As you may know, the Windows 10 free update period expires July 29th, 2016. With that date looming, it becomes more important than usual to know the difference between OEM and retail versions of the operating system.
OEM is short for Original Equipment Manufacturer. This license refers to the installation of Windows on pre-built systems for sale to consumers online and in stores. For this reason, it’s very likely that the Windows you’re using right now is OEM. The primary limitation is that you may not install using the same license key on another computer, even if you uninstall it from the original computer first. Many people find this unintuitive, so it’s important to note. You may also rightly feel that it’s very restrictive, but the manufacturer saved money on a bulk number of licenses by accepting that restriction and passed their savings on to you. And this works out for most people most of the time. It’s rare that someone would benefit from the ability to transfer their Windows installation given that a new computer purchase usually comes with a new OEM license.
Here is Microsoft’s official word from their OEM Licensing FAQ:
“The OEM software is licensed with the computer system on which it was originally installed and is tied to that original machine. OEM licenses are single-use licenses that cannot be installed on more than one computer system, even if the original machine is no longer in use. The Microsoft Software License Terms, which the end user must accept before using the software, state that the license may not be shared, transferred to, or used concurrently on different computers.”
So what is a retail license? This type of license answers the need for installation on multiple computers. It’s only available as a standalone purchase so if you’ve bought a copy of Windows on its own, separately from a computer, you have this version. To be clear, though, the OS can still only be installed on one computer at any given time. This just means that, when you’d like to upgrade, you can buy a computer with no OS, uninstall your retail version of Windows from the old box, and install it on the new one. It’s a way to save money if you know that you’ll be sticking with Windows long term, which I’ll venture to say is a no-brainer for most current Windows users (unless you’re eyeing OS X). To justify the one-time purchase price, you would need to be committed for at least two computer upgrades.
~ Ricky
Not a comment but a further question about this. I bought my Win 10 computer from a refurbishing company. It was stated that the price included $20 for INSTALLING the software. No mention was made of a licensing code, nor did I get one with delivery of the computer. Also, I’ve not been asked to register this machine. What is my status OS-wise?
Thanks
I had a refurb (though it was Win98 days)and there never was a problem ever. It was licensed by the refurb. outfit. From there I could upgrade to Win XP pro no problem.
What I am saying is that should be the same deal for you. Win 8.1 or 10 do not ask for a licensing code. I suspect it is all internalized.
So no worries IMO
Ricky, how does this work if I purchased a refurbished PC from reputable dealer that did have Windows 10 on it. So far, refurbished is doing OK, but does this apply to me? Thanks for making us aware, Trish
If you have a computer with Win 10 OEM installed , with a valid license, this license is forever valid with this computer.
You can reinstall, replace any component and reinstall, and during reinstall you will not be asked for a license number.
But the license is tied to the computer main-board.
You cannot move an OEM license over to another computer, or a new main-board.
Maybe you can call Microsoft, and ask for help if you replace the main-board, I am not sure about that yet.