The concept of buying a PC with no pre-installed operating system refers to purchasing a computer without an OS like Windows, macOS, or Linux already loaded on it. Instead, the PC comes with a blank hard drive. Some tech-savvy users choose to buy a PC this way so they can install an OS themselves from scratch. Reasons for wanting to do this include having more control over the OS setup, avoiding bloatware that comes pre-installed on many computers, saving money since an OS license adds to the cost, and the ability to install a specialized or less common OS the user prefers.
How Operating Systems Work
An operating system (OS) is software that manages hardware and software resources on a computer and provides common services for computer programs. It is an essential component of any computer that enables convenient use and efficient operation. The main role of an OS is to make a computer more usable and allow different applications and programs to run. Some key functions of an OS include:
Process management – Managing running applications and multi-tasking
Memory management – Organizing and handling RAM and memory allocation between programs
File management – Providing file system abstraction for storing/retrieving data and enabling file operations
Device drivers – Software that allow devices and peripherals to communicate with the OS and applications
User interface – Providing a way for users to interact with the computer through input devices and command-line or graphical interfaces
Security functions – Authentication, access control, and encryption
Without an OS, a computer is just hardware and cannot be used productively. Some popular OS options for personal computers include Windows, MacOS, Linux, and Chrome OS. These provide a graphical user interface, apps/programs, and all the system software needed for daily use.
OEM Licensing Agreements
OEM stands for “original equipment manufacturer.” OEM licensing agreements allow major PC manufacturers like Dell, HP, and Lenovo to install and sell Windows preloaded on new PCs at a discounted bulk rate. According to Microsoft’s OEM software licensing rules, “OEM licenses are licenses made available to major manufacturers that is, they come ‘attached’ to the hardware.”
The OEM license is tied specifically to the PC model it is installed on and is not transferable. The Microsoft document “OEM Software Licensing: Rules & Restrictions” states that “Windows desktop operating system licenses purchased through Microsoft Volume Licensing Programs are UPGRADES and require an eligible underlying Windows license already present on the device.”
Essentially, Microsoft sells Windows at a discounted bulk rate to large manufacturers, with the agreement that it can only be preinstalled on new PCs by those companies. This allows Microsoft to get Windows to consumers at scale while still profiting from volume discounts. It also simplifies things for users, who can buy a new PC with Windows already set up and ready to go.
According to the Microsoft brief “Windows desktop operating system license requirements,” “All new PCs should be purchased with the Windows operating system preinstalled by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM).” While it is possible to later add or change the operating system, there are licensing restrictions around doing so.
Building Your Own PC
One option is to buy computer components separately and assemble your own PC without an operating system pre-installed. This gives you full control to hand pick each component and build the exact configuration you want. Many PC enthusiasts enjoy the process of assembling their own computer.
The main advantage of this approach is freedom and customizability. You can choose the exact components you want without being limited by pre-configured models. This allows you to optimize the build for your specific needs and budget.
However, assembling your own PC does require technical skill and knowledge. You’ll need to be comfortable handling computer components and have the ability to follow assembly instructions. The process can be intimidating for someone who has never built a PC before.
In addition, buying components separately means you’ll need to install your own operating system. This adds complexity compared to buying a PC with the OS already set up and licensed. You’ll need an external computer and USB drive to create OS installation media.
Overall, building your own PC without an OS allows full customization for those with assembly experience, but it requires hands-on effort and OS installation skills. It’s a good option for technical enthusiasts on a budget, but can be challenging for PC novices compared to buying a pre-built system.
Buying from Niche Vendors
Research smaller PC vendors that offer Linux/No OS options. List a few reliable vendors in this space.
There are a handful of smaller, niche PC vendors that cater to Linux and open source enthusiasts by offering desktops and laptops without a pre-installed operating system. Two well-known options are System76 and TUXEDO Computers. Both are dedicated to providing high-quality Linux machines and allow you to customize your order with no OS preinstalled.
Other vendors like Dell and HPE also offer some models that can be ordered without Windows through their business or enterprise channels, though the options are more limited. Generally niche vendors are the best avenue for complete Linux/No OS flexibility.
The advantage of going with a smaller provider is you can get machines tailored specifically for Linux with guaranteed hardware compatibility. And without Windows licensing fees, the prices are often lower too. The only tradeoff is limited model options compared to big OEMs like HP or Lenovo.
Installing an OS Yourself
One option for getting an operating system onto a new PC without one pre-installed is to install it yourself. This gives you flexibility in choosing which OS you want, whether that’s Windows, Linux, or another operating system.
To install Windows, you’ll need to purchase a copy and create installation media on a USB drive. Microsoft provides tools to download Windows 10 or 11 ISO files and create bootable USB drives. Once you boot the new PC from the USB drive, you can step through the installation process.1
For Linux distributions like Ubuntu, Mint, or Fedora, you can download the ISO file from their official sites, create a bootable USB drive, and install from there. The Ubuntu installation guide provides a good overview of the process.2 Most Linux distros walk you through installation with clear on-screen prompts and instructions.
The main advantages of handling OS installation yourself are choosing exactly what you want and learning about the process. Just be prepared for a more hands-on approach compared to buying a PC with the OS pre-installed.
Challenges and Drawbacks
There are some significant challenges and drawbacks to using a PC with no operating system installed. At the most basic level, the computer would not be able to perform any useful functions without an OS to manage resources and provide an interface for applications. According to experts on Quora, “It’s extremely inefficient to use a computer without an OS, which is why operating systems were invented.”1
Without an OS, there would be no graphical interface, no way to launch programs, no file management capabilities, and no drivers to control hardware components. Users would have to write machine code instructions just to execute basic tasks. Compatibility would also be a major issue. As explained on Blurtit, “If it truly has no operating system, you need to write a program to make it do whatever you want it to do. Even executing a program can be very hard without the services an OS provides.”2
An OS-less computer would likely experience crashes, freezes, and errors frequently since there would be no memory management or multitasking handled in the background. Without drivers, many add-on devices and peripherals would be unusable. There would also be a complete lack of security without an OS firewall or user account control.
In summary, running a PC without an operating system installed would severely limit what you could accomplish with it. Expect minimal functionality, zero application support, and endless technical headaches.
Use Cases
There are certain scenarios where purchasing a PC with no operating system pre-installed can make sense:
Servers – Many companies will buy servers without an OS so they can install a server-optimized OS like Windows Server or Linux. This allows them to customize the OS configuration for their specific needs without any bundled OEM software getting in the way. Source
Software development – Developers may want a clean PC with no OS preinstalled so they can test applications across different OS environments. They can install OS virtual machines or frequently wipe and reinstall OSes during development. Source
Specialized systems – Some industrial or scientific systems are designed to run a specific application without a full OS environment. This reduces resource usage and attack surface. Source
Alternatives to Consider
If your goal is to avoid paying for a Windows or MacOS license, there are several free Linux distributions you can consider installing instead:
Ubuntu – This is one of the most popular and user-friendly Linux distributions available. It offers a graphical desktop interface similar to Windows/MacOS. Easy to install and get up and running quickly. See https://www.ubuntu.com/ for details.
Zorin OS – Designed specifically to help transition from Windows/MacOS to Linux. Offers a familiar desktop experience out of the box. Good for gaming and multimedia uses. More info at https://zorinos.com/.
Linux Mint – Based on Ubuntu, with some extra usability enhancements. Very easy to use for beginners. Lots of online support resources available. Get it from https://linuxmint.com/.
With any of these Linux options, you can avoid paying for a Windows or MacOS license. The downside is you may need to adjust to using alternative programs since commercial software is more commonly built for Windows/MacOS. But the Linux community offers many high-quality free and open source apps as well.
Conclusion
In summary, buying a PC with no operating system pre-installed is possible but can present some challenges. OEM licensing agreements generally require retailers to sell Windows installed on new machines. However, smaller vendors may offer OS-free options at a premium price. Building your own PC gives you full control to omit any OS, but takes more time and technical skill.
Installing an OS yourself is feasible if you’re able to obtain the installation files and have the necessary components. Linux distributions like Ubuntu are freely available for download and great open-source options. But a blank PC will lack drivers, utilities and optimizations that come with an OEM OS.
For most mainstream users, it’s recommended to purchase a PC with Windows or other commercial OS pre-installed for convenience and compatibility. But there are some specialized use cases where buying or building a machine with no OS can make sense, like servers, storage devices or hobbyist/DIY projects. Just be prepared for a more hands-on approach.