much concern if you're only doing it one time. More on reddit.com
🌐 r/buildapc
52
2
January 20, 2025
How much is Windows 11?
Defitinitely don't go for an OEM key. You're right to go for a Retail version. It won't become deactivated this way. The prices you're listing are pretty accurate. Though I use DigitalChillMart which is slightly cheaper. They're Retails keys too. So if you're looking for a key that's where I'd go. More on reddit.com
🌐 r/GetComputerHelp
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June 18, 2025
Windows 11 - Where to buy?
Remember to check our discord where you can get faster responses! https://discord.com/invite/vaZP7KD I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns. More on reddit.com
🌐 r/computer
69
46
May 25, 2025
Most cheap and safe places to buy windows 11 operating systems?
My friend put me onto Codeguardia and now I’m returning the favor. More on reddit.com
🌐 r/PcBuildHelp
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9
June 12, 2025
People also ask

Is Windows 11 a Windows 10 replacement?
Windows 11 is the newest version of Windows. However, we will continue to support Windows 10 until October 14, 2025.
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microsoft.com
microsoft.com › en-us › windows › get-windows-11
How to Get Windows 11 for Your Compatible PC | Microsoft
What is the difference between Windows 10 and Windows 11?
Windows 11 has all the power and security of Windows 10 with a redesigned and refreshed look. It also comes with new tools, sounds, and apps. Every detail has been considered. All of it comes together to bring you a refreshing experience on your PC. Some Windows 10 features are not available in Windows 11, see Windows 11 Specifications.
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microsoft.com
microsoft.com › en-us › windows › get-windows-11
How to Get Windows 11 for Your Compatible PC | Microsoft
How much does it cost to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11?
It’s free. But only Windows 10 PCs that are running the most current version of Windows 10 and meet the minimum hardware specifications will be able to upgrade. You can check to see if you have the latest updates for Windows 10 in Settings/Windows Update. Note that in areas where the internet is metered, ISP fees may apply.
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microsoft.com
microsoft.com › en-us › windows › get-windows-11
How to Get Windows 11 for Your Compatible PC | Microsoft
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Microsoft
microsoft.com › en-us › windows › get-windows-11
How to Get Windows 11 for Your Compatible PC | Microsoft
Find out how to get Windows 11 from Microsoft. Check your PC’s compatibility against the system requirements to see if you can upgrade to Windows 11.
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Tom's Hardware
tomshardware.com › software › operating systems › windows
How to get Windows 11 for free (or less than $15) — Get the latest Microsoft OS for less than the price of Windows 10's ESU | Tom's Hardware
October 24, 2025 - ... It's also possible that you ... checked recently. The easiest but most expensive way to get Windows is to buy your key directly from Microsoft.com....
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/buildapc › should i buy the windows 11 home retail usb or purchase a usb, download windows onto it, and then buy an online key to remove the watermark?
r/buildapc on Reddit: Should I buy the Windows 11 Home retail USB or purchase a USB, download Windows onto it, and then buy an online key to remove the watermark?
January 20, 2025 -

I’m trying to decide between two options for getting Windows 11 Home. Should I buy the official retail USB version of Windows 11 Home, or would it be better to purchase a USB drive, download the Windows 11 installation onto it myself, and then buy an online activation key separately to remove the watermark? I’m weighing the pros and cons of both approaches and would appreciate any advice on which method is more cost-effective or reliable in the long run.

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Best Buy
bestbuy.com › best buy › name brands › microsoft › microsoft windows
Microsoft Windows - Best Buy
Get a $50 trade-in coupon toward a Windows 11 PC priced at $300 or more when you bring a qualifying Windows 10 computer to a Best Buy store.
Find elsewhere
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Microsoft
microsoft.com › en-us › software-download › windows11
Download Windows 11
2 weeks ago - There are 3 options below for installing or creating Windows 11 media. Check out each one to determine the best option for you. Before installing, check the Windows release information status for known issues that may affect your device.
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PCWorld
pcworld.com › home › feature › business feature
Windows 10 is dying soon. Here's how to get Windows 11 cheap (or free!)
October 14, 2025 - Buying Windows 11 from Microsoft’s website or from a brick-and-mortar store gets you the retail license. If you visit an online retailer like Amazon or Newegg, you can find both retail and OEM licenses for sale.
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Best Buy
bestbuy.com › best buy › computers & tablets › operating systems
Microsoft Windows 11 Home USB Flash Drive Physical English HAJ-00108 - Best Buy
Shop Microsoft Windows 11 Home USB Flash Drive Physical English products at Best Buy. Find low everyday prices and buy online for delivery or in-store pick-up. Price Match Guarantee.
Published   October 8, 2024
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Quora
quora.com › I-need-to-purchase-a-genuine-Windows-11-system-recently-The-official-price-from-Microsoft-is-too-expensive-Is-there-any-other-way-to-purchase-it
I need to purchase a genuine Windows 11 system recently. The official price from Microsoft is too expensive. Is there any other way to purchase it? - Quora
Answer (1 of 4): Microsoft has a right to set the prices and conditions on all of its products. Any attempt by you to bypass that is illegal. Any offer presented to of a lower price is fraud. However: What do you need Windows 11 for? If it is a job requirement then your employer should supply yo...
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/getcomputerhelp › how much is windows 11?
r/GetComputerHelp on Reddit: How much is Windows 11?
June 18, 2025 -

I've been checking around on multiple sites about how much Windows 11 is. I need to activate multiple computers and I don't want to have to buy them directly from Microsoft because that's a rip off. From what I've read there is a difference between OEM keys and Retail keys. Multiple sources are saying to avoid OEM keys as they often get deactivated. They aren't intended for distribution and are generated by the manufactures of computers that come with Windows already installed. Retail keys however, are sourced from Microsoft as legitimate retail copies of the software intended for consumers to install onto their personal computers. I've seen a lot of people saying to avoid "Grey Market" keys but the arguments are always based on some moral qualms which I don't really have any moral qualms against not sending even more money to huge corporations by buying directly from them. I don't want to pirate either as last time I ran some code in command prompt to pirate Windows and it ruined my whole PC. I also run a business and don't want to be done for piracy. Retail keys are what I'm looking for.

These are the prices I've seen for Windows 11 keys

EditionTypePrice
Windows 11 ProOEM$7
Windows 11 ProRetail$35
Windows 11 HomeOEM$4
Windows 11 HomeRetail$30

As you can see, OEM prices are pretty cheap but they come with the risk that you'll have to buy more because they're prone to deactivation issues. Do these prices seem accurate or is there anywhere I can beat those prices for retail keys?

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Reddit
reddit.com › r/computer › windows 11 - where to buy?
r/computer on Reddit: Windows 11 - Where to buy?
May 25, 2025 -

Hi everyone!

I need a Windows 11 Pro Retail serial number.
On Microsoft's website, it is available at a high price for me, so I started looking for another alternative, but so far I don't know which one is reliable besides Microsoft.

These were perhaps the most recommended by forum members:

https://vendafly.com/
https://digitalchillmart.com/

I do not want a KMS activator; I have used it for years and now I want a license that I own myself.

What should I pay attention to?

Thank you

🌐
Microsoft
microsoft.com › en-us › windows › compare-windows-11-home-vs-pro-versions
Compare Windows 11 Versions: Windows 11 Home & Pro vs. Windows 10 | Microsoft
Compare Windows versions and see why you should upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11. Find out the difference between Windows 11 Home and Pro to see which is best for you.
Top answer
1 of 3
85

Hello, this is Emily.

You should be able to puchase Windows 11 from Microsoft https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/d/windows-11-ho...

The license is delivered to you as digital license, meaning your Microsoft account is the license itself. As long as you set up the computer to sign in using your Microsoft account, it can activate your Windows. But a product key is usually emailed to you within 24 hours after you received the purchase confimation email. You don't need the actual product key to activate, but it is good to have it handy in case of future troubleshooting need when changing hardware, etc.

Is that the answer you are looking for? If not, please tell me more specifically what you are looking for. Thanks!

2 of 3
5

Hello, EmilyS726.

It's Me, I'm back again.

Please allow me to apologize, for not maintaining contact with you, as we were almost getting somewhere in solving my Windows 11 Pro installation problem, **** on my rather rickety refurbished HP 17-BY0026DS Notebook.

I have decided to take a different 'tack', to solve my rather vexxing Windows 11 Pro upgrade.

Can you please tell me, What would it cost to purchase a digital RETAIL Windows 12 Pro 64-Bit Product Key, in U.S. dollars, DIRECTLY from Microsoft?

I'm pretty sure, that I can have the available funds to do this, in the next three weeks.

Please note, when I make the purchase, can I contact you again, to request your assistance, to help me, in smoothly performing the upgrade?

Hoping to hear from you.

Thanking you, in advance.

Respectfully...

Walter D Wormack

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Reddit
reddit.com › r/computerrepair › [deleted by user]
How much is Windows 11? : r/computerrepair
February 3, 2024 - Genuine question, I have a trial ver of windows 10 and planning to buy a retail key. Can i upgrade it to window 11?
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Best Buy
bestbuy.com › best buy › computers & tablets › operating systems
Microsoft - Windows 11 Home - English - Digital - English
Shop Microsoft Windows 11 Home English Digital English products at Best Buy. Find low everyday prices and buy online for delivery or in-store pick-up. Price Match Guarantee.
Published   October 8, 2024
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Amazon
amazon.com › windows-11-home › s
Amazon.com: Windows 11 Home
Tech-Shop-pro Compatible with install Key Included USB For Windows 11 Home OEM Version 64 bit. Recover, Restore, Repair Boot USB, and Install to Factory Default Fast and easy Free Technical Support · Ralix Reinstall DVD Compatible with Windows 11 All Versions 64 bit.
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MyChoiceSoftware
mychoicesoftware.com › products › microsoft-windows-11-professional
Microsoft Windows 11 Professional (With Copilot Ai) | MyChoiceSoftware.com
Microsoft Windows 11 Professional (With Copilot Ai)
With the latest updates to Windows 11, your device isn’t just a computer—it’s a smart assistant. Thanks to features like Copilot Voice and Vision, your PC can listen, see what’s on your screen, and even take actions on your behalf—making tasks faster, smoother and more intuitive.Windows 11 Pro is designed for professionals, entrepreneurs, and growing businesses that need advanced capabilities without sacrificing ease of use. With all the features of Windows 11 Home plus enterprise-grade tools, it empowers you to work smarter, connect securely, and manage resources with confidence.Flexible Mana
(5.0)
Price   $109.99
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eBay
ebay.com › electronics › computers/tablets & networking › software › operating systems
Windows 11 Home 64 Bit (Standard License) for sale online | eBay
Windows 11 Home 64 Bit (Standard License)
Used Microsoft Windows 11 Home 64-Bit – 1 License Key (Retail / Deactivated)item 1 Used Microsoft Windows 11 Home 64-Bit – 1 License Key (Retail / Deactivated)
Price   $89.99