What are the Differences Between OEM and Retail Product Keys?

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What are the Differences Between OEM and Retail Product Keys?
What are the Differences Between OEM and Retail Product Keys?

Last Updated on May 20, 2024 by sunjava22

Once you have made up your mind to purchase the Windows Operating System (e.g. Windows 10 Pro or Windows 10 Home etc), you have two different ones to choose from. Either you use OEM from Windows or purchase retail keys from a third-party seller. Knowing the difference between the two will save you the stress of making a wrong decision and keep you protected from buyer’s remorse and other consequences.

To be precise, all laptops or desktops have a pre-installed Windows operating system that enables you to boot the computer and start working. The irony is that the copied version & original look alike, making it a puzzle for users to differentiate. However, we are here to explain the difference in order to help you make an informed decision.

What are the OEM Windows?
The word abbreviated as ‘OEM’ stands for an Original Equipment Manufacturer. OEM is known to design software and hardware for end-users & other reselling companies.

Microsoft is an OEM for their designed Windows operating system because it won’t only produce desktops & laptops but assist brands such as DELL, ASUS, MS, and LENOVO. Over the decades, Microsoft has stood out and made history in the design of Windows OEM. In the past, they designed Windows 95, 2000, XP, and Windows 7.

Most Microsoft Windows OEM has identical features, making it easier to update and access all types of software. Almost the same as retail keys, OEM Windows has two different versions (32 bits and 64 bits), though the 32 bits version is becoming less popular, due to its outdated features.

Different between OEM Windows and Retail keys.
To dig deep and differentiate both, you need to understand that OEM Windows has product keys attached to every specific device. Clearly stated, OEM Windows has unique keys for every specific product. Meaning, you can’t copy a Window key and use it on multiple devices. However, the retail product key can be used on a different device. Most laptop has their own OEM product key that is built with it and can be seen at the bottom of the device.

Meanwhile, the recent laptop doesn’t have the product key printed on the bottom of the laptop because manufacturers have advanced their production by embedding the OEM key directly in the firmware of the PC. Some firmware of the laptops has Bios and UEFI options enabling the embedment of the OEM key. The embedding of the OEM key has been perfectly done by manufacturers to enable you to keep up the process of turning up on the PC.

The firmware of the OEM key enables the system to automatically pick and identify the product key. Customers who use an older version of the PC, complain a lot about being hacked because the older version loses its OEM key with time.
Most hardware upgrade needs Windows reactivation, whereas you need an OEM key, found on the panel of the PC. (If it got erased, you will find it difficult to reactivate, especially after a motherboard replacement). Such a scenario can force most users to use existing hardware that they can upgrade or discard the operating system or computer itself.

Microsoft tech support team:
Microsoft tech support team manages queries and answers questions on online forums. If your questions are different from the previously answered ones, you can open a threat and receive expert advice.

Any upgrade?
OEM Windows differs from retail keys even with the upgrades OEM Windows won’t give you the privilege to upgrade the Windows version. For instance, if you’re using Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 and wish to receive Windows 10, you can’t upgrade because you may be compelled to clean the previous installation which will cause you unnecessary time & stress.

How you can get OEM Windows?
In order to grab your own OEM Windows, navigate through the SpotKeys.com webpage and get your product at an affordable price. Click the website and choose your software purchase. Enjoy your order from SPOT KEYS with reputable Windows product keys.

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