I have noticed that if we purchase any laptops or desktops online, it always comes with windows 11. Before Windows 11, it used to be Windows 10, and it always gets shipped with the operating system. This is applicable for any branded laptops. I used to always wonder if this is some kind of marketing strategy where windows is forced on every user, or the companies think that it will be convenient for the users if it is pre loaded with windows 11.
Is it only in India?
I was wondering if this was happening only for the purchases in India. The reason is that if I look at the Amazon store in the US or other countries to purchase a laptop or mini pc, the description doesn't often tell Windows 11. If you look at the above screenshot, the cost of Windows 11 original is about 10k INR, which is close to 100 $. Does this mean that if I opt out of Windows 11, I can save 10k more in the cost of my laptop? This is my biggest question. Maybe that is the reason why laptops and mini PCs are a bit cheaper in other countries, as they don't get pre-loaded with Windows 11.
If I look at most of the websites, they don't give an option at all to pick a laptop or pc without the operating system. I would like to install Linux on my laptop and use it, but if I have to pay the money for the operating system already and then again install my own OS, it is not a wise thing. Usually what people do is they get the device with Windows 11 and then install the other operating systems alongside.
There are better operating systems
I don't know if we can call this a marketing strategy or a scam because they are forcing the operating system on us, even though there are other operating systems available in the market that can be used. I understand that Windows 11 is the most used operating system, but it shouldn't be forced on someone like this.
If we assemble a PC from a local shop nearby, there used to be an option where we could install our operating systems. I used to do that during my college days. I have used Mint and Ubuntu desktops as alternative operating systems. They also mostly give the same experience, but just that we won't be paying that extra money as the operating system cost.
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Posted Using INLEO