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Windows licenses? (lemmy.ml)

submitted 1 year ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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I am looking to purchase a license for Windows but am unclear on where to do this. I am specifically interested in a retail key license. I was initially considering purchasing a license from the Microsoft Store, but there were a few online posts deterred me from using this source, primarily because it a digital license to my understanding.

I've read a few posts that say how digital keys are tied to the motherboard, similar to OEM licenses. The whole reason I want a retail license is so it is not tied to my motherboard, and I can transfer it if I replace the motherboard at some point or build a new PC later on. It looks like the MS store only offers digital licenses though from what I can see. Or maybe number of transfers in a digital license is limited (it is unclear to me)?

There was a post on MS's Answers forum saying it is a digital license tied to my account, not a key license. I'm okay with a license tied to my account, but he had difficulties actually getting it to work since it wasn't a key that was simply emailed to him or something like that, so I'm hesitant to purchase a digital license from the Microsoft store and would rather purchase a key license that I can just type in at installation or first startup.

So I am interested in a legit source to purchase a retail key license, not an OEM license and not a digital license. But it is unclear where to actually do this. Any clarity on confusion on my part or suggestions for where to purchase such a license would be greatly appreciated?

I'm not sure what other community to post this question in so I hope it is okay to post here.

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[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 year ago (1 children)

First, the key being tied to the motherboard is more specifically when you purchase a prebuilt machine and not an off the shelf license.

Second, Microsoft is pushing heavily at tying the keys to a Microsoft account. That way they can more easily track number of activations. To recover a key on a new computer you just sign into your Microsoft account and it’ll activate it. It’s far easier than a key and easier to keep track of vs a key as well.

You might be able to buy a license at a large retailer, but I’m pretty sure you’ll find it hard to buy a key printed on a piece of paper now.

[–] [email protected] 0 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Is this automatic? I got a windows 7 key like 11 years ago, then did the free windows 10 upgrade. I am planning on rebuilding my PC, including a new mobo. Will I be able to activate through my MS account?

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

I think so if you set up your account with your ms account. I did the same thing and it was able to activate no problem automatically if I reinstalled. You should be able to log into your office 365 account and you should be able to see your licenses in there, I just don’t remember where lol

[–] [email protected] 0 points 1 year ago

Whenever I would need a windows key, I got it from G2A. Home keys are $15, but are still genuine keys, just purchased using currancies where the exchange rate lowers the cost in dollars.