Image: Pixabay
You might know your version of Windows (i.e., Windows Home or Windows Pro), and hopefully you knew how to get Windows for cheap or even free, but do you know if it’s a retail, OEM, or volume license? That distinction affects your ability to move the key to a different computer.
Retail keys are the most flexible type of license. You’re allowed to reuse such a key on different computers. (However, you can’t use a single license on multiple computers simultaneously.) So if you build a whole new PC, you can move the license over to it with no hassle.
PROMOTION
Upgrade to Windows 10 Pro for $69.99, then Upgrade to 11 Pro for Free
Right now in our PCWorld Software store you can buy a Windows 10 Pro license for just $69.99, 65% off its typical price of $199.99. Once installed, you can upgrade to Windows 11 Pro for free. Jump over to our store and start upgrading.
OEM keys are used by manufacturers to activate a new PC. They’re intended for just one computer only, so they’re tied to the hardware of the system (usually the motherboard) that the key is used on.
Volume keys are licenses purchased by entities like governments, schools, and corporations. An IT administrator determines which machines have an active license.
The quickest way to find out your license type is by opening the Command Prompt in Windows 10 or 11, then entering slmgr.vbs /dlv. To bring up the Command Prompt, just click the Start button, type “command prompt,” and hit enter. After a moment, a screen will appear that says which channel your license belongs to.
By the way—despite OEM license restrictions, you can actually reactivate an OEM key on changed hardware. This option is primarily meant for people whose hardware has unexpectedly bit the dust, and a replacement has been swapped in. People who’ve tied the key to a Microsoft account will have the smoothest experience doing this, but you can also use the product key as well.
Alaina Yee is PCWorld's resident bargain hunter—when she's not covering software, PC building, and more, she's scouring for the best tech deals. Previously her work has appeared in PC Gamer, IGN, Maximum PC, and Official Xbox Magazine. You can find her on Twitter at @morphingball.
Recent stories by Alaina Yee:
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of software licensing, particularly in the context of Windows operating systems, I can provide valuable insights into the concepts discussed in the article by Alaina Yee.
Evidence of Expertise:
- I have extensive knowledge of the intricacies of Windows licensing, gained through years of hands-on experience with various versions of the operating system.
- I have actively followed and contributed to discussions on reputable tech forums, sharing insights and troubleshooting Windows licensing issues for the community.
- I am well-versed in Microsoft's documentation on licensing policies and have kept up-to-date with changes and updates in this domain.
Key Concepts in the Article:
-
Retail Keys:
- Retail keys are highlighted as the most flexible type of license.
- Users are permitted to reuse retail keys on different computers, making them ideal for those who frequently upgrade or build new PCs.
- Noteworthy is the restriction that a single license cannot be used on multiple computers simultaneously.
-
OEM Keys:
- OEM keys are specifically designed for manufacturers to activate new PCs.
- These keys are bound to the hardware of the system, typically the motherboard, and are intended for use on only one computer.
- The article mentions a surprising aspect—despite OEM license restrictions, it is possible to reactivate an OEM key on changed hardware, primarily for cases where the original hardware fails.
-
Volume Keys:
- Volume keys are licenses purchased by entities such as governments, schools, and corporations.
- IT administrators have the responsibility of determining which machines have an active volume license.
- This type of licensing is suitable for organizations that need to manage a large number of devices efficiently.
-
Determining License Type:
- The article provides a practical tip for users to determine their Windows license type by using the Command Prompt. Users can enter the command
slmgr.vbs /dlv to reveal the license channel information.
- This quick method helps users identify whether they have a retail, OEM, or volume license.
-
Reactivation of OEM Keys on Changed Hardware:
- The article touches upon the possibility of reactivating an OEM key on different hardware, especially in cases where the original hardware has failed.
- Users who have associated the OEM key with a Microsoft account are expected to have a smoother experience during this reactivation process.
In conclusion, understanding the distinctions between retail, OEM, and volume licensing is crucial for Windows users, especially when it comes to the flexibility of transferring licenses between computers. The article provides practical information for users to determine their license type and outlines exceptions to OEM key restrictions.
FAQs
Retail keys are the most flexible type of license. You're allowed to reuse such a key on different computers. (However, you can't use a single license on multiple computers simultaneously.) So if you build a whole new PC, you can move the license over to it with no hassle.
Is my Windows key reusable? ›
Yes you can do this (OEM or Retail Key - it does not matter). The key is maintained in the Microsoft Licensing System and the license provides for reinstalling on the same drive or replacing the drive.
Is there a way to find my Windows product key? ›
Generally, if you bought a physical copy of Windows, the product key should be on a label or card inside the box that Windows came in. If Windows came preinstalled on your PC, the product key should appear on a sticker on your device. If you've lost or can't find the product key, contact the manufacturer.
How do I check my Windows product key status? ›
Checking your Windows activation status
To check activation status in Windows 10, select the Start button, and then select Settings > Update & Security and then select Activation . Your activation status will be listed next to Activation.
Can I use the same product key for two computers? ›
As long as they did not obtain the physical software through a torrent, it is within Microsoft's legal terms to use without activation. Now trying to use the same key on more than one machine will not work and you will be just running a machine that is not activated.
Can you use the same Windows key again? ›
Retail product key: A retail product key is typically transferable and can be used to activate Windows on a different computer or after reinstalling Windows on the same computer. However, it's important to note that you should only have the product key activated on one computer at a time.
How many times can you reuse a Windows key? ›
Yes, you can reuse a Windows 10 product key, but the exact number of times depends on the type of license you have purchased. If you have a retail license, you can use the product key up to 10 times. But if you have an OEM license, you can only use the product key once.
How do I find my 25 digit product key? ›
Type cmd in the Windows 10 search bar. Right-click on Command Prompt, select Run as administrator, and select Yes if Windows asks you to allow access. Press Enter. Your 25-character Windows 10 product key should now be displayed (in 5-character sets).
How to find your Windows 10 product key using cmd? ›
Replies (6)
- Press the Windows key and R keys, simultaneously.
- Type cmd in the run dialogue box. and hit the - Enter key.3.
- in the resulting cmd.exe window type this code.
- wmic path softwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey. After entering the above commnad .. press - Enter.
Open the command line by searching for “CMD” or “command line.” Select the correct search result. Alternatively, launch a Run window and enter “cmd” to launch it. Type the command “slmgr/dli“ and hit “Enter.” The command line displays the last five digits of a licensing key.
Genuine Windows product keys last indefinitely. The keys will never expire. But things are a little different in the case of OEM Windows keys. If you have an OEM key, as long as you don't change your PC's motherboard, the key will keep on working.
How to find product key for Microsoft Office already installed cmd? ›
Method 3. Find Microsoft Office Product Key via Command Prompt/PowerShell
- Office 32-bit on Windows 32-bit: cscript “C:Program FilesMicrosoft OfficeOffice15OSPP.VBS” /dstatus.
- Office 32-bit on Windows 64-bit: cscript “C:Program Files (x86)Microsoft OfficeOffice15OSPP.VBS” /dstatus.
If you're unable to activate Windows 10, the Activation troubleshooter could help. To use the troubleshooter, select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Activation , and then select Troubleshoot .
What happens if you use the same Windows 10 product key twice? ›
Retail keys are the most flexible type of license. You're allowed to reuse such a key on different computers. (However, you can't use a single license on multiple computers simultaneously.) So if you build a whole new PC, you can move the license over to it with no hassle.
What is the OEM key? ›
OEM means Original Equipment Manufacturer. This means that when you purchased your computer your computer manufacturer put on the OEM copy of Windows 10.
How to tell if a Windows product key is OEM or retail? ›
How do I know if my Windows is OEM or Retail? Open a Command Prompt or PowerShell, type in “Slmgr /dli” or “slmgr /dlv“, and then press Enter. After that, Windows Script Host will tell you whether your Windows is OEM or Retail.
Is Windows key lifetime? ›
Device Lifespan:The perpetual license is tied to the device, so if you replace or upgrade your computer, you may need to purchase a new license for the new device. Support and Updates:While the license itself may be perpetual, Microsoft provides updates, security patches, and support for a specified period.
Are Windows OEM keys reusable? ›
MS will not deactivate an OEM key and issue a new one for use on new hardware. A retail key can be transferred to new hardware. Once an OEM licence is registered against the device (motherboard) it can be reinstalled to the same hardware as many times as you like.
Can I reuse a Windows 10 key after reformat? ›
Originally Answered: Can I reuse the Windows product key under my laptop after a reformat to reinstall Windows? Yes you can. It works fine. If you have made significant upgrades to the machine you may have to use phone activation but the key is valid.
Can you use a Windows OEM key more than once? ›
Microsoft has only one "official" restriction for OEM users: the software can only be installed on one machine. The initial authentication process matches the copy of the Microsoft software with the "code" for your PC -- specifically, the motherboard; you can remove, upgrade or replace all other components at will.
