Truly these are magical days: Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 10 will indeed be sold on USB thumb drives rather than just on optical discs, confirming internet mumblings that have been current for some time.

Over on Amazon.com, pre-order pages show that the operating system will be available on media other than DVDs.

A release date has now been tagged for 30 August with the drive retailing in the US at $119.99 for the Windows 10 Home version and $199.99 for Windows 10 Pro.

Microsoft told a number of blogs that the OS would be sold on USB drives. It said in a statement:

Windows 10 will be available on USB drives for purchase in retail channels shortly after launch. The suggested retail prices for Windows 10 in the US are the same as Windows 8.1.

Vulture Weekend had a quick look but it seems that the Windows 10 USB drive was yet to appear for sale on Amazon's UK site, nor – for that matter – on the online Windows Store. ®