[SOLVED] What version of Win 11 to buy? OEM or retail?

[Astralv]

Hey, guys!
What version of Windows 11 should I buy? Is there such thing as Retail? I heard something about retail version being installed on 3 computers in Win 10- am I dreaming? Thank you.

 

[Wolfshadw]

OEM vs Retail for custom builders such as ourselves went out the window (pun intended) with Windows 10. The only difference between the two before Win10 was the ability to transfer the license. Since we can do that now with a Microsoft Account, the OEM vs Retail distinction (for us) isn't there anymore. You still cannot transfer a license from a pre-built unit like Dell, however.

-Wolf sends

 

[Astralv]

OEM vs Retail for custom builders such as ourselves went out the window (pun intended) with Windows 10. The only difference between the two before Win10 was the ability to transfer the license. Since we can do that now with a Microsoft Account, the OEM vs Retail distinction (for us) isn't there anymore. You still cannot transfer a license from a pre-built unit like Dell, however.

-Wolf sends

Thank you so much. Can I transfer W10 and then upgrade to 11? And if I transfer, I should disable current computer? Also it is developers license.

 

[Wolfshadw]

Thank you so much. Can I transfer W10 and then upgrade to 11?

Yes, you can. Just remember. If you only have one license, you can only have Windows running (activated) on one machine.

And if I transfer, I should disable current computer?

If you're leaving the storage drive in that computer, just format it.

Also it is developers license.

Not aware of a "developers" edition of Windows.
- Home Single Language
- Home
- Professional
- Professional Education
- Education
- Professional for Workstations
- Enterprise

These are the Editions that I'm aware of, so I'm not sure what you mean (unless you're a registered APP developer).

-Wolf sends

 

[alceryes]

OEM vs Retail for custom builders such as ourselves went out the window (pun intended) with Windows 10. The only difference between the two before Win10 was the ability to transfer the license. Since we can do that now with a Microsoft Account, the OEM vs Retail distinction (for us) isn't there anymore. You still cannot transfer a license from a pre-built unit like Dell, however.

-Wolf sends

Isn't the difference still there for those who DON'T want to use a Windows account?

 

[Wolfshadw]

Isn't the difference still there for those who DON'T want to use a Windows account?

That's a good point! To be honest, I'm not sure, but I would guess you are correct. Since I tend to gift my older systems, it's been a LONG time since I've needed to transfer a license.

-Wolf sends

 

[logainofhades]

Is the system in your sig the one you are putting Win 11 on? If so, it isn't technically compatible.

 

[USAFRet]

The only "OEM" you can obtain is that which comes preinstalled on a system from one of the major retailers. Dell/HP/Acer/etc.
Anything valid that you purchase is 'Retail', and transferable.

Of course, some retailers are still labeling things 'OEM'. That is mistaken, and went out the window with Win 10.

 

[Astralv]

The only "OEM" you can obtain is that which comes preinstalled on a system from one of the major retailers. Dell/HP/Acer/etc.
Anything valid that you purchase is 'Retail', and transferable.

Of course, some retailers are still labeling things 'OEM'. That is mistaken, and went out the window with Win 10.

On NewEgg it says OEM.

I will be installing on a new Alder Lake system.

Thank you all.

 

[Colif]

There is the MSDN license but unless you are actually a developer you can't get it. Microsoft don't sell it openly.

the limit on transfers is likely only difference between the 2 still, retail likely easier to move than oem

according to here there is still differences but for most of us they are the same. https://www.partitionwizard.com/clone-disk/win10-oem-vs-retail.html

there is no clear answer from MIcrosoft. The only answer I saw is from 2017 and is wrong in that it says you can't tfr OEM keys and I seen it done many times. The update program from 7 & 8 to 10 blurred lines, they let people tfr windows 10 to any new PC once, so only question is if retail lets you do it twice or if OEM says once is all you get. I never tried.