There are a variety of ways to install Microsoft Windows on your computer, but that’s not the point of this article. In this article, I will list out the official installation options for Microsoft Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10. If you’re interested in a specific option, skip down to the section you’re interested in. ..

Windows 10

Windows 10 is a new operating system that is different from previous versions of Windows. You can upgrade any PC running Windows 7 or 8.1 to Windows 10 for free until July 29th, 2016. After that, it’s unclear what Microsoft plans to do with Windows 10. ..

Apparently, you’ll have to pay for the upgrade, but after letting people upgrade for free for a year, it’s going to be a tough sell to start making people pay for it. After the July 2016 date, the price for the Home edition will be $119 and the Pro edition will be $199.

Windows 10 is a great operating system that is best installed before the date that is given. It’s also worth noting that when you do the free upgrade, you’ll stay with the edition that is closest to what you had.

If you have Windows 10 Home, you will have the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update. If you have Windows 10 Pro, you will have the Windows 10 Spring Creators Update. ..

Windows 10 is not compatible with older versions of Windows. If you upgrade to Windows 10, you will not be able to move your old copy of Windows 10 to another computer.

If your Windows 10 license is based on a Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 license (even a retail license) and you have to replace the motherboard on your computer, you will need to reactivate Windows 10. This only works with the current hardware on that computer. This can be problematic because if you have gotten the free upgrade to Windows 10 and then you replace a bunch of parts on your computer after July 29, 2016, you will end up with a non-genuine version of Windows. ..

Microsoft is offering a code to upgrade your computer if you have to replace parts due to a bad motherboard, etc. You’ll need to contact customer service in order to receive the code.

Windows 10 is a new operating system that Microsoft has released. It is different from Windows 7, which was great because you could install one copy on your computer and use the same key to install a virtual copy of Windows. However, with Windows 10, Microsoft has reverted back to the old way. In the new license agreement, a virtual copy of Windows 10 needs its own license key.

Windows 7 and 8.1

Windows 7 is a Windows operating system that depends on which version of Windows 7 you have. You can either have a pre-installed copy that came with your computer (OEM), a retail version bought from a store, or a Family Pack bought from Microsoft.

The number of computers you can install Windows 7 on is the same regardless of the edition of Windows you have:  Ultimate, Home Premium, Starter, Professional, etc.

  1. LICENSE AGREEMENT 1.1 This End User License Agreement (“EULA”) is a legally binding agreement between you and Microsoft Corporation (“Microsoft”). 1.2 If you do not agree to this EULA, do not install or use the software.

  2. LICENSE TERMS AND CONDITIONS 2.1 You may only use the software for the purpose for which it was designed and licensed to you by Microsoft. If you use the software for any other purpose, you must obtain a separate license from Microsoft that covers that use.

  3. WARRANTY AND DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY 3.1 Except as set forth in this EULA, Microsoft disclaims all warranties of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, title or non-infringement. In no event will Microsoft be liable for any damages whatsoever arising out of your use of the software except as set forth in this EULA. In addition,microsoft disclaims all liability for any losses or damage caused by your violation of this EULA; however,microsoft may have other legal rights at law which may cause such losses or damage. The End User License Agreement states: “You may only use the software for the purpose for which it was designed and licensed to you by Microsoft.”

  4. INSTALLATION The installation of the product is a simple process that can be completed by anyone with basic tools. After following the instructions, you will be able to connect your computer to the network and start using it.

  5. USE RIGHTS The use of the product is subject to the terms and conditions that are set out in the manual or on the website. If you do not agree with these terms, do not use the product.

In a nutshell, the author states that you can install Windows 7 on one computer and upgrade to other computers using the Family Pack.

Windows 7 can be installed on one more copy of the operating system on the same licensed machine, in a virtual machine. ..

This means that you can install VirtualBox or Hyper-V and pop in your Windows 7 DVD and install another copy there for free! This is different from previous versions of Windows. ..

Windows 8.1 is a new operating system released by Microsoft. If you have an OEM version of Windows 8.1 or a version that was upgraded from Windows 7, you can only use that version on one computer. If you need to move it to another computer, you will need to call Microsoft and explain the situation. ..

If you have an 8.1 retail license, first deactivate it on the computer and then use the product key to activate the new computer. The product key can only be used to activate one PC at a time.

Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 share the same license terms, meaning that you cannot use the same product key in a virtual environment. Only Windows 7 allowed you to install another copy of the software without getting another license.

How to Install Windows on Your Computer This article will explain how to install different versions of Windows on your computer. It is complicated and I didn’t explain every detail and caveat, so feel free to post a comment if you have questions. Enjoy!