Shop effectually online and it won't exist long before yous come up across cheap versions of Windows x on sale. These might exist very tempting, especially if you're looking to upgrade from Windows 7 now that its support has ended. Some of the inexpensive versions will no doubt be of a dubious nature, while others seem legitimate. So, what are they and should y'all purchase 1 for your PC? We break it down.

What is an OEM licence?

Many of the cheap versions yous'll meet on eBay and other links volition be something called an OEM version. OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer and is a term practical to companies that build PCs. Those desktops and laptops usually include a copy of Windows, so that when you walk out of Currys/PC World with that shiny new Dell you can have information technology home and utilise information technology immediately.

While the majority of OEM versions end up preinstalled on PCs, it'southward also possible to buy them as licence keys from places like eBay or Lizengo. This is a mutual practice for users who like to build their own gaming PCs, or purchase a second-hand device that has either no Bone, or one that is out of appointment.

How is an OEM licence unlike to a retail version of Windows?

Most people never buy a copy of Windows itself. They buy a PC that has Windows on it, and that's the last they think of it.

Only those who do want to purchase the operating system often opt to pick up a retail version. These are either sold in standard software packaging in shops, and thus called boxed copies, or are available online from Microsoft as a download and licence cardinal.

Microsoft'southward cost for a download version of Windows 10 is £119.99/$139 for the Home edition or £219.99/$199 for Pro. Compare that to eBuyer's £103.49, or the even cheaper options online over on Amazon. Lizengo's price for a Windows x Domicile OEM primal is merely £22.99, or £32.99 for the Pro Edition.

Whats difference between Windows 10 OEM and retail versions

In apply, there is no difference at all between OEM or retail versions. Both are full versions of the operating system, and every bit such include all the features, updates, and functionality that you lot would expect from Windows.

Where their paths diverge is in ii important areas: support and flexibility.

When y'all buy an OEM copy you lot're in essence taking on the part of the manufacturer of your device. This means that if yous run into issues with hardware compatibility or run into activation issues, calling Microsoft for help will probably end up with you existence told to contact the manufacturer of your device. Which of class, in this case, is you lot!

The second major difference is that whereas when y'all buy a retail re-create of Windows you tin utilise it on more than than one auto, although not at the same time, an OEM version is locked to the hardware on which it was first activated.

This might not seem a major upshot, merely if yous decide to modify the motherboard on your PC, then chances are y'all'll also need to pay out for a new copy of Windows at the same fourth dimension, as the old one won't re-activate on the new hardware.

To run across how you can reuse your retail Windows licence read our How to install Windows on more than than ane PC feature.

Should I buy a cheap OEM key?

There'south nil illegal almost buying an OEM key, so long as information technology's an official ane. There are plenty of legitimate sites online that deal in this kind of software, Amazon has a number of sellers offering OEM keys, as does eBay, and more than specialist sites similar the aforementioned Lizengo are an option.

Just be certain to read the description carefully and bank check user ratings earlier spending whatsoever money. Some very cheap offers might be for foreign copies of Windows ten, which may require downloading an English language pack, but these are free and available from Microsoft.

Then long every bit you're happy to take on the responsibleness of being your own technical support, and then an OEM version can save a lot of money while offering an identical experience.

Of course, those who prefer peace of mind, and someone at the terminate of the telephone who can help fix any problems, might adopt the full retail road instead. Just avert buying a USB flash-bulldoze version from that dodgy-looking guy in the Tesco automobile park.