How to buy a legit US version of Windows 10?

>So. I ended up getting a "free" version of Windows 10 (I think it was free for everyone at some point, right?)

Sorry, wrong. Windows 10 was never free for customers except for the fact that if they have an existing Windows 7 or 8.1 License.

You can always download an English Language Installation media and use the key supplied by the Microsoft store as the key doesn't affect the language of the installation. Here is a relevant article on how to download an English ISO:

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/9230-downlo...

When prompted for a key, use the key bought on the Japanese store.

You can as a side note, always change the language too in Windows if you have an existing Japanese Language Windows Installed.

There is no way to find how Windows was activated, but I can try.

Right click Start>Command Prompt-Admin and type in the following command:

slmgr.vbs /dlv

If you have Powershell instead of Command Prompt Run these in order:

cmd.exe

slmgr.vbs /dlv

You will get a window, take a screenshot using snipping tool and paste it it next reply.

How to get a screenshot and post back:

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wik...

Anyway, back to your question-Product keys are SKU dependent not language dependent. When you install the OS, you get a choice of which language you want to install too. Using English ISO would always work.

To be more sure of, you can ask the chat support too:

https://partner.support.services.microsoft.com/...

>So. I ended up getting a "free" version of Windows 10 (I think it was free for everyone at some point, right?)

Sorry, wrong. Windows 10 was never free for customers except for the fact that if they have an existing Windows 7 or 8.1 License.

You can always download an English Language Installation media and use the key supplied by the Microsoft store as the key doesn't affect the language of the installation. Here is a relevant article on how to download an English ISO:

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/9230-downlo...

When prompted for a key, use the key bought on the Japanese store.

You can as a side note, always change the language too in Windows if you have an existing Japanese Language Windows Installed.

I'm pretty sure they gave it away for free to catch any pirate versions and make people pay later?

I mean, I had tons of PC's in my past so I assume I had a legit Licence at some point? But I have no idea how to find it? Or if they are "locked" to that specific rig?

Anyway, thanks for the info!  Are you sure I can use the Japanese Key for that?

When I buy games here in Japan that comes with DLC's stuff I can't get them because my PSN/XBOX account is Swedish and the Key's seem to be linked to Japanese Accounts only.

The problem with changing language after installation is that I can't read whats on my Display. 

As I mentioned, all my actions seem to be "tracked" by the IP-police.. Ex, If I visit IGN.com I will end up on IGN.jp.co and since I cant read Japanese I can't figure out how to change language/visit the US version of IGN... Its all a nightmare :"( Its meant to make life more convenient by translating stuff to the country you are located in, but for me, its just a pain in the a**... :/

Step 1:

http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US...

Step 2:

Go to a working computer, download, create a bootable copy, then perform a clean install.

	Step 1: How to download official Windows 10 ISO files 

	[http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...](http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki/windows_10-windows_install/how-to-download-official-windows-10-iso-files/35cde7ec-5b6f-481c-a02d-dadf465df326)



	Step 2: How to: Perform a clean install of Windows 10

	[http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/insider/wiki...](http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/insider/wiki/insider_wintp-insider_install/how-to-do-a-clean-install-of-windows-10/aef0ae63-2117-41ee-a8ea-4a3181625b08)

Review the following guide for instructions and details about configuring your BIOS or UEFI boot settings for DVD, CD, USB or SD Card.

BIOS/UEFI Setup Guide: Boot from a CD, DVD, USB Drive or SD Card

https://www.groovypost.com/howto/bios-uefi-setu...

Once your computer is set to boot from the DVD, you should see this option. If you are installing from a retail Windows 10 USB thumb drive, you will be asked to select either 32 or 64 bit Windows 10. Learn more here https://www.groovypost.com/howto/choose-windows...

The Windows logo will appear on screen, this might be here for a while, as long as you see the animating dots, everything should be ok.

Select your Language, Time and Keyboard method then click Next.

Click Install now

Windows 10 setup will prompt you for a product key during installation a couple times. If you originally upgraded from Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 click the option 'I don't have a key' and 'Do this later' . If you have a Windows 10 product key, you can proceed to enter it.

Setup will also prompt you to select the edition you have a license for - Home or Pro. Please make sure you choose the right edition. If you choose the wrong edition, your only option will be to perform a clean install again.

The copy of Windows 10 you download and upgrade from will correspond with the edition of Windows you have installed, if it does not, this is why you might be experiencing problems activating:

Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Windows 8.0 Core, Windows 8.1 Core should install Windows 10 Home 



Windows 7 Professional, Windows 7 Ultimate, Windows 8.0 Pro, Windows 8.1 Pro should install Windows 10 Pro

Wait while setup prepares to copy files

Accept the license terms then click Next

Click Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)

NOTE: Sometimes Windows 10 setup can become confused if it see's a thumb drive. You might get a driver missing error or something to that effect. If you do, restart setup, but this time, when you arrive at the following screen, disconnect your thumb drive then go through Custom options. When setup is ready copy files, it will prompt you to reconnect the installation source (your USB).

Select the drive then click New

NOTE: If you have multiple partitions listed, select each one (starting at the bottom), then click delete until there is only a single (one) unallocated drive displayed in the window.

Select the unallocated drive listed, click New, click Apply then OK

This will split the drive into multiple partitions, select the Primary partition then click Next.

NOTE: The System Reserved partition is where recovery files are kept for diagnostics and repairing damaged Windows 10 files; or even reinstall Windows 10.

Wait while Windows installs

When this phase of setup is complete, Windows will automatically restart then reboot into setup again.

Windows is detecting and installing your hardware. After this is complete, Windows will restart one last time.

Out of Box Experience

The Out of Box Experience page is where you get to configure detailed settings in Windows, which includes creating a user account, configure privacy, sync PC settings and install modern applications.

I'm Greg, an installation specialist and 8 year Windows MVP, here to help you.

Here it is: http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US...

Then folllow these steps which compile the best possible install of Windows which will stay that way as long as you stick with the tools and methods given, and has zero reported problems.: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

Make sure during the booted install to follow the illustrated steps to delete all partitions down to Unallocated Space to get it cleanest, then click Next to let it auto-create the needed partitions, format them and begin install - this makes it foolproof.

You will get and keep the best possible install to the exact extent you stick with the steps, tools and methods in the linked tutorial. It's a better install than any amount of money could buy.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.