Does your new computer come with FreeDOS? We explain why, what it is for and what you can do

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The most common thing when buying a new computer, for mere statistics, is which includes Windows as the default operating system. Thanks to this, users have the opportunity to have access to a large number of programs and functions in a matter of moments, while enjoying a multitude of advantages such as a simple graphical interface.

Despite that, on certain occasions manufacturers, to save costs mainly, do not include Windows as an operating system in some of their models, but instead they incorporate another alternative operating system known as FreeDOS. En este post, le mostraremos por qué sucede esto en algunos modelos, así como qué es y cómo puede utilizar este sistema y qué puede hacer para eliminarlo y conseguir Windows en su nueva computadora.

The story behind the FreeDOS operating system

In order to provide all the information for the majority of users who are thinking of buying a computer with FreeDOS operating system, in this post we are going to clarify its origin and operation. If you have already bought a computer and it includes this system, you should not worry as we will explain later has a solution.

Why do some computers include FreeDOS instead of Windows?

As you may already know, the Windows operating system belongs to the Microsoft company. To get benefits, ensure smooth operation and offer the best support, Microsoft charge for each Windows license, de tal forma que si un Username quiere instalarlo en su equipo debe pagar a la firma, o si los fabricantes lo incorporan a su equipo estándar, they will be the ones who pay the corresponding licenses (even when with different prices).

This fact can be very good on certain occasions, but the truth is that sometimes the prices of licenses are quite high. For this very reason, what some firms do is launch computers that do not incorporate Windows as an operating system, assuming that it is the user who installs it.

Despite everything, due to an agreement that most equipment manufacturers have with Microsoft, this is not so easy, since They are prohibited from marketing equipment without any operating system in them (if so, starting the computer itself would just show an error and not work). It is because of that, as a substitute for Windows, FreeDOS is usually incorporated or, in some less frequent cases, some Linux distribution.

Why FreeDOS instead of another operating system?

The solution concerns the economic sphere: The FreeDOS code is absolutely free of charge and it costs companies nothing to distribute., unlike operating systems like Windows. It can be easily spread to new computers, and while it won't let you do much, it will at least make your computer turn on at first.

What is FreeDOS? What is it for?

In this circumstance, we are talking about a fairly primitive operating system. It is based on early old MS-DOS (At the same time, you can use the same commands), and it is compatible with all its corresponding programs. Now, you should pay attention that it is an operating system launched in 1981, and that therefore the commandments are those of the time.

And what is more, completely lacks a graphical interface, so for most users its function will be null. Regardless, it can be useful when connecting, for example, a pendrive to install another operating system, being able to be read from said system without any problem, so in a way it can help you.

I bought a computer with FreeDOS ... now what?

If you bought a device with FreeDOS by mistake, or are intending to get one, say you don't need to worry about it. You can install operating systems like Windows without any problem on your computer, removing and replacing the complete FreeDOS.

For this, we suggest installing Windows 10, even though you can select another operating system if you require or prefer it. To get started, you will need download an official copy of Windows 10 from Microsoft Y record it on a physical medium (a pendrive or CD preferably). For this you will need another PC, even though this second one does not have to have Windows.

When you have burned the Windows 10 Setup ISO image, you should insert media into computer with FreeDOS from shutdown, and when you turn on the computer, the installation procedure should begin. Continue, You can follow the steps in our tutorial to install Windows 10 from scratch on any computer.

Lastly, to activate the operating system you will need a Windows license (Yes, the one that the manufacturer has saved by including FreeDOS). Even when the licenses Retail sale Microsoft officials usually cost between 150 and 250 euros, the truth is that No products were found. of another type, being equally valid and official, even though they can cause problems if you change certain components internally on your computer in the future.