is this pirating windows

[GloriousGamer321]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZSI7Y3U?tag=pcpapi-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1

 

is this breaking the terms of microsoft, thats what the reviews are saying

[GuiltySpark_]

That’s a completely legitimate OEM copy of Windows 10. 
 

Quote

OEM :

OEM versions of Windows are identical to Full License Retail versions except for the following:

- OEM versions do not offer any free Microsoft direct support from Microsoft support personnel

- OEM licenses are tied to the very first computer you install and activate it on

- OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different model motherboard

- OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system

 

What happens if I change my motherboard?

As it pertains to the OEM license this will invalidate the Windows 10 upgrade license because it will no longer have a previous base qualifying license which is required for the free upgrade. You will then have to purchase a full retail Windows 10 license. If the base qualifying license (Windows 7 or Windows 8.1) was a full retail version, then yes, you can transfer it.

 

From the Windows 10 end user license agreement:

b. Stand-alone software. If you acquired the software as stand-alone software (and also if you upgraded from software you acquired as stand-alone software), you may transfer the software to another device that belongs to you. You may also transfer the software to a device owned by someone else if (i) you are the first licensed user of the software and (ii) the new user agrees to the terms of this agreement. You may use the backup copy we allow you to make or the media that the software came on to transfer the software. Every time you transfer the software to a new device, you must remove the software from the prior device. You may not transfer the software to share licenses between devices.

 

If you want transfer rights and be able to make all sorts of hardware modifications, then the retail full license is recommended.

 

[GloriousGamer321]

Just now, rickeo said:

That’s a completely legitimate OEM copy of Windows 10. 
 

 

then why is everyone complaining and saying that someone else is using it in the reviews

[GloriousGamer321]

1 minute ago, 8tg said:

It’s legit but for 110$ you’re vastly overpaying for an OEM key which costs 5$ on eBay.

5$? can you give me a link?

[Electronics Wizardy]

4 minutes ago, 8tg said:

It’s legit but for 110$ you’re vastly overpaying for an OEM key which costs 5$ on eBay.

Those 5 dollar keys aren't legit. If you don't mind breaking the TOS, just don't activate windows.

[GloriousGamer321]

1 minute ago, Electronics Wizardy said:

Those 5 dollar keys aren't legit. If you don't mind breaking the TOS, just don't activate windows.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/165122128283?epid=18032168052&hash=item26720bb99b%3Ag%3ADDQAAOSw1ItgwKc0&LH_ItemCondition=1000

 

is this real?

[Electronics Wizardy]

Just now, GloriousGamer321 said:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/165122128283?epid=18032168052&hash=item26720bb99b%3Ag%3ADDQAAOSw1ItgwKc0&LH_ItemCondition=1000

 

is this real?

Seems too cheap to be legit, the ones from the approved seller list is about $100. If you want to be sure its legit, just buy from Microsoft.

[GuiltySpark_]

1 minute ago, GloriousGamer321 said:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/165122128283?epid=18032168052&hash=item26720bb99b%3Ag%3ADDQAAOSw1ItgwKc0&LH_ItemCondition=1000

 

is this real?

The pictures appear to be of a retail Windows 10 box but its Ebay, who knows what you'll get. 

 

Most of those super cheap keys you buy on ebay and other sites are just volume license keys that were never meant to be individually sold. Its a "grey market" of sorts. 

[Middcore]

The reviews which keep talking about it being "cheap" don't seem to mesh with the current pricing of $110, which is nothing of the kind. My guess would be the reviews were written for a third-party seller in the past that may or may not have been selling legitimate copies of Windows at lower price and have now been carried over to the full-price listing by amazon themselves. Amazon's review system is absolutely awful for things like this.

 

In any case there is zero reason to pay that much when you can get Windows keys that activate just fine for $5-15 from... various sites that sponsor tech youtubers with followings smaller than LTT, and even if they deactivate and you have to buy another one in a year, you can get ten of them for what you'd be paying for that amazon copy. 

[Mark Kaine]

1 minute ago, Electronics Wizardy said:

Those 5 dollar keys aren't legit. If you don't mind breaking the TOS, just don't activate windows.

Depends, technically Microsoft isn't allowed to have none reusable keys, so if these keys where bought "legit" from Microsoft (which i suspect they are) its also "legit" to sell them... its probably more complicated,  but its a gray area, hence Microsoft doesn't do anything about it - probably also because, in the EU, this would be illegal  - reselling of Software keys = allowed.

 

 

[GuiltySpark_]

You could do that^ And in that case we can't direct you to those sites as that is that grey area I talked about regarding legitimacy. 

 

Or, just suck it up, buy a retail copy than be set for years and never have to think about it. I bought my copy of Windows 7 in full and it just automatically activated my Windows 11 install last week when I logged into my microsoft account. 

 

You have to decide what is more convenient for you.

[Electronics Wizardy]

Just now, Mark Kaine said:

Depends, technically Microsoft isn't allowed to have none reusable keys, so if these keys where bought "legit" from Microsoft (which i suspect they are) its also "legit" to sell them... its probably more complicated,  but its a gray area, hence Microsoft doesn't do anything about it - probably also because, in the EU, this would be illegal  - reselling of Software keys = allowed.

 

 

I know some of these keys have been deactivated in the past from Microsoft, after being likely stolen.

 

Also the cost is suspiciously low. How are they getting them so cheap if there legit keys?

[Mark Kaine]

1 minute ago, Electronics Wizardy said:

Also the cost is suspiciously low. How are they getting them so cheap if there legit keys?

Tbh, I don't know if we're looking at the same thing? Its 59€ for me (the one with the USB)

 

And for how it can be so cheap  - bought in bulk - i worked at a laptop repair store, they had them stickers on a roll... hundreds... 39€... doubtful they were stolen (i think??)

[Electronics Wizardy]

1 minute ago, Mark Kaine said:

Tbh, I don't know if we're looking at the same thing? Its 59€ for me (the one with the USB)

 

And for how it can be so cheap  - bought in bulk - i worked at a laptop repair store, they had them stickers on a roll... hundreds... 39€... doubtful they were stolen (i think??)

Microsoft often sells refurbing stores licenses for refurbing laptops. And they are only to be used on systems meeting specific requirements. Selling them would be breaking the TOS, and not a legit key.

[Mark Kaine]

3 minutes ago, Electronics Wizardy said:

Microsoft often sells refurbing stores licenses for refurbing laptops.

Hmm I see, well that's exactly what they were used for.

3 minutes ago, Electronics Wizardy said:

Selling them would be breaking the TOS, and not a legit key.

But thats why its a gray area,  a TOS is not legally binding (especially if it possibly violates EU laws)

[Alan G]

16 minutes ago, rickeo said:

Or, just suck it up, buy a retail copy than be set for years and never have to think about it. I bought my copy of Windows 7 in full and it just automatically activated my Windows 11 install last week when I logged into my microsoft account.

Exactly right.  If you take the long view, you have this key for say 10 years, your yearly cost for Windows is very small.  I to purchase my key from Microsoft and link it to my account.  I'm now on my 4th workstation with the same key and there are no issues at all.

 

Those seeking cheap keys of questionable validity should ask themselves if they would do the same thing with a pirated game key.