I am thinking of purchasing a Windows 10 Pro version from the Microsoft store online.
Since I am currently residing in Japan, the website automatically redirects me to the Japanese version of the store. I was taken aback to see that the price displayed on the page is 27,864 JPY, which is considerably higher than the standard price of 199.99 USD.
Upon further investigation, I learned that licenses for Windows purchased from countries other than the United States are usually more expensive. I’m curious why this is the case.
Also, I am wondering if it’s alright for me to buy from the US website even though I live in Japan.
If that’s the case, would there be any reason why someone from another country wouldn’t want to purchase from the US website?
2 Answers
Introduction
Windows 10 Pro is one of the most popular operating systems in the world. It offers a wide range of features that cater to both personal and professional needs. However, the price of Windows 10 Pro varies from country to country. This has led many people to consider buying Windows 10 Pro from a different country/region. In this blog post, we will discuss the issues that could happen if you buy Windows 10 Pro from a different country/region.
Why is the price of Windows 10 Pro different in different countries/regions?
The price of Windows 10 Pro varies from country to country due to a number of factors. One of the main factors is the difference in the cost of living between countries. Microsoft takes into account the local cost of living when setting the price of Windows 10 Pro in a particular country/region. This means that countries with a higher cost of living will generally have a higher price for Windows 10 Pro.
Another factor that affects the price of Windows 10 Pro is the currency exchange rate. Microsoft sets the price of Windows 10 Pro in a particular currency, and the exchange rate between that currency and other currencies can affect the price of Windows 10 Pro in different countries/regions.
Is it okay to buy Windows 10 Pro from a different country/region?
While it is technically possible to buy Windows 10 Pro from a different country/region, there are some issues that could arise. One of the main issues is that the license key may not work in your country/region. This is because Microsoft uses different license keys for different countries/regions, and a license key that works in one country/region may not work in another.
Another issue that could arise is that you may not be able to get support for Windows 10 Pro in your country/region. Microsoft provides support for Windows 10 Pro in different languages, but the level of support may vary depending on your country/region.
Should you buy Windows 10 Pro from a different country/region?
If you are considering buying Windows 10 Pro from a different country/region, there are a few things to consider. First, you should check whether the license key will work in your country/region. You can do this by contacting Microsoft support or by checking online forums.
Second, you should consider whether you will be able to get support for Windows 10 Pro in your country/region. If you are confident that you can get support, then buying Windows 10 Pro from a different country/region may be a good option.
Third, you should consider the cost savings. If the cost savings are significant, then it may be worth buying Windows 10 Pro from a different country/region. However, you should also consider the potential issues that could arise.
Why do some people buy Windows 10 Pro from a different country/region?
There are a few reasons why some people choose to buy Windows 10 Pro from a different country/region. One of the main reasons is cost savings. As we mentioned earlier, the price of Windows 10 Pro can vary significantly between countries/regions, and buying from a country/region with a lower price can result in significant cost savings.
Another reason why some people choose to buy Windows 10 Pro from a different country/region is availability. In some cases, Windows 10 Pro may not be available in a particular country/region, or it may be available in limited quantities. Buying from a different country/region can be a way to get access to Windows 10 Pro.
Conclusion
In conclusion, buying Windows 10 Pro from a different country/region can be a good option if you are looking to save money or if Windows 10 Pro is not available in your country/region. However, there are some issues that could arise, such as license key compatibility and support availability. Before making a decision, it is important to consider these issues and weigh the potential cost savings against the potential risks.
What could be the reason for this?
My initial assumption would be that Microsoft incurs higher costs in providing customer support for customers in other countries compared to those in the US. It is important to remember that Microsoft is primarily a US-based company, with most of its employees located in the US. Local taxes and fees may also be a factor, but I don’t think they are significant.
As someone living in Japan, is it permissible to purchase from the US page?
Most likely, but your bank may raise some concerns if this is not a regular practice for you since the transaction will take a different route than if you had bought from the Japanese page. However, there may be additional charges because you are in Japan that could be overlooked if you purchase from the US page. Buying from the US page will result in English being the default language, whereas purchasing from the Japanese storefront will result in Japanese being the default language.
If yes, why might someone from another country hesitate to buy from the US page?
To begin with, the language in the installer is in the appropriate language for the locale where the OS is sold. Similarly, the default language installed is also the dominant local language. In most parts of the world, people are not comfortable enough speaking English to use it as the default language on their computer, and many people either do not know how to change the default system language or do not want to bother doing so. Moreover, local taxes and fees must be handled, or there is a risk of legal repercussions.