I'm building a new PC and looking to get an operating system set up. I'm considering buying a Windows 11 USB installation from Best Buy, but I've heard mixed opinions about it. Some people think it's not worth it, but I feel like it's a solid option even though it costs quite a bit. Can anyone explain the reasons behind these different views?
3 Answers
Creating your own installation USB is really the way to go. You can get an activation key for way less than what you'd pay at big box stores. I paid around $5 for a legit Windows 10 key last time, so I'm sure Windows 11 can be found at a good deal too!
Honestly, I think people suggest against the big-box option because you can save so much doing it yourself. Plus, you'd have some extra cash for other parts of your PC build if you go that route.
You can actually create a Windows 11 USB for free if you download the installation media from Microsoft's website. Then, you can buy a product key online for a fraction of the retail price. It's a lot cheaper than paying $140 at a store. Using the money saved towards better hardware for your build makes more sense.
Also, if you're open to it, a beginner-friendly Linux distro could be a great alternative. Gaming can be decent, and once you configure it, productivity can really shine.
That's a good point! I found that the digital version is priced similarly, but I wasn’t sure about making my own.