Windows 7 oem key vs retail key

Anyybody can buy one. The OEM version can only legally be sold with hardware, although these days, any piece of hardware, even a power cord, qualifies. Although if you get a complete generic OEM version, it contains the same software, it has the following disadvantages as compared with the retail version:. The biggest disadvantage of an OEM version at least in the USA is that its license ties it permanently to the first computer it's installed on.

It can never legally be moved to another computer, sold, or given away except with the original computer. If the computer dies or is stolen, your license dies with it. As far as I'm concerned, this is the reason that almost everyone should avoid buying an OEM version. It can only do a clean installation, not an upgrade. Microsoft provides no support for OEM versions. You can't call them with a problem, but instead have to get any needed support from your OEM; that support may range anywhere between good and non-existent.

Or you can get support elsewhere, such as in these forums. Was this reply helpful? Yes No. Sorry this didn't help. Thanks for your feedback. The same licensing rules apply, 1 license, 1 installation, but its forever tied to that computer, you can't transfer it like a retail upgrade or full version license. You can reinstall it as many times as your like on the same computer though. This post shows you how to reactivate Windows 10 after a hardware change, including through a digital license and a product key.

If so, you may need the help of MiniTool Partition Wizard, with which you can back up your computer for free. Please refer to the following steps:.

Free Download. Launch MiniTool Partition Wizard and get to its main interface. Then, click Copy Disk Wizard. Step 3: Select a disk you want to copy and then click Next button. I recommend you to choose the system disk in case your computer can't boot after hardware replacement.

Step 4: Select the external drive as the target disk and then click the Next button. After that, a warning window pops up and tells you " all the data on the disk will be destroyed ". If it's OK, please click Yes to continue. Otherwise, click No to cancel this operation. Step 5: Review the changes you have made. If all is OK, click the Next button. Step 6: Click the Apply button to execute the pending operations. After backing up your computer, you can replace the hardware.

If the Windows 10 cooperate well with the new hardware, then you can activate it with the license. The annoying Windows activation error is a common problem that could happen to anyone when running a Windows OS.

If you don't know differences between them or how to transfer and activate Windows 10 license, you can read it. Click to tweet. Do you have other ideas about them? Please leave a comment below and I will appreciate that. Besides, if you have any difficulty in backing up computer, you can send an email at [email protected] for help. We will reply to you as soon as possible.

Download Partition Wizard. These licenses are sold to system builders who sell assembled computers or to users who build PCs by themselves. Read More. Reactivating Windows 10 after a Hardware Change [with Pictures]. OEM Windows 10 refers to the Windows 10 system preinstalled in computers made by original equipment manufacturers. This kind of Windows is genuine and you can enjoy all the features from Windows.

What is difference between Windows 10 OEM and retail? As for the Windows 10 Retail license, it will not be affected by any hardware replacement. Users who buy a Windows 10 Retail license can get support from Microsoft.