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Windows 8 Pro Retail Box

For when the web installer simply isn't what you're looking for
Nov. 14, 2012 Paul Thurrott

While a lot of attention has been paid to Windows 8’s web-based installer, Microsoft is still offering a traditional retail Upgrade package as well. And depending on your needs, this isn’t a bad option.

Plus, it comes in a fun new box.

Or, more precisely, four of them: Microsoft is offering the Windows 8 Pro Upgrade in five different retail package versions, each with its own unique design.

Box beauty aside, each contains a welcome card, separate (and nicely labeled) 32-bit and 64-bit Setup discs and a card containing your product key.

So why pay $69.99 for the Windows 8 Pro Upgrade retail package when you can get the product electronically via the web installer for just $39.99 (through the end of January)? There are a few reasons.

First, if you’re currently running a 32-bit version of a previous Windows version, the web installer will only allow you to install the 32-bit version of Windows 8 Pro. This is true no matter which install type you choose (in-place upgrade, clean install, etc.). But with the retail package, you can boot your PC with the 64-bit disc and do a clean install that way.

Second, while it’s not terrifically hard to use the web installer to download the Setup ISO and then burn it to disc (or create a USB-based installer), those who need or want to install Windows by booting their PC from Setup media will find that it’s quicker and easier to just get the retail package. $30 easier? That’s up to you.

(For the record, I do think the web installer makes more sense for most people, since it comes with some additional features, including an Upgrade Advisor. I will be writing a Feature Focus article about the web installer soon.)

Note that Microsoft does not make the basic version of Windows 8, called Windows 8 Core, available at retail in Upgrade form. You can only obtain this software via a new PC purchase or by getting a more expensive System Builder (formerly called OEM) version. Windows 8 Core is $99.99 at NewEgg.com, for example.

Likewise, Microsoft is not offering a Full retail package for Windows 8 Pro, either: That product has been replaced by a System Builder (formerly OEM) version, which is $139.99 at NewEgg.com.

Discuss this Article 13

Sterling
on Nov 14, 2012

I don't plan on upgrading to Windows 8 until I buy a new PC (probably a tablet -- Surface Pro is the price is right) but the retail Windows 8 boxes are cool-looking. I think of those boxes as double CDs by a 70s progressive band :-)

The white box version kind of reminds me of a high school math book, and the blue box is too blue -- well, the blue sleeve.

Al Black
on Nov 15, 2012

Consider upgrading your current desktop or laptop to Windows 8: it works fine with a mouse, a touch-screen is optional, but not required. It will make your old PC fly, and maybe save you the hardware upgrade you were planning: Windows 8 runs much faster on the same hardware than Windows 7, far faster than Vista.
I found the user experience on my old Vista Laptop (Pentium Core 2, 2 Gb RAM) was vastly improved after upgrading to Windows 8. It is like a new PC.

Lucas dos Santos
on Nov 14, 2012

Hi, Paul.

I think that is wrong to say that System Builder and OEM versions are the same.

OEM version is designed to PC manufacturers to include with their products. The license is tied to the computer and cannot be transferred to another PC. The license "born and dies" together the PC.

System Builder version is a Personal User License (PUL), designed to end-users, that allows to be transferred to another PC.

Lucas dos Santos
Parana, Brazil

Steve17
on Nov 15, 2012

I wish I could buy a Win8 license that would allow me to move it when I build a new computer.

Where can I find the transferability of the System Builder license?

Microsoft has sold a system builder OEM license for years but it was not transferable.

Traditionally the "full retail" version was transferable and expensive, but cheaper in the long run for those of us that build our own computers.

Lucas dos Santos
on Nov 16, 2012

Hi, Steve.

See the Windows 8 System Builder license terms here: http://personaluselicense.windows.com/en-US/default.aspx

More details here: http://www.zdnet.com/how-the-new-windows-8-license-terms-affect-you_p2-7...

Steve17
on Nov 17, 2012

Thank you Lucas

It looks like there is no upgrade from my Win7 Pro retail (transferable). to Win8 Pro transferable.

But the System Builder OEM will do the job.

Steve

goggles
on Nov 15, 2012

The Win8 Pro upgrade is selling for $48 here in Australia while the download is $39.99, so an $8 difference makes the boxed version quite compelling.

andrewtechhelp
on Nov 15, 2012

I picked up a boxed copy because for all we know, if the online upgrade program is a success, we might not get boxed copies of Windows again (at least not in nice boxes anyway).

The thing that made me decide I was definitely going to get the boxed copy over the online copy was that here in Australia, one of our retailers is selling Windows 8 Pro for $48.72 instead of the Recommended Retail Price of $69.99. So For about $9 extra over the $39.99 online copy, it was worth getting the boxed copy, $30 extra and I probably would have just gone for the online copy.

C_Yow
on Nov 15, 2012

well Box beauty aside I have to say it have to be beauty first and there not that beauty in my eye. but as for what it has inside it it great looking some one put some time in to it to get it just right and good on them for that .

The product key card is the best part it just set the box off just right and getting both 32bit and 64bit DVD and not have to pay more to get 64bit was a real good move as well.

I just did a fresh install of DVD an dit works just great etail Windows 8 boxes is a winner in my book.

roncerr
on Nov 15, 2012

Newegg uses the phrase "OEM System Builder" for their $140 version of either 32 or 64 (not both). I hope Paul chimes in on this to clarify. I also hope he explains that if it is possible to use an upgrade disk to do a clean install to a blank hard drive, exactly what is the difference between the upgrade and System Builder disks other than the fact that the upgrade includes both 32 and 64 bit versions.

guilimus
on Nov 15, 2012

Question - If I purchase the boxed version (or just d/l the 32 & 64 bit iso's) can I just purchase additional keys from Microsoft for $40 and use the boxed set DVD's to install?
This would eliminate the d/l for those that are upgrading multiple systems.

LateNightMechanic
on Nov 15, 2012

That is what I am doing. I don't have the fastest DSL line and have multiple machines to upgrade. I bought one boxed set, start the install process, cancel after I pay and get key, then use the disc. It has worked well for me.

LemonSaucy
on Nov 15, 2012

Having the retail box version is a good idea. One has a hardcopy, and that in both x86 (32) and x64 versions, a proper license, the flexibility a DVD enables e.g. installing offline (and there are times when one might) e.g. the ability to make a backup anytime, e.g. the ability to work with DVD utilities for creating special versions of Windows e.g. a slipstreamed DVD and so on, a proper box to store the DVDs and license, 90 days support, and a dash of colour.

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