Is Windows 7 OEM Version fine?

[UpdatinStatus]

I bought a windows 7 OEM version for my new pc build because it was a lot cheaper. I read some facts on it and I am starting to think it was a bad idea.

 

Is Windows 7 OEM the same in performance, windows updates, security etc as a retail version of windows 7? I have looked at a couple things online but still dont have a full understanding.

 

Thanks for helping in advance.   

[Sousuke]

Yes the only real difference is that you can not call Microsoft for any issues as they only give support over the phone to retail users.

[Nick Paviour]

Yes the only real difference is that you can not call Microsoft for any issues as they only give support over the phone to retail users.

and you can only use the code once, if you rebuild your system, you will need a new license code, retail allows 3 times as a minimum. 

[UpdatinStatus]

and you can only use the code once, if you rebuild your system, you will need a new license code, retail allows 3 times as a minimum. 

say I wanted to reboot my pc to factory settings, would I still have windows? lol sorry im a noob when it comes to pcs

[Obysk]

OEM versions of Windows typically do not include the fancy retail box or manuals. Product support from Microsoft will be limited if at all. Beyond that they are the exact same thing as retail.

 

As far as using the product key to perform a 'fresh' reinstall, I have done this once with my OEM version of Windows 8.1 (I installed Windows, screwed something up a few days later, and reinstalled Windows again with the same key).

 

You'll be fine, the only thing you will notice is the extra cash in your jeans.

[LogicalDrm]

and you can only use the code once, if you rebuild your system, you will need a new license code, retail allows 3 times as a minimum. 

 

Only with branded OEMs. Rest of OEM copies act just like retail. I've changed mobo and and used same key. Same with friend who wnent from AMD to Intel. The trick is to activate it after install is complete.

 

say I wanted to reboot my pc to factory settings, would I still have windows? lol sorry im a noob when it comes to pcs

 

The windows need to be reactivated only when mobo is changed. All other types of fixing installs are fine to do. There's 10 reinstall limit but you can get more just by calling to them.