windows 10 OEM vs Retail for laptop

chachee99

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Aug 15, 2013
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I purchased a used Lenovo y50-70 laptop, but dont have the recovery software. I want to install windows 10 pro. Should i get the OEM or Retail edition? I know the difference between the but I am curious if I purchase the OEM version, will it conflict with the mb that original had windows 8.1 registered to it?
 
Solution


The motherboard isn't tied to a particular license key, but rather the other way around.
An OEM license would be linked to a particular motherboard. But post Win 10 1607, even that is not really a consideration.

The OEM thing you're looking at will be fine.

USAFRet

Titan
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No, it will not conflict.
 

chachee99

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Aug 15, 2013
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Ok cool. Also, if I have windows 10 retail installed on my laptop. Can i use the same email i registered with that version with a second copy of the same OS, or does Microsoft restrict only one OS registered to each email address?
 

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator


Assuming you have a valid second license key, I think you can use the same email address.
NOTE: This may impact your use, in that settings may sync between the two systems. This may be good, or this may be bad.
 

chachee99

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Aug 15, 2013
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Yeah it's fine. My main concern was it being installed on a laptop where the MB may of been already tied to a different OS (windows 8.1). I have Windows 10 pro retail on my home PC, but it was a custom built pc. The laptop was made by Lenovo.
 

chachee99

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Aug 15, 2013
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My main concern is about the possibility of installation conflict. I was thinking that manufactures want people to use the OS that is made for the computer. Especially so they can give you their bloatware. Perhaps i am overthinking, but I dont want to waste my money.
 

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator


The motherboard isn't tied to a particular license key, but rather the other way around.
An OEM license would be linked to a particular motherboard. But post Win 10 1607, even that is not really a consideration.

The OEM thing you're looking at will be fine.
 
Solution

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator


Yup.
And you can generally get MUCH better 'support' at a place like here, instead of MS.

How many times have you had to call MS for an issue other than license activation?
Me personally, never ever.
 

Bo Lee

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Jun 17, 2015
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Just make sure your copy of Windows 10 is registered. Your key will be tied to your account. If you have a major hardware change and have to activate it again, you can tell it you don't have a key and it will give you the option of logging into your account and checking for registered keys.