Difference between Windows 8.1 products?

[nims0c]

What's the difference between Microsoft Windows 8.1 (32/64-bit) and Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)?

[Nexxus]

nothing note worthy imho. OEM is made for system builders its usually vastly cheaper, for whatever reason it isnt in this case. to my understanding OEM is basicly tied to the system in question where non OEM can be reinstalled on various systems...but I think it invalidates other installs I could be wrong though

[Lolzious]

Just the name...? I don't really know

[NumLock21]

Retail: license is with the user, can transfer to as many computer as you like as long as it's running only on 1 computer

OEM: tied to the system. Can upgrade that system say motherboard, hdd, and so forth, but cannot transfer license to a brand new computer.

Retail comes in both 32bit and 64bit disc in a single package and your key is on a business like card.  OEM just comes with only the platform you bought, so bought 32bit, then it will only have the 32bit disc. OEM key is on a sticker label.

[Geekazoid]

What's the difference between Microsoft Windows 8.1 (32/64-bit) and Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)?

Mate, I think you can mark NumLock's post as answered. Tis pretty much correct.

Retail: license is with the user, can transfer to as many computer as you like as long as it's running only on 1 computer

OEM: tied to the system. Can upgrade that system say motherboard, hdd, and so forth, but cannot transfer license to a brand new computer.

Retail comes in both 32bit and 64bit disc in a single package and your key is on a business like card.  OEM just comes with only the platform you bought, so bought 32bit, then it will only have the 32bit disc. OEM key is on a sticker label.

[nims0c]

Retail: license is with the user, can transfer to as many computer as you like as long as it's running only on 1 computer

OEM: tied to the system. Can upgrade that system say motherboard, hdd, and so forth, but cannot transfer license to a brand new computer.

Retail comes in both 32bit and 64bit disc in a single package and your key is on a business like card.  OEM just comes with only the platform you bought, so bought 32bit, then it will only have the 32bit disc. OEM key is on a sticker label.

 

How would they know it's a brand new computer vs all upgraded parts?

 

If I bought either of these, could I create a USB installer so that I don't have to buy an optical drive? Is there a good guide for this?

[NumLock21]

How would they know it's a brand new computer vs all upgraded parts?

 

If I bought either of these, could I create a USB installer so that I don't have to buy an optical drive? Is there a good guide for this?

I think it generates a unique hardware ID or something. There is limited number of times where it can be reactivated online, after that you must call to reactivate.

If you buy either of these, yes you can create a USB installer, just run the Microsoft's media creation tool

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/windows-usb-dvd-download-tool

[nims0c]

I think it generates a unique hardware ID or something. There is limited number of times where it can be reactivated online, after that you must call to reactivate.

If you buy either of these, yes you can create a USB installer, just run the Microsoft's media creation tool

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/windows-usb-dvd-download-tool

 

Great. Thanks for all the info!

[a_block_of_wood]

I think it's in the TOS that the OEM version of Windows 8.1 is intended to be installed, then resale to a customer. Unlike Windows 8, where you're allowed to use OEM version for personal use, Windows 8.1 require you to use full retail version for that.

 

Building a PC in a month time, was thinking if I should save the money by going with OEM, sell the pc to my girlfriend for three "don't-nag-me" vouchers, and buy it back for three "scrub-the-bathroom" vouchers.  Or just suck it up and get retail versions.

 

Price difference here is worth a copy of cities skylines (or 50 humble bundle titles).

 

Sucks not allowed to use MSDN licenses for personal use...