Windows Retail License vs. Windows OEM License

1. Source and Distribution

Windows Retail License:

• Purchased directly from Microsoft, official online platforms (e.g., Microsoft Store), or authorized resellers.
• Sold as a standalone product (physical package with a key or a digital download).

Windows OEM License:

• Distributed to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) like Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc., for pre-installation on their devices.
• Available for purchase by system builders for custom PC builds, intended for one-time use on a specific machine.

 

2. Installation and Activation

Windows Retail License:

• Can be installed on any compatible device and reactivated if transferred to a new PC.
• Activation is done using a Product Key, provided via email (for digital copies) or within the product packaging.
• Supports digital licenses linked to your Microsoft account, simplifying reactivation.

Windows OEM License:

• Permanently linked to the motherboard of the first PC where it is installed.
• It becomes invalid if you replace the motherboard or significant hardware components.
• Activation is tied to the BIOS/UEFI of the system, allowing automatic reactivation on the same machine.

3. Transferability

Windows Retail License:

• Can be transferred to another PC as long as it is deactivated on the previous machine.
• Ideal for users planning to upgrade or replace hardware in the future.

Windows OEM License:

• Non-transferable—locked to the original hardware.
• Requires a new license if you build a new PC or upgrade major hardware (e.g., motherboard).

4. Cost

Windows Retail License:

• More expensive due to its flexibility and direct Microsoft support.
• Example: Windows 11 Pro (Retail) costs around $199 USD; Windows 11 Home (Retail) costs approximately $139 USD.

Windows OEM License:

• Cheaper because it is restricted to one device and lacks direct Microsoft support.
• Example: Windows 11 Pro (OEM) costs approximately $100–$150 USD; Windows 11 Home (OEM) costs around $80–$120 USD.

5. Support and Warranty

Windows Retail License:

• Includes direct support from Microsoft (e.g., software updates, troubleshooting, general assistance).
• Microsoft handles OS-related support issues.

Windows OEM License:

• No direct support from Microsoft; support is provided by the PC manufacturer or system builder.
• For custom builds, the user is responsible for troubleshooting and support.

6. Licensing and Legal Considerations

Windows Retail License:

• Legally intended for personal or business use.
• Complies with Microsoft’s licensing policies for individual and enterprise users.

Windows OEM License:

• Intended for OEMs and system builders to install on new machines for resale.
• Microsoft policies technically prohibit individual users from purchasing OEM licenses for personal use, but they remain widely available and used.

7. Use Cases

Feature	Windows Retail License	Windows OEM License
Hardware Upgrades	Suitable for users upgrading hardware	Suitable for users with fixed hardware
Transferability	Can be transferred to a new PC	Non-transferable, locked to the original PC
Support	Direct support from Microsoft	Support from manufacturer or self-support
Cost	Higher cost for more flexibility	Lower cost, restricted usage
Target Audience	Ideal for individual users and businesses	Ideal for system builders and pre-installed systems

8. Which Should You Choose?

Choose a Windows Retail License if:

• You want the ability to move your license to a new PC.
• You anticipate upgrading your hardware (e.g., motherboard).
• You prefer direct Microsoft support for your operating system.

Choose a Windows OEM license if:

• You are building a single-use PC and do not plan to transfer the license.
• You want a more affordable option and can handle support issues independently.
• You are purchasing a pre-built system where the license is already included.

Which Kind of License I Use?

Sometimes, you may want to know which kind of license you are using. If so, please refer to the following steps:

Step 1: Open a Command Prompt or PowerShell. Then, type in “Slmgr /dli” or “slmgr /dlv” or wmic path SoftwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey and press Enter.

Step 2: Wait a few seconds for the Windows Script Manager to appear and tell you which license type you have.

Transferring Windows 10 to Another PC.

If you get a new PC and you want to transfer a valid Windows 10 license to the new PC, you can do that through the following steps:

Step 1: Deactivate the Windows 10 license by uninstalling the product key, which frees the license for use elsewhere.

• Press the “Windows + X” keys simultaneously and then click Command Prompt (Admin).
• At the Command Prompt window, enter the following command: “slmgr /upk.“.
• Press Enter. Then, you will see the message “Uninstalled product key successfully.“.

Step 2: Activate the new PC with the previous license.

• After Windows 10 is installed on the new PC, run Command Prompt as administrator.
• Type the following command: “slmgr /ipk xxxxx- xxxxx- xxxxx- xxxxx.". Please note that “xxxxx- xxxxx- xxxxx- xxxxx- xxxxx” represents the product key.
• Press Enter and the new PC will be activated.

Step 3: Type “slmgr/dlv” and press Enter to check license status. If the status is licensed, it means that Windows 10 is activated.