How to Get Windows 10 Cheap: Affordable Ways to Upgrade Your PC

Finding Budget-Friendly Ways to Get Windows 10

If the idea of upgrading to Windows 10 makes your wallet wince, don’t stress—there are some pretty decent ways to grab it without breaking the bank. Sure, there’s the usual stuff like student discounts and OEM licences, but it’s not as complicated as it sounds. Just be prepared to explore a few options.

Take Advantage of Student Discounts

It turns out students often score a good deal when it comes to Windows 10. Many universities have partnerships with Microsoft that let students pick up copies at a reduced price or even for free. So if you’re studying or know someone who is, check with your campus IT department or student portal. Sometimes they highlight special deals on the Microsoft Education Store that are hard to beat.

Once you’ve got your licence, installing Windows 10 is pretty straightforward:

Visit https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows10 and download the Media Creation Tool.
Run MediaCreationTool.exe and choose Upgrade this PC now or create a bootable USB to install later.

OEM Licences—A Budget-Friendly Option

OEM keys can save you a few bob if you’re after a cheaper way to get Windows 10. They’re usually tied to the hardware but can be bought separately online—just make sure they’re genuine. When you get to the installation screen, select Custom: Install Windows only (advanced):

First, double-check your hardware is compatible with Windows 10.
When prompted, enter your OEM key from a reliable source.

Example: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX.

Keep in mind—this type of key is locked to your motherboard. If your install goes smoothly, you can activate Windows later by opening Command Prompt as an administrator and typing:

slmgr /ipk <your-product-key>

Then activate Windows with:

slmgr /ato

Buying from Reputable Resellers

When hunting for a Windows 10 licence, stick with trusted resellers. After purchasing your product key, activate it via Settings:

Go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
Select Change product key and pop in your code.

If you’re doing a fresh install, use the Media Creation Tool steps above. Create a bootable drive, follow the prompts, and activate Windows as you go.

Business Licencing—Great for Small Businesses

If you run a small business, it’s worth contacting your Microsoft licensing partner or visiting the Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Centre. For larger deployments, options like Windows Deployment Services (WDS) or the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) are handy. Expect a bit of a learning curve with custom images and networking—but it’s not as daunting as it sounds!

Watch for Sales and Promotions

Believe it or not, shopping during sales periods can pay off. Many online retailers like Amazon or Newegg slash prices on Windows 10 during special sales events. Just make sure to double-check deals and verify the authenticity of the licence—dodgy resellers can pop up at any time:

Watch for discounts on digital download cards.
Always confirm the licence is legitimate before buying.

Installing and Activating Windows 10

Now you’ve secured your licence—here’s how to install and activate Windows 10:

Download the Media Creation Tool from here.
Run it and choose Upgrade this PC now or make your installation media.
If you prefer a clean install, boot from your USB or DVD and follow the on-screen instructions.
When prompted, enter your product key.

If Windows was previously activated on that device, it will often activate automatically after installation. If not, head to:

Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
If activation fails, open Command Prompt as an administrator and run:

slmgr /ato

This attempts to activate Windows using your existing licence or digital entitlement. Simple, isn’t it?

Extra Tips for Activation and Licencing

If you have a digital licence linked to your Microsoft account, just sign in to activate it via Settings.
Need to change the product key? Head back to Settings > Update & Security > Activation and select Change product key.
For command-line gurus, apart from slmgr, there are also DISM commands for advanced deployment.

Pro tip: Always keep your licences legitimate to avoid issues down the track.