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Windows 8.1 OEM vs Full Version

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  • Windows 8
  • OEM
Last response: in Windows 8
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March 24, 2014 2:49:24 PM

Hey guys,
Im really sorry if this is a stupid question but I couldn't find a straight answer that made sense to me. I am currently building a new computer and I can't figure out whether to get the OEM version or the full version of 8.1. What are the pros and cons of each? Whats the difference? Again I apologize if this is a stupid question, any help will be greatly appreciated!

More about : windows oem full version

March 24, 2014 2:54:16 PM

With the OEM version, Windows is tied (forever) to the machine it is first put on. With the full retail version, as long as you remove it from the old machine, you can then put the OS on any new machine you build or buy. OEM is a lot cheaper than the full retail, which is why it is so often used by system makers.
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a b * Windows 8
March 24, 2014 2:56:51 PM

Wrong here is the info:


With windows 7 OEM the license is tied to the first motherboard it's installed on.With Windows 8.1 (No more OEM versions) you can move it to another build when you are done with this one , but only one computer at a time.With Windows 8.1 you can change all the hardware you want including the motherboard.





OEM versions of Windows 7 are identical to Full License Retail versions except for the following:

- OEM versions do not offer any free Microsoft direct support from Microsoft support personnel

- OEM licenses are tied to the very first computer you install and activate it on

- OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different model motherboard

- OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system


Microsoft.com ^


OEM vs. Retail

OEM Windows 7 comes preinstalled on computers. This is the cheapest way to buy windows. Large PC manufacturers like Dell, HP etc. (collectively called royalty OEMs) install windows on millions of such PCs. The main characteristics of such systems are:

The license agreement and support agreement is between you and the PC maker, not MS.

Activation by the end user is not required. Windows is preactivated at the factory by the OEM using images and standard SLP keys.

Your copy of windows is locked to that PC. The license is not transferable.

OEM system builder is what you get when you buy from say Newegg or from a local "white box" vendor. It too has the characteristics of Royalty OEM windows. Although it is possible for an individual to buy a System Builder copy, the license requires that the software be installed using the OPK (OEM preinstall kit) and then resold.

Retail version is what you buy from a retailer like Amazon or Bestbuy. Its a full price version that comes packaged in a retail box with a retail product key. It has to be activated online via MS servers using the key on the box, it is not tied to the PC it was first installed on, though it can only be used on a single computer at a time. And, MS directly provides the support for it. It is also more expensive than OEM copies.

As far as functionality is concerned, theres no difference between any of the versions above, given any specific edition (i.e. between OEM pro and retail pro, or between OEM ultimate and retail ultimate).

sevenforums.com





Windows 8 is a whole different ballgame.

License agreement for the transfer of a Windows 8 license
http://personaluselicense.windows.com/en-US/default.asp...
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a c 482 * Windows 8
March 24, 2014 3:06:09 PM

EonW said:
With the OEM version, Windows is tied (forever) to the machine it is first put on.


With 8/8.1, that is no longer the case.
If you buy it, and you install it, you can reinstall on whatever hardware you want. New motherboard, new PC, whatever.
If it is preinstalled, then it is tied to that original motherboard.
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March 24, 2014 3:15:18 PM

USAFRet said:
EonW said:
With the OEM version, Windows is tied (forever) to the machine it is first put on.


With 8/8.1, that is no longer the case.
If you buy it, and you install it, you can reinstall on whatever hardware you want. New motherboard, new PC, whatever.
If it is preinstalled, then it is tied to that original motherboard.


Thanks, I had not realised that there had been a change with 8.1 to the installation criteria. I was going by the old 'rules' up to Win 7.

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May 29, 2014 2:57:15 AM

Win7 OEM is not tied to the first computer you install it on.

If you change your platform, and install your old Win7 OEM license on your new computer, it will work.
You just have to activate the license using an automated phone-service. Works like a charm ..
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June 9, 2014 11:12:35 AM

Xigmatek said:
Win7 OEM is not tied to the first computer you install it on.

If you change your platform, and install your old Win7 OEM license on your new computer, it will work.
You just have to activate the license using an automated phone-service. Works like a charm ..


what do you mean? do you mean like from my old laptop that came with one I can use my laptop windows 7?

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August 3, 2014 12:11:40 PM

USAFRet said:
EonW said:
With the OEM version, Windows is tied (forever) to the machine it is first put on.


With 8/8.1, that is no longer the case.
If you buy it, and you install it, you can reinstall on whatever hardware you want. New motherboard, new PC, whatever.
If it is preinstalled, then it is tied to that original motherboard.



Yeah.. That's not what it says on every disclamer you can see for example at amazon on the product page...
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