Do cheap Windows keys work?
Why spend more than $120 dollars on Windows when you can get a key for less than a tenner? The distinctions between OEM and retail Windows 10 licenses are explained.
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| Image source - Google (Image credit: Microsoft Corporation) |
If you look around online, you'll find cheap editions of Windows 10 for sale in no time. These may be quite appealing, especially if you're wanting to upgrade from Windows 7, which is no longer supported. Some of the low-cost copies will undoubtedly be suspect, while others may appear to be genuine. So, what exactly are they, and should you invest in one for your computer? We'll break it down for you.
What is an OEM license?
Many of the low-cost models you'll find on eBay and other sites are what's known as an OEM version. OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, and it refers to firms that manufacture computers. Those desktops and laptops generally come with a copy of Windows, so you can take your bright new Dell home and start using it right away as you walk out of Currys/PC World.
While most OEM versions come preloaded on PCs, they may also be purchased as license keys from sites like eBay or Lizengo. This is a popular technique among users who construct their own gaming PCs or purchase a second-hand device with an OS that is either missing or out of date.
What is the difference between an OEM license and a retail edition of Windows?
The majority of individuals never purchase a copy of Windows. They buy a PC with Windows, and that's the last thing they consider about it.
Those who do wish to buy the operating system, however, usually go for the retail version. These are either sold in traditional software packaging in stores and referred to as boxed copies, or they are available as a download and license key from Microsoft's website.
The cost of a download version of Windows 10 is $139 dollars for the Home edition and $199 dollars for the Pro edition, according to Microsoft. Compare that to the $142.20 offered by eBuyer, or the much cheaper alternatives available on Amazon. A Windows 10 Home OEM key costs $31.59 from Lizengo or $45.33 for the Pro Edition.
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| Image source - Google (Image credit: Microsoft Corporation) |
In terms of functionality, there is no difference between OEM and retail versions. Both are complete versions of Windows, with all of the features, updates, and functionality that you'd expect from a Windows operating system.
Two key areas where their trajectories diverge are support and flexibility.
When you purchase an OEM copy, you are effectively becoming the device's manufacturer. This implies that if you have issues with hardware compatibility or activation, asking Microsoft for support will very certainly result in you being sent to the device's maker. Which is, of course, you in this scenario!
The second important distinction is that, although a retail copy of Windows may be installed on many machines, albeit not at the same time, an OEM version is tied to the hardware it was initially activated on.
This may not seem like a big deal, but if you decide to upgrade your PC's motherboard, you'll almost certainly need to get a new copy of Windows as well, because the old one won't work on the new hardware.
Read our post How to install Windows on more than one PC to learn how to reuse your retail Windows license.
Should I get a low-cost OEM key?
Purchasing an OEM key, as long as it is an official one, is not unlawful. There are a lot of reputable websites that deal in this sort of software online; Amazon has a number of merchants selling OEM keys, as does eBay, as well as more specialist sites like Lizengo.
Before you invest any money, make sure you read the description thoroughly and check customer ratings. Some extremely low-cost offers may be for international copies of Windows 10, which may require the installation of an English language pack, which is free and accessible through Microsoft.
An OEM version can save you a lot of money while providing a similar experience if you're willing to take on the burden of becoming your own technical support.
Those who want peace of mind and someone on the other end of the phone who can help with any difficulties, on the other hand, may prefer the full retail approach. Just stay away from that shady-looking guy in the Tesco car lot if you want a USB flash drive version.
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