Windows OEM keys?

[GrayTech]

Hey Guys.

I need an OS for my next build. Now I noticed that you often see OEM licenses. So what is the difference between a retail and an OEM licens? Is it even legal to buy an OEM windows 10 pro key? Is it legal in germany?

And the most important question: What should I buy?

Or can I use the windows 10 pro (upgraded from win 7 pro) licens I'm currently using on my laptop?

Thanks for your help!

[Streetguru]

2 minutes ago, GrayTech said:

 

You can just download and run windows 10 for free unactivated

Otherwise you don't want an OEM key because it only works once essentially and gets tied to your motherboard

the key on your laptop is also probably tied to it, moving would be a pain

[corrado33]

28 minutes ago, Streetguru said:

You can just download and run windows 10 for free unactivated
 

Really? No repercussions? (Other than the annoying "Windows is not activated" reminders...)

 

I'll be happy when Microsoft takes Apple's standpoint on OS's. Give them out for free (forever essentially) so people will actually update to them. 

 

 

[Streetguru]

2 minutes ago, corrado33 said:

Really? No repercussions? (Other than the annoying "Windows is not activated" reminders...)

 

I'll be happy when Microsoft takes Apple's standpoint on OS's. Give them out for free (forever essentially) so people will actually update to them. 

 

 

it'll never be free like OSX, and OSX only runs on very limited hardware anyways

There's always GNU/lInux unless you need to play games or use some productivity software

[corrado33]

3 minutes ago, Streetguru said:

it'll never be free like OSX, and OSX only runs on very limited hardware anyways

There's always GNU/lInux unless you need to play games or use some productivity software

Very true about OSX. But I think you're wrong. I mean microsoft actually tried giving 10 away for free, and to an extent... it worked. Windows 10 has the second highest marketshare today (following windows 7.) It didn't work as well as they WANTED it to, but it did work a bit. If they want people to upgrade, they have to give it away for free. It's as simple as that. Most people see no need to upgrade and most applications that work in 10 will work all of the way back to vista/7 and sometimes even XP. People upgrade OSX because it generally adds functionality with their phones. Now-a-day you can receive calls on your computer if your phone is in range, swap documents between phones/tablets/computers. I'm not saying any of these things are actually... useful... but it makes for good marketing and gets many people to upgrade. Windows doesn't really do that. What can windows 10 do that windows 7 can't? Are the tiles in the start menu really THAT impressive? (Perhaps I'm just ignorant...) But to me, windows 10 is just a fix of windows 8 because they screwed up by taking away the most obvious thing that's been standard to every windows operating system before it... Now, windows 10 is a perfectly good operating system, and it seems to be very stable. (Something not really ever discussed with OS X.)

 

To answer the OPs question. From what I understand OEM versions of windows will run on one computer, the first computer you install it on. That's it, forever. Retail versions can be transferred from motherboard to motherboard, that's why they are more expensive.

[TheStigsChineseCousin]

12 hours ago, corrado33 said:

To answer the OPs question. From what I understand OEM versions of windows will run on one computer, the first computer you install it on. That's it, forever. Retail versions can be transferred from motherboard to motherboard, that's why they are more expensive.

This is correct.  To Microsoft, you are the manufacturer if you get OEM.  If you call and try to get it reactivated on a new mobo, they'll simply tell you to contact your manufacturer.  From what I can tell, at least from legit stores, 2 OEM keys cost more than 1 retail, so if you plan to upgrade hardware go for retail.  Just for information purposes, here is a link explaining exactly how to go about reactivating Windows after a hardware swap: http://www.windowscentral.com/how-re-activate-windows-10-after-hardware-change

[KenjiUmino]

On 10.10.2016 at 5:27 PM, GrayTech said:

Is it legal in germany?

Yes, since 2000, it is legal to buy and sell OEM keys. 

 

if you want to read all the lawyer gibberish in detail: Link