Microsoft might be one of the first major companies to axe distributing software on DVD discs; following months of speculation, the Redmond firm’s latest move was outed by an Amazon pre-order page which offers Windows 10 Home for $119.99 USD on a USB drive.
Previously, the firm has opted not to comment on what physical media it would offer Windows 10 on, and only yesterday clarified the company’s position. A Microsoft spokesperson told VentureBeat that “You‘ll be able to buy Windows 10 on a USB stick and install the new OS without needing a DVD drive… Windows 10 will be available on USB drives for purchase in retail channels shortly after launch.”
Interestingly enough, the same spokesperson continued to state that suggested retail prices for physical copies of Windows 10 will remain the same as Windows 8.1 – though how many copies will eventually ship remains ambiguous considering Microsoft’s free upgrade offer.
The shipment date for the Windows 10 drives is presently listed as the 16th of August – more than two weeks from the official launch of Windows 10 on July 29th. While it is likely that Amazon’s shipping date will change before release, it confirms that the physical distribution of Windows 10 will follow a sequential release, much like its soft counterpart.
It has also been confirmed that physical copies of Windows 10 will also be made available at other retailers besides Amazon – presently, the Microsoft Store (unsurprisingly) has been confirmed to sell physical copies of the OS.
