OEM KEY vs RETAIL KEY

[alanps]

Hey everyone,
I'm planning to upgrade from Windows 7 to Professional 10.

Kinguin.net has good prices but there's two options, OEM key and Retail key.

Retail is considerably more expensive and I don't understand why. Google results are not clear regard this.

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One more question: may I install Windows 10 without deleting my old stuff? I'm too lazy to make backups and format all drives. I just want to upgrade and keep my settings and everything where it belongs.


Thanks!

 

[PsyKhiqZero]

Retail keys are not bound to the motherboard. They can be transferred from one PC to another so long as it's only one at a time. Retail keys also qualify for support from MS.

You can run a upgrade, just start the install from within the current install.

 

[alanps]

Retail keys are not bound to the motherboard. They can be transferred from one PC to another so long as it's only one at a time. Retail keys also qualify for support from MS.

You can run a upgrade, just start the install from within the current install.

OEM keys are bound to the motherboard? So they are like a unique key one time use?

 

[PsyKhiqZero]

Pretty much. More so with windows 10 then previous windows. On first activation your key is bound to the motherboard and loaded online. Next time you install windows 10 on the same motherboard you don't even need to put in a key.

 

[alanps]

Pretty much. More so with windows 10 then previous windows. On first activation your key is bound to the motherboard and loaded online. Next time you install windows 10 on the same motherboard you don't even need to put in a key.

Mm, I see. Besides from that, is there any other pros/cons? I mean it's really cheaper OEM version than Retail but I assume that it will bring me some trouble in the future if I change my mobo or something like that.

 

[PsyKhiqZero]

Nope. The single motherboard thing is the big one, no one really cares about the lack of MS support. Aside from that what version of windows 7 do you have? If you have 7 business or ultimate you get the upgrade for free.

 

[alanps]

Nope. The single motherboard thing is the big one, no one really cares about the lack of MS support. Aside from that what version of windows 7 do you have? If you have 7 business or ultimate you get the upgrade for free.

Great, thanks for the info.

I have the Home version. Well then, I'll buy the retail version from Kinguin, it's kinda cheap compared to other sites and I'm looking forward to test this new OS. I hope is not like 8 one.

Thanks again!

 

[Crixilian]

OEM (Original Equiptment Manufacture) is should not be sale, that product key is come along with laptop or computer when you buy from laptop/computer manufacture

so if you are going to buy a product key, you should buy retail version

as I known, OEM key couldn't be upgrade

 

[PsyKhiqZero]

OEM (Original Equiptment Manufacture) is should not be sale, that product key is come along with laptop or computer when you buy from laptop/computer manufacture

so if you are going to buy a product key, you should buy retail version

as I known, OEM key couldn't be upgrade

You can legally buy an OEM copy. Lets say i'm making gaming PCs for people. I can buy an OEM copy for the system. But being I would be the original equipment manufacturer, I would be responsible for any tech support the customer may need. (or the very least letting them there will be no tech support)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832588491&cm_re=windows_10_pro_oem-_-32-588-491-_-Product

OEM copeis can be upgraded. I've upgraded a few in my systems already.