OEM, Retail, or Volume License: An Overview of Windows License Types
OEM, Retail, or Volume License - we explain the differences and when each license type is worthwhile.
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Short Answer: OEM licenses are tied to a specific device and are non-transferable. Retail licenses (full versions) are freely transferable between devices – the most flexible choice for private users. Volume licenses are for companies with many devices. For most private buyers, Retail is the right choice.
Overview of the three license types
| Type | Tied to | Transferable? |
|---|---|---|
| OEM | a specific device | no |
| Retail | you as the buyer | yes |
| Volume License | Companies | yes, under conditions |
OEM Licenses
Tied to a specific device, originally intended for PC manufacturers who deliver Windows pre-installed. Inexpensive, but not transferable to new hardware – particularly relevant after a motherboard replacement, as described in the article Windows License Reactivation After Motherboard Replacement.
"After replacing the motherboard, the old license simply wouldn't activate – only then did I understand that OEM was tied to that specific board." A user describes why he consciously chose the Retail version for his next purchase.
Retail Licenses (Full Version)
Freely transferable between devices – the most flexible option for private users who want to change their PC at some point. When you switch computers, you simply uninstall it on the old device and activate it on the new one.
Volume Licenses
Intended for businesses: a central license for many devices, managed via a Microsoft license account – usually cheaper per individual license for larger quantities.
What should you buy?
For private users and small businesses, the retail full version is usually the right choice, as it can simply be taken along to the next PC change. The license type is listed in the product data of each license – take a look at Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro.
