Summary: If you are confused and have no idea to choose which Windows license key for your PC then, have a look at this article and know the Windows OEM vs Windows retail difference. This will help you in making a wise decision.
If you owe a Windows 10 operating system then you must have a Windows license key as it activates and verifies the Windows on your PC. In some cases, Windows 10 automatically get activated with a digital license instead of the product key.
Copying Windows 10 from one PC to another requires a product key to activate it. If you have copied Windows 10 from the other computer then you must get the license key for Windows to run on your PC.
Though there are four types of Windows licenses for different requirements such as Windows OEM, Windows retail, Windows volume, and Windows MSDN. If you are not developing any software or working in a large business then you can choose either OEM or retail license.
Go through this article and get to know the difference between OEM and retail Windows 10 and then make a purchase of Windows license for your PC to activate Windows 10.
Also, discover the relevant information regarding Windows 10 OEM and Windows 10 retail version.
What Does OEM Windows 10 Mean?
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) is a Windows license that is pre-installed on your PC by the companies that manufacture PC. They include a copy of Windows in it so that you can immediately use your PC.
Though this OEM license is pre-installed, users can also buy them if they want to build a gaming PC or have a second-hand system that is either outdated or have no operating system.
Talking about whether to purchase this license or not, you can decide when you go through Windows OEM vs Windows retail difference.
What Is The Retail Version Of Windows 10?
A retail version of Windows 10 is a full packaged product. It is referred to retail license that users buy when they purchase a Windows 10 copy from any retailer store or Microsoft store.
If you have purchased Windows 10 retail license then you can transfer it from one computer to another but not at the same time, one device has to be deactivated plus no limit on the hardware.
Now, that you got to know about Windows 10 OEM and Windows 10 Retail. Let’s the Windows 10 OEM VS retail battle begin.
What Is the Difference Between OEM and Retail Windows 10?
Finally, we have arrived at the battleground of Windows OEM VS Windows retail.
First of all, talking about the features both the OEM and retail have a full version of the operating system, where the user can enjoy updates, functionality, and features that is expect from Windows.
Whether you are using OEM Windows 10 or retail you can upgrade your Windows to a newer version as long you have a Windows license.
Though there is not much of a difference between OEM and retail Windows 10, only a few that is stated in the below table.
Windows OEM |
Windows RETAIL |
| In OEM Windows 10 any part of the computer can be replaced except the motherboard. As the SLIC (Software Licensing Internal Code) is stored in BIOS if when missing then Windows 10 OEM won’t get activated. | In Windows 10 Retail License there is no limit in replacing the hardware of your PC. Even if you replace any hardware of your PC it will still be activated without any issue. |
| OEM Windows 10 license is Non-Transferable | Windows 10 Retail license is Transferable from one PC to another. |
| Windows 10 OEM license is cheaper and when purchased online from Amazon or eBay the price gets lower. | Retail license Windows 10 cost is more than OEM but when online purchased the price gets a bit low. |
| The user needs to contact the manufacturer of the device for any problem. | Windows 10 Retail customer if run into any hardware or activation issue, directly contact Microsoft support. |
| OEM Windows 10 can be installed only once and that too locked in a single PC. | The retail version of Windows 10 can be installed multiple times but to activate the product key into the new device, the old one has to be deactivated. |
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Conclusion
All right, so this was all about Windows OEM VS Windows retail.
I have listed down the difference between OEM and retail Windows 10 so that it will get easier for you to choose the license key for your PC to activate Windows 10.
If you have a pre-installed OEM Windows 10 then there is no need to change the motherboard and if not then go with the Windows 10 Retail license as it has more privilege.
Well, it depends on you which Windows license you buy. I hope that you liked this article and go to know about the retail OEM difference in Windows license.
Apart from this, if you have left with any questions or suggestion then write to us on our Facebook page. We’ll be happy to help you.
Hardeep has always been a Windows lover ever since she got her hands on her first Windows XP PC. She has always been enthusiastic about technological stuff, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI) computing. Before joining PC Error Fix, she worked as a freelancer and worked on numerous technical projects.