Windows Licenses come in three different types: OEM, Retail and Upgrade.

Which License is Right for Me?

People looking to build, upgrade or take apart their computer should spend the extra money on the Retail edition. Retail includes more ownership rights and is transferable. Retail licenses are forever and you will never loss it.

People upgrading their computer’s operating system can use the cheaper Upgrade license. Upgrade licenses are the same as a full Retail edition but cannot be installed without a OEM or Retail copy and license present.

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) is cheaper than the Retail edition, but you loss most of your rights of ownership. OEMs are used by computer manufacturers and assemblers to be included with the computer. This license is bound to that computer and is not transferable. Upgrading or replacing computer parts may void your license. Computer manufacturers often modify the OEM version of Windows to include software, additional help documents, and special hardware drivers. Removing a preinstalled OEM may void your computer’s warranty.

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Licenses

OEM isn’t normally available to the public, but many computer parts stores sell them, this OEM version is the same as the Retail version but with some ownership restrictions.

OEM costs about half of a Retail license and comes with half of the ownership rights.

OEM License Restrictions

• Can only be installed as a fresh/clean install
• Less Microsoft customer support
• License is bind to the computer it was activated with
• License allows for all hardware upgrades but the motherboard
• License is not transferable nor can be shared
• Only one edition included (i.e.32Bit or 64Bit)
• Does not include Retail Box
• May not include CD Jewel Case, User Guide and Manual

OEMs are purchased by computer manufacturers and assemblers to be included with the computers. OEMs are often given small modifications and removable of an OEM may void your computer’s warranty.

Retail Licenses

Retail copies can be purchased at any computer store. Retail costs about twice as much as an OEM, but comes with little to no ownership restrictions.

Retail licenses are available in two versions Full, and Upgrade, which includes both the 32 and 64Bit Editions.

• Full ownership
• Full Microsoft customer support
• Full install or upgrade options
• Includes both 32Bit and 64Bit editions
• License is bind to the computer it was activated with till deactivated
• License is transferable but cannot be shared
• Includes Retail Box and CD Jewel Case
• Includes User Guide and Manual

There is no restriction for hardware upgrades, but if your Window’s license does deactivate after an upgrade, you can reactive by calling Microsoft.

Upgrade License

The Upgrade version is a Retail copy but requires an OEM or Retail license to be present.

Upgrade license costs about half of a Retail license.

• Full ownership
• Full Microsoft customer support
• Full install or upgrade options with the assistance of an OEM or Retail copy and license
• Includes both 32Bit and 64Bit editions
• License is bind to the computer it was activated with till deactivated
• License is transferable but cannot be shared
• Includes Retail Box and CD Jewel Case
• Includes User Guide and Manual

There is no restriction for hardware upgrades, but if your Window’s license does deactivate after an upgrade, you can reactive by calling Microsoft.

 

 

 

Be the first to write a comment.

---