Windows OEM VS Retail Keys | Are They Safe? Which is for You?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ส.ค. 2024
- whokeys.com 25% code：TS25
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I use OEM keys... and have used OEM keys on every build for the last 10+ years. They are different than retail keys in several key (pun intended) ways. Let's talk about it so you can decide if a Windows 10 or 11 OEM key is better for you than a retail key (or not).
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What you're saying about OEM is misleading. You don't become a "manufacturer" when you buy an OEM key. Manufacturers buy a license to generate them. If they distribute their licenses it's against the terms of the contract. They will all get deactivated. This is why they're typically only a few bucks. The ones you have linked is an extorsive price for an OEM key. You always want to buy a Retail key and you should be able to get them around the price of the OEM keys you linked.
Where can you get a Retail?
@@JacklynMcalister Digital Chill Mart
SCAMMERS! Its looks so like BOTS comon EVERYONE STAY AWAY
@@MarryDegon Incorrect basically on everything you said, the manufacturers do not generate the OEM keys it is actually Microsoft that make the key packs that have the key / documentation and the COA sticker, Microsoft have stated there is no rule that prevents the sale of OEM keys so long as they have not been digitally linked to specific hardware and are used by system builders and you do not need any licence to sell them, so it is perfectly legal and within the TOS to sell them so long as the above conditions are met in fact it is actually common place for computer manufacturers to sell OEM key over stocks both privily at auctions ( this is how they end up in peoples hands an on sales sites ) and to other company's, where it can break the TOS is that while a system builder can use the key they must sell it to remain compliant, so realistically if you are building your own PC they you are a system builder and have every right to buy an OEM key that has not been used or linked , the thing that is agains the TOS is the condition that you must sell that PC for it to be TOS compliant but first of MIcrosoft have no clue and second sell it to a friend for a penny and buy it back and its now TOS compliant.
As for your comment about getting retail keys for as cheap as OEM hahaha no, like OEM keys only Microsoft can make them meaning that any Retail keys you see for 10-20 bucks are ether fake / stolen
@@EQINOX187 Again, misleading. Yes they are linked to specific hardware and are used by system builders. But they have to be used by those specific system builders for the systems THEY build. The contract for those keys is between them and Microsoft. There is that weird grey area where you can sell the key with the motherboard. You see this on eBay sometimes. But you can't just distribute OEM keys that have been given to you as a System Builder/Manufacturer.
The source of a Retail key doesn't even matter. The point is you have a retail key that isn't linked to a System builder breaking TOS or contract so it won't get deactivated.
honestly I was just looking for a straight concise explanation so thank you for that. just saw a bunch of people talking about buying bad keys so I wanted more info since the other guy I saw pushing it was not explaining.
Thank you. I’ve never had a problem with the OEM keys . Liked and subscribed. Glad I found you.
Thanks for the video! I have Windows 11 now, but what do I do with the product key?
@@chileshekateule93 Great, what is the name of the website to search for it?
@@Lifeis484 yes of course, at bnh software
@@chileshekateule93 Thanks! I just bought Windows 11 from BNH-Software and it's working perfect!
@@chileshekateule93 Thanks I just bought Windows 11 from bnh software and it's working perfect
@@Lifeis484 hey I also bought it there and it's going great, had no problems so far
You can also buy retail keys from these sites at discount prices. Usually these are gray market, meaning they are legit keys but meant to be sold in another region with different pricing. I have half a dozen retail keys that I bought when Windows 7 came out. Years later, they activate just fine on Windows 11. I think at some point MS stopped caring which version you were upgrading from, they just want everyone on Windows 11 as fast as possible so they can start pushing Windows Store apps and O365 subscriptions.
IDK, if MS wanted everyone on Windows 11 they wouldn't have made it so awful to use. :D
That's really interesting - you're saying I can buy any Win key (Vista, 7, 10) and it'll activate Win11?
@@harpersneil yes
@@harpersneil It's been a few months so correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think Vista works. If I remember well it's interchangeable for 7/8/10/11
I bought from Hypestkey Software, checked key, and that key retail, also bought office, key worked, and activation via microsoft website, even if i change pc, i can redownload office. with oem that not work.
Wanted to throw this out: on occasion, I was able to call Microsoft and have them reactivate a key as you describe in the video and I couldn't believe it worked. I even did this with a windows LTSC key I purchased. If you had a virus, or maybe your motherboard tanked, they can be cool about it. At the $20ish price area, it's almost not worth the work to get them to reactivate it though. Great content. I have bought OEM since windows xp/Win 7. Don't be scared to be your own OEM!
One thing to also remember: If you e.g. have a retail key of Windows 10 and upgrade to Windows 11, you can no longer transfer that key to a new device, effectively downgrading it to an OEM key.
Thx for pointing that out! Retail keys are a bit of SCAM after all 😂
WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!! a key is a key is a key
Damn I’m in that exact boat
Wrong, utterly wrong.
When you have a retail key to Windows 10 and you use your MS account within Windows 10 or 11, that key binds itself to your account and will beassociated with your hardware as well. That key won't be changed just like that, on a software upgrade.
@@roberttranceedm funny ... cuz that never happened with mine when win 10 first came out i made an account ... .. key still works
One of my biggest concerns with sites like this is if the key is a legit key or a volume license key. I found a video years ago showing that you can use a PID checker to see which key you have and when I bought my key from Whokeys, it was legit. No issues and no deactivation.
Where do you usually buy them
@@kittyluo Buy ? google image search
ok spend that $10 it's better than a picture from google.
Updated the BIOS on an MSI Pro Z690-A DDR4 and windows 11 all of a sudden became deactivated, after an hour long call with MS troubleshooting & letting them screen share / access my PC remotely they couldn't figure it out and told me to call MSI or try downgrading to previous bios, I ended up just buying a key from whokeys and had no problems , after Tek's 25% coupon & first time buyer coupon it came out to $23 for Win 11 Pro, didn't have to reinstall windows (it was already win 11 pro) just entered the key and it re-activated, Thanks!
Straight up, i bought a key from ur sponsor and i windows didnt let activate the pro key on an unactivated home install, so that was a small hurdle to consider but the key is legit and it was like 15$ instead of 100+. Very tight, my dude
Yeah you have to get it for the version you are on... But you could also upgrade to pro now
Back in the day you could only activate OEM keys a certain amount of times.
If you did a clean install of you PC too many times you were kind of locked out.
Retail keys can be activated how many times you want.
First time Whokeys user. Discount code worked without issue and Windows 11 Pro purchase experience was smooth. New machine, so should be many years before any drive upgrades.
Does you still have the activated version? Or did they take it from you
@@CoulsonZZZ good question
Can confirm that WhoKeys works just fine. I finally decided to get an SSD and upgrade my old Win 7 box to Windows 10. I had a retail version of Windows 10 on a thumb drive that I used to set up the computer. I didn't remember that is was Windows "Home" and I really need things like Remote Desktop Access so I decided to upgrade to Windows Pro and I definitely wasn't going to pay full price.
Just a word of advice. Since my boxed version of Win 10 was a "retail" version, the OEM key I purchased would not activate my version of Windows to "Pro". Not a huge surprise. Luckily I had only installed video drivers and browsers, so I just downloaded the official Windows installer from Microsoft's website and put it on an 8GB thumb drive. I wiped the drive and reinstalled Windows, this time with the OEM key and it worked perfectly. Thanks for the discount code! I was able to fine cheaper keys online, but finding a reputable source like you made me feel much safer with my purchase.
Cannot say the same my key I just bought didn't work unfortunately
@@L0TusJT Like I said in my comment, double and TRIPLE check that the key you are using is for the exact distribution of windows that you have installed. OEM, Retail, Home, Pro.... all of these factors make a difference.
I've been using OEM keys for a while now, I have used the last two I bought on two different systems (not at the same time). Since you register the key under your microsoft account if you ever change your MOBO or change your system for a new one you can just remove the key from the old one and re-use it on the new system
I don't use my Microsoft account. Local account only. F MS.
Just went to whokeys based on your recommendation, paid for an OEM win pro 11 key, was sent a win 10 key that I checked PID and it's not even valid. Cool video dude.
just appeal
Building my first PC since the windows 95 days. I’m really worried about buying a windows code through a site like this. But the price isn’t even comparable.
As I usually build a new system every 4 to 5 years, I've only purchased an OEM version of Windows. Recently purchased a Win 10 Pro OEM for $42.00 . Comes with a DVD install disk & key. Have only had one instance where I was replacing a component and had to call support to reactivate windows.
Fair winds and following seas to all.
Thank you for the thorough explanation. This has been a huge help and I can confirm the keys do work.
Awesome help from you on this issue. I just rebuilt a machine and this is huge help! thank you!
Even upgrading my motherboard, I was able to reactivate with my existing key, as it's tied to my MS account, I simply said in the activation troubleshooter that I had had a hardware change. :)
Good to See your still out here Logan.
This is really awesome dude, I truly appreciate you doing this man. I feel a bit more confident and educated about this! Thank YOU very much
Your my newest thing. You spoke clearly and precisely. To the point. I can appreciate that. SUBBED
I bought a windows key from G2A, tried it, didn't work. Tried Whokeys, key didn't work. What is wrong? Was I just scammed twice.... Or do I call microsoft lol
i bought the oem from glamtech enterprises and its my first time seeing something like this and its working great for me, i was searching for discount official windows 11 pro and saw a random website selling windows 11 pro for 235 inr(2.82 dollar) and i thought i should try even if its a scam bcuz its like nothing and wallaah its working
Interesting. I never had any problems with whokeys. Maybe contact who keys and let them know it didn’t work.
Check your windows edition
OEM keys are great! I always use them when I build new PCs for friends & family!
Also, I'm still using the same retail key I had back in college that was on my Windows Vista laptop... If I didn't have a retail key already, I would be using a OEM key instead.
Where do you buy them from. I have yet to find a site I trust.
@@orange_turtle3412 Exactly right, (trust) is the most important.
Just be aware, they REQUIRE you to "Sign-up" with them before purchasing, which is a big Red Flag there.
Make sure you read and understand that LONG drawn-out "private policy" term agreement when singing-up.
Why do you think they REQUIRE you to sign-up INSTEAD of just and quick "check out" with items in your cart?
My theory is ANY website that doesn't allow me the option of a Quick checkout using my PayPal account WITHOUT any sign-up whatsoever; I move on to the next in line. Sorry, nobody's going to get all my personal info for a quick checkout. Take your chance and notice how more soliciting calls along with junk mail/emails you receive afterwards. Good Luck.
Love your content so very helpful. Second win key I've purchased in the past year, needed a new key for my sons new PC. Thank you a ton!
My personal experience is I’ve purchased OEM products from a hardware shop since XP and
have had no trouble. The trouble began when I purchased a retail copy of Win10 Pro from a Microsoft store-pre covid- and something weird went wrong with a Win update, 22H2 I believe, -man, the terminal in Linux is so much better than Win update- and my flash drive copy of Win 10 kept giving me odd errors with every (3 total)install. I tried the install on a fresh new SSD drive(2 installations)and I got the same odd errors from the flash drive. I tried several different phone numbers for Microsoft and finally got a human and described the situation to him and asked how do I get a replacement. I have the flash drive, the credit card sized product ID card and the receipt. After more than 30 minutes the final word was I was SOL... 🤢... 🤮. I was also told that I could purchase Win11. ❓I learned my lesson. I’m sticking with the hardware vendor and I’ve already started switching to another OS👍🤓❗️
Thanks man! This was very helpful about to go activate windows 11 on my first pc build!
Just bought my first OEM key, works great thanks.
Where do you buy OEM keys? Can you send me the website link?
@@JamilKhan-tt4znit’s in his description
Just purchased from who keys and I have to admit, I thought I may have gotten scammed. I got the code within 30 seconds and it actually worked. Thanks so much really appreciate it!
Surprised to how easy this process was. Worked perfectly
Just upgraded to windows 11 pro from home on my new laptop. Was able to use your discount code and the discount code for opening a new account at the same time. I got like $12 off. Thanks for the video!!
Just bought a Windows 11 Pro CD Key with your discount code. Thank you so much!
Did it work 8 months ago
I just got it for 3 cents.. WIndows 11 pro.. In fact I got two keys.. I try to find what an upgrade key is for..
Thanks bro, I bought a windows 10pro key and it worked perfectly. Much appreciated.
I have bought 3 keys today and I keep getting an error activating. it says hardware has changed connect to the internet. what should I do?
Buy a fourth one
You don't need to move to 11 different PCs only, if you format your PC it will lost its key and hence you'll need to buy a new one. Some people formats their PC 1 to 2 times even in a year their PCs, and considering for the last decade one key (from windows 7 to windows 11) can activate a windows operating system fine, we can quickly see the benefits here over a OEM key.
Actually, I prefer to activate my windows through the cmd and a kms server, I can activate whenever I want and for free 👌
My experience is that the key is tied to the motherboard, and Microsoft keeps track of it. After purchasing an OEM Windows 10 Pro key, I have reformatted the hard drive , and replaced the hard drive several times, reinstalling Windows 10 Pro from scratch, and upgrading to Windows 11 multiple times.
On another computer the motherboard died, so I replaced it with a used motherboard. Windows 10 successfully activated, since it had been installed on the computer the motherboard came from.
@@SpynCycle57 That's exactly what happens, it's tied to the motherboard. If you change it, the key is lost.
thank you for this information, its very helpful and time saver
Glad i found this video. i'm getting ready to build my own PC next week, and was looking for windows 11 keys
This may be a dumb question but this key is what I put in to activate windows (I'm currently running in inactivated version of windows 11 pro)? Also So, if i install an OEM activation key on my system, it will make me not be able to upgrade my mobo without the key going away? Are there options for what to do if something like this happens?
My real question is "how much tech support is MS going to give you other than reinstall?" I've been on the MS forums and if that is indicative of what "support" you get for $200, nah. No thanks.
Do not buy those keys here, because they are not permanent, every reinstallation of the same computer will not work with the same key, so the key only lasts until your system crashes. This is a scam for me, I will never buy anything here again.
That’s what he said in the video.
I wish they would have your video higher in the list, going to sound crazy, but I always look up your video before getting a windows key to make sure you get that bang for the buck for showcasing a great and reliable source for windows keys.
My first time back from a long break from tech channels, been like years, Logan has long hair now, Like wow.
As for someone who has a Windows OEM key and not a Retail Vendor key. I can say for the times I have been using the OEM key, I usually have sorted my own issues for the last 10 years. I have had to use the Microsoft tech support two or three times, which has been useful. but for an average person Id just suggest a Retail key.
(If you are a crazy and rigging crazy hardware or making incompatible thing work. might be useful.)
I just bought a Windows 10 Pro Key for $4.39. It activated and Windows is working as expected.
I will be building my first PC in the immediate future and I found this information helpful. Thank you!
I checked out the website you are promoting. it looks sketchy AF. no thanks. looks like it was made by a 3rd grader.
I got a pc with a windows XP version years ago, it was an OEM license
somehow I got the option for Windows 7 upgrade for free and then took the Windows 10 upgrade for free
and nothing in the PC besides the case and fans and power supply is the same, everything was replaced over time ofc the motherboard too I don't even have the key anymore (it was on a sticker on the PC)
so before you buy keys from the grey market check if your existing license is or can be linked to your Microsoft account, if so you should be able to upgrade your hardware at will (as long the windows license is only active at one device at the time)
Awesome thanks been trying to find a reputable place to get a key worked on first go 🎉
I HAVE, actually, called Microsoft tech support.
It was a couple of years ago and I can't remember what it was for now. But I was SURPRISED because I expected to be told I had pay (like) $100 or something upfront. Because that was what it USED to be like. However, it was FREE! And it was on an older HP computer, too. One that had originally shipped with Windows 7. So it was CLEARLY an original OEM Windows 7 upgrade to Win 10. So Microsoft didn't seem worried about it not being a consumer-purchased operating system. It HAD, however, always been Windows Pro.
Actually, I use an OEM key and when I changed motherboards, I was able to select the key that I used on my old motherboard during activation by saying I lost my key. It gave me the option to choose from my last two motherboards. I selected the old Gigabyte, and was activated immediately.
It's weird it did not deactivate when you upgraded your mother board once. OEM keys are locked to your motherboard so if you replace it the software will no longer work on your device.
late, but literally just bought a key from here, had some trouble but they had a guide right there to help so everything went smoothly, i recommend so far.
Having an OEM version of windows tied to your mobo doesn't mean that it only gets 1 life cycle. When your old PC goes to your mom, so she can send emails and play bubble shooter, she needs a copy of windows too. And when the hand-me-down PC has your old OEM key, you're already done. A 2nd life cycle for your old PC, still with it's original OEM key. So you can in fact get multiple life cycles out of an OEM-key.
Thats not how it works, regardless of how many people use the system, that code cannot be used on another system, meaning it only gets 1 lifespan and thats however long the motherboard lives. Being able to use the code on multiple systems means it has multiple life cycles, being able to use the code on only one single system means it has one single life span, its not even a cycle because you never end up back at the beginning of setting it up unless you completely switch the OS. But in that case you need to buy a new code anyway so its still not a cycle
Was going to build a PC w/o help in the first time forever. For this situation do you download the copy of windows in a flash drive and then have the key ready to go from this site?
Buyer Beware: Once you've used an OEM key to activate Windows on a particular computer, that key is typically tied to that specific hardware configuration.
If you change the OEM key to a different one and later want to revert to the original key, you should be able to do so. However, the process for reverting to the original key may vary depending on your specific circumstances and the policies of Microsoft and the manufacturer of your computer.
In general, if you've legitimately purchased a computer with a pre-installed copy of Windows and you've changed the OEM key for some reason, you may need to contact Microsoft support or the manufacturer of your computer to help you reactivate Windows with the original OEM key. They may be able to provide guidance or assistance in recovering and reusing the original key.
When I first bought a Windows XP Professional computer it came with an OEM key.
I used that machine for tests, including of viruses. I had to format and reinstall the OS many times untill... I got the serial key blocked. I called Microsoft and they confirmed the OEM keys only allow a limited number of times for possible installations (which makes sense for since they are so cheap).
OEM keys for me... NEVER AGAIN!!! But if you are the kind of user that installs the system once and NEVER AGAIN want to reinstall (after formatting the disk), that's wonderful!
eyyy just got mine. thanks bro. helped a lot!!
For your kind information. MS do give support to the OEM OS Customer. I am taking since 7-8 years.
Great video. Thanks for sharing.
1)What happens to my win 11 oem key that came with my laptop when I upgraded it to win 11 pro?
2) If I remove Win11 pro would I still get my win 11 home? 3)Do I need to save win 11 oem home key before upgrading too win 11 pro? 4)Or it'll install by itself?
bought new pc, but since my drive have OEM windows, new motherboard cant even see windows there to boot it up.... so i'm jumping here though hoops, trying to figure out how to boot new PC..... mb reinstall without activation and activate on new PC ?
Okay so I’m confused, if a buy an oem key and then I upgrade my motherboard do I keep my Microsoft account (I’m not the smarties)
as per what I read so for, you cant re-use that key on a new motherboard. but you can reuse it on old motherboard. i dont think Microsoft a/c has anything to do with the key.
Wait did he say some don’t work if you buy it?? What
It’s safe guys lol I panicked cause I bought it and he said that as the purchase went through
I would agree , using hacked versions of Windows, leads to problems . But in saying that I have heard people say that if you change Hardware multiple times like Ram graphics hard drive etc I think more than 10 times a Oem key will deactivate. Though personally I haven't experienced this.
Thanks for this video. I followed the advice in this video and everything seemed to work very well. I used your discount code and it worked fine, and this is 1 month after you made this video. I haven't verified my key yet, but so far everything looks good. I appreciate what you did to make this video. I found this very helpful. Thanks!
can buy for around that price along with a sealed scratch-to-show serial number and a DVD disc
Tried the WHOKeys site and it would not process my card. Don't know what the problem is.
Thanks! I just bought a windows 10 pro key and it worked! 🎉
just found this dude and really simple explanation and he looks RAD
Thank you very much for this info I will try using who keys
My family refuses to come do a few things simply....i have gone to 3 fix it shops i trust Nooooone ! All from viruses from hitting wrong things that could have been shown me in seconds. I feel this hit me when i was off caring for my child for 5 years..
So...people download cracks to force their original key open, and in return they get support from Microsoft when they need help with their settings? It doesn't make sense! I'll give this a try. My "PC" is an old BootCamp volume anyway.
First of all, THANK YOU. I’ve been using pirated copies of Windows for years but never felt good about it. I’ve bought several copies of windows 11 using your discount code. I have a question though: if I bought a windows 10 key would it still validate a windows 11 install?
Yes.
I have MS Pro Office 10 OS on my computer and purchased MS Pro Office 10 OEM Key from the whokeys website, but I do not see any stand alone applications downloaded to my desktop (Word, Excel, etc). Do you know why?
For Laptops OEM Keys are completely safe, but on a desktop where you can switch an upgrade parts the retail key is the better choice, with an OEM Key on Loptop you're completely fine...
Why is it unsafe on a desktop?
Very educational even if sponsored. Thanks for the great content!
Thanks, good explanation. Wish I’d seen this before I bought that retail key 😂
Super wonderful and useful
Thank you so much, I had so much troubles activating windows until I found your video.
Did you buy the key?
@@Uglypanda33 got my copy from a local computer store then getting it from Microsoft, best buy or online. good luck
Also, the keys are lower price because they take advantage of exchange rates and buy keys in favorable currency exchange rates.
Does this video say which keys can be transferred to another pc, planing on upgrading in a couple months but I want to buy the key now
You are so talented brother
❤❤❤
I'm more "concerned" about US vs ROW keys.... how about using to upgrade an existing system (home -> pro)
I have a small business, and I wanted to put my licensed windows on a Vmware ESXi VM for the ability to take snapshots and backups to avoid issues related to hacking or encrypting. From what you are saying, I need to get a Retail key. Is the only option for a Retail key to use Microsoft website? Is there another way to get a retail key?
I just bought 2x using your code, seems like a small price to pay to not use some sketchy method. They both activated without issue.
I'm confused. 3:17 you said the OEM key was locked to the MB. Then at 3:45 you said "$200 for the ability to move to multiple different systems.". But the 'Retail Key' is the one that you can buy for ~$35, and allows you to move to different MBs? Or do I have it backwards..? From what you have said, I thought the OEM was from MS at $200 for pc builders, and was locked to the MB. And the Retail key allowed for MB upgrades...?
Yep you have it backwards. OEM are the grey market ones that are locked to the mb.
Thank you for the key was struggling😭👌🏾
Question for the community (thanks a lot for the content
Just bought mine easily and was able to pay through Paypal. I'll confirm this weekend that the key works.
Works like a champ so far.
I bought a retail windows 8 ultimate key and it did not support moving to a new system after updating to windows 10....
What does the Office 365 Pro Plus give you? Is it similar to a prepaid subscription key, how many month(s)?
Can I reset or reformat my pc back to clean from the start? And is it okay doing that using OEM product key?
Why are all of these websites look the same?
3:36 idk to what point they enforce this, I have 5 computers activated with the same retail key
Have a question on this.....
Suppose I have installed Windows 10 with OEM Key. And had to format the drive and reinstall windows again......will that same key work again or do I have to buy another key??
My key for 11 pro didn't work and it's a headache to get a refund
PEOPLE LISTEN IT DOES WORK I WAS JUST THE SILLY GOOSE WHO DID IT WRONG AND YOU KNOW WHAT ITS OKAY YOU GUYS CAN ASK FOR CUSTUMER SERVICE RIGHT ON THE SIDE AND ITS FREE I RECOMEND THIS
My SSD just broke on my prebuilt pc (that came with windows installed), i’m buying a new one. Will i have to buy a new windows key?
just remember to have your retail key stored somehwere on another device or on paper... microsoft wil sell it as use forever. you cant actualy find the key anywhere on your microsoft account tho