Question about OEM vs Retail activation licenses for Windows

[captain420 3,099]

I will be building a new computer soon and would like to know about the different type of activation licenses. There's OEM and Retail. I heard that OEM is much cheaper but if you upgade your computer such as change out the GPU or RAM, etc it will void your license and then you have to purchase a new one. Is this true? If that's the case, then it would be better to spend a little more to get the retail license instead, especially if you plan on keeping your machine for a long time and plan on upgrading it later.

Edited July 9, 2020 by captain420

[lownslo 592]

2 hours ago, captain420 said:

I heard that OEM is much cheaper but if you upgade your computer such as change out the GPU or RAM, etc it will void your license and then you have to purchase a new one. Is this true?

No.  My ASUS motherboard went Tango Uniform late last winter, and I replaced it with my current EVGA.  At the same time I changed the memory.  No issues activating my 10 Pro OEM.  A few months ago I upgraded my video card... no issues.  Not even a phone call to reactivate...

Greg

[captain420 3,099]

That's good to know! Do you know a trustworthy site to purchase a Windows 10 Pro OEM activation key for cheap?

[lownslo 592]

Sorry no, I bought mine from Newegg.

Good luck,

Greg

[Jean-Jacques 120]

Installing W10 (complete list of links listed below video) 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHS_3qi0kXg&t=397s

For what you're looking for, only watch the first minute of the video.

________________________________________________________

 

--- URCDKey Links --- Discount Code - TD20 for 20% off

Windows 10 Pro OEM - http://bit.ly/2RnAxEo

Windows 10 Home OEM - http://bit.ly/2FrJeGp

Windows 10 Pro Retail - http://bit.ly/2CjvjPB

Windows 10 Home Retail - http://bit.ly/2TMlfFY

[captain420 3,099]

Thanks Jean for the help! 🙂 Greatly appreciate it!

[Fitz505 21]

   I'll second the suggestion for URCDKey. I've used them before. Also no problem with changing my MB and CPU and using my original key.

[Wobbie 938]

OEM is normally for Original Equipment Manufacturer & OEM operating systems are supposed to be installed & sold with new PC's. It is normally not supposed to be sold on it's own, as the equipment supplier normally has a bulk license for the product.