Report – Microsoft planning to scrap Windows 8 retail editions

Jul 13,2012 - by 15
Microsoft-Retail-SKU

Microsoft-Retail-SKU

This is interesting.

If speculated reports are true, Microsoft may be scrapping the full retail editions of Windows 8.

Microsoft usually sells upgrade, full, and OEM System Builder copies of its Windows software at retailers.

Paul Thurrott and Mary Jo Foley (Windows Weekly co-hosts) have revealed that Microsoft is planning to remove the full edition option in favor of a System Builder option.

The system builder option would be a full version of Windows that would offer limited to no support for the customer – hence it would be cheaper.

If true, this would mark a change in Microsoft’s licensing plans for Windows 8 and would simplify the SKU structure..

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  • valapsp

    Can someone clarify the difference between the retail version and the OEM version?

    • http://www.facebook.com/jereese1 John E Reese

      OEM is original equipment manufacturer version of Windows 8. In the past the OEM had only the drivers and special options for equipment maker systems. The retail version has all the common drivers and/or download the needed drivers for the equipment (home brew system). The version of windows depend on the buyer choice. The product key on the system sticker only works with OEM OS not retail version. If you try to restore a Dell system with Acer system OEM disks will fail.

    • http://www.facebook.com/jamesefox James Fox

      Short explanation: (Previous versions of windows before this rumor)
      OEM=support provided by the vendor that sold the operating system software with the hardware – License not transferable to new hardware, can only be installed on the one computer with the original COA attached by the vendor to the hardware. License code on COA not valid for retail media or different vendor hardware. Not supported by Microsoft, vendor only support

      Retail=supported by Microsoft and can be sold separately from hardware. – Transferable license to new hardware when old hardware retired – IE still licensed only to one computer. COA is attached to the retail box or CD case.
      COA=Certificate of Authenticity. License Code on COA not valid for OEM media but will install on any hardware. Not vendor supported. Only by Microsoft.

      This link may help provide additional answers to your request:
      http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-windows_install/how-exactly-does-windows-7-retail-vs-oem/fae7b2ab-c530-45e6-aeb3-cc55cf7b9231

  • M.Na’el

    Wait, so MSFT will no longer offer technical and in-person support for individually purchased licenses? So if someone builds his/her own rig then the highest form of support available would be online updates, right? Well, that would be horrible and I can see no way (or any possibility) that this would go unpunished.

    • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_5WJGC7242GFDP2QXANKF5WTMEA Rex

      Wow, no matter what MS does, someone will take issue with it. This not only simplifies the stucture it makes Windows 8 inherently cheaper. Since Upgrade goes back all the way to Windows XP, who needs the full version? Those building their own systems. But legally before, those who did so were not qualified for OEM versions even though they often used them. Now MS simplifies and OKs this process and makes it the correct way, saving PC builders money who want to be honest. Just goes to show, people who dont like MS will find fault with anything they change no matter how good it it.
      No wonder MS disregards the naysayers.

      • M.Na’el

        Just one second, that’s not really what I said. Out there, ‘average-users’ still exist, people who would ask their geek relative to build them a rig but would prefer the ‘official’ support for anything that doesn’t need them to go to a store whereas the ‘geek-relatives’ would ask a question or 2 then say “I have to see it myself.”. And besides, the article doesn’t explicitly state a reduction in prices; if this move means Win8 Pro for ~$100, then yes all the way. Alas, I could only dream of that.

  • sarveshmotihari

    Windows 8 reaches build 8513, getting closer to RTM

    http://itswindows.com/windows-8-reaches-8513-getting-closer-to-rtm/

  • Michael

    @ The Moderator.

    Dear moderator, Please may I make a suggestion\request.

    I am sure I am not the only one who takes a little care in attempting to make my posts as readable as possible. So it would be really nice if the posted version of our comments would not have line breaks removed.

    Since we cannot add Bold or Coloured text, paragraphs are about the only form of formatting we have at our disposal.

    Thanks :)

    • http://www.windows8update.com/ Onuora Amobi

      Done. I added Disqus 2012 back…

  • Michael

    I have been using Windows since 3.11 for Work Groups and the status-qua remains – Upgrades are never an option.

    Full product only.

    True it costs more, but it is the only way….

  • Rex

    Can you explain the meaning of “only way”? My Guess is that you are talking about having the full media. I wonder if your strengh is also your weakess. By that I mean having used windows since 3.11 may have you doing unnecessary things. I have this problem myself. I still have a tendency to want to defrag my drive, though this is very bad for SSDs. I understand wanting to have a physical copy, and will surely burn one when upgrading. But please realize, MS is starting to break up the parts and load them seperately such as WMC, which is a complete download and not part of any media. Expect this trend to continue. Full versions will give you nothing extra except leave a bigger dent in your pocketbook.

  • William

    You don’t need to defrag SSD and it won’t save you much. Also, I remember Win8 has option for you to create a physical copy. Don’t know if WinRT will let you though. But normally, you don’t need to do a fresh install as Win8 and all brand name Win7 system now allow you to reset the whole system back to system default. Retail version of Win7 won’t have this option.
    Regarding building your own PC, I don’t see how you build your own tablet which Win8 is really for.

  • Michael

    Rex, I always build a new system and use OEM’s when going to the next version any way, so I really am not fussed about it.

    However to enlarge on my reply:

    I mean it is the only way to get a good clean and uncluttered installation.

    The only advantage to upgrading is to retain your current system set-up. The success of which is varied at best in terms of everything working as required, and a system that is going to perform at its peak level..

    A clean installation gives you a much leaner system (which of course will run much nicer), and while there is a little more work in putting your favourite programs back on as well, it doesn’t take much longer, and depending on what you put on may even be quicker.

    I love the slogan Windows Re-Imagined. Well I think it this is an opportunity for MS to also Re-Imagine a pricing and deployment scheme that is much more simple for all parties.

    You only need two versions at most. OEM and ECS (Existing Consumer System). No upgrades, no Home, no Business, no Pro, no Ultimate, just one for system builders and one for existing systems.

    The standard installation would be just that – standard, the geeks will go under the hood and turn things on or off as they see fit.

    I do think it is time to stop the nightmare for many not so techy people – you know the ‘Which One Is For You’ saga. Just go to the retail store, obtain your ‘Windows8 for ECS’ go home and install it. The option to ‘Upgrade (keep existing settings)’ can still be there or just do a nice ‘Clean Install (recommended)’. And forgo the mindless checking your system for eligibility because it is a full version.

    I realize MS is breaking things up a bit, but that too defies logic IMO. Especially with WMC – I mean most people want to play movies….

    By the way, Defrag, arguably has NEVER made any noticeable difference anyway (if any at all), just one of those gimmicky things. Never did fall for that one. :)

  • Rex

    @Michael,

    OK, I see what you are driving at. But what we are talking about here is license, not pathway. A clean install is really the way to go. Keeping preexisting settings is the same as keeping preexisting problems. My old boss habitually reinstalled his systems yearly. I only do it when the system degrades to the point I cant stand it anymore. The Upgrade license is not a different version, Window 8 has only 4 versions. But when considering consumers and installation, there really is only 2, Standard and Pro. The new license structure is beautiful in its simplicity. If building a new system that never had windows, buy OEM, if you have a system that already has windows, or came with windows, buy an Upgrade license. So as I said, the full version licenses for Windows 8 really is superfluous and would be a waste of money if it was produced. I applaud MS for recognizing this and doing away with it, thereby eliminating any confusion having it would be and showing they are not the greedy company they often are portrayed as. Smart, and yet if windows 8 and Metro apps succeed, they will be rolling in money again. Good for consumers, good for developers, and extremely good for microsoft. The only ones hurt I can see are software stores.

  • Michael

    Rex, yes I agree, this is about licence. But license is also about pathway. After all that is what Standard and Pro licenses are all about.

    As you say “The Upgrade license is not a different version”, in deed the software is the same – but for the ‘Checking for previous version’ routine.

    So just get rid of the upgrade tag, forget the check for the previous version, and let consumers install it on their existing PC regardless of what OS is on it already.

    Additionally, get rid of the Standard and Pro versions. Just have ONE product, and a Standard installation. As I said before the geeks can go under the hood and tinker at will. And just imagine the consumer who as he/she gets a little more techy, find they just turn other features on – at no extra cost! Suddenly MS gets a well deserved shout of praise and another loyal customer is in the making!

    Bill Gates once had the dream of there being a copy of Windows running on a PC in every home – well this could be a chance to get a lot closer to that dream than ever before: Windows Re-Imagined, Licencing Re-Imagined (simplified and fairly priced).

    Make it an irresistible temptation that puts the pirates out of business, and leaves the consumer feeling like MS not only wants their business, but is willing to take a profit cut in the process. Make the customer feel they are actually part of the MS Corporation.

    LOL, now perhaps I am dreaming – but it would be nice – and simple to boot!

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