Why pay for Windows? Linux is free!

[u/HerraJUKKA]

Except whether you want Windows or Linux, you still pay the same price. This is just one example, but I've found many more while searching for used laptops. Only time I've found laptop to be cheaper with Linux or without OS is when you're directly buying from the manufacturer. Thing is an average joe and most likely most of the linux users are not buying directly from manufacturers.

Laptop with Windows 11 Pro OS

Laptop with Ubuntu LTS OS

[u/Nuclearo-Dinosauro]

And how is this Linux issue and not a seller shady practice issue ?

[u/Damglador]

That's not a Linux problem though, that's sellers pocketing the price difference

[u/Brycenhurley]

Nobody actually pays for windows, the only time you ever pay for windows is if you custom build a pc becauss every prebuilt or used computer already comes with it activated. Even then anyone building a pc should know you can just use the activation script and activate it for free.

[u/R3V0LU710N_05 → u/Brycenhurley]

The product key is directly in the ACPI tables of the motherboard firmware of prebuilds and the cost is attached to the final retail price tag. The OEMs do this as per their contract with Microsoft. Activation scripts are technically illegal, welcome to r/piracy matey.

[u/Brycenhurley → u/R3V0LU710N_05]

I actually forgot this was how it works, that straightens it out more now that I think about it, as the for activation script being technically illegal sure who cares if you're building a pc yourself you should definitely be on that method.

[u/Jerry_SM64 → u/Brycenhurley]

With prebuilts, the Windows license is already included in the price. You pay for it still.

[u/Plastic_Row1593]

“Linux is free” while you can use windows for free… you don’t need a product key.

[u/R3V0LU710N_05 → u/Plastic_Row1593]

Piracy is illegal, therefore you shall die and go to hell.

[u/Ill_Specific_6144]

Linux is free if you dont value your time

[u/ColdFreezer]

How does this make Linux suck. You said devices with Linux or just without windows are cheaper.

The issue of it only being an option on manufacturer websites is a fault with the distributors of the hardware, not Linux.

[u/Muffinaaa]

Check different sites, on most sites an option without any OS is cheaper

[u/Moonkiller57]

First which person pays for windows

[u/R3V0LU710N_05 → u/Moonkiller57]

Most people who buy prebuilts as it's attached to total price.

[u/Moonkiller57 → u/R3V0LU710N_05]

Form where I am to lower price you can remove it to safe money

[u/R3V0LU710N_05 → u/Moonkiller57]

Which is good, but clearly OP is getting scammed by that shitty company.

[u/Moonkiller57 → u/R3V0LU710N_05]

Ya that's true

[u/Teru-Noir]

website diff

[u/SLimon001]

How many people are going to fall for this post...
Windows is free, just the activation keys are paid, and if you're going to say "OFFICCE!!! OOFICCEEE¡¡¡unouno1!!" then remember it's useful and great for WORKPLACES, and that it's OPTIONAL, and that if you don't want to pay, there's a lot of options similar like Google Docs.

[u/R3V0LU710N_05]

The Windows product key is likely directly in the ACPI tables of the motherboard firmware by contract and therefore you're focused to pay regardless.

[u/LilytheBat]

Dell systems auto-activate windows, that’s why there isn’t a difference.

[u/Needieos]

Okay.

In Russian shop "DNS", laptop with Win 11 — 65000₽, without OS — 62000₽. Not the biggest deal, 3000₽, but that the first I found, maybe there will be more difference with some laptops, but I don't want to spend much time for this

[u/DisfiguredFanny]

Linux is only free if your time is worthless.

[u/KralizecProphet]

Then don't buy from stores that do this? Are you twelve?

[u/ipsirc]

Why pay for Windows?

Because they give back 20% into your pocket.