Can you use OEM product key?
No, you cannot transfer the OEM key to another computer. Manufacturers use these keys to install Windows on any prebuilt PC. They are also the keys you get from low-cost key suppliers like Kinguin.After a moment, a screen will appear that says which channel your license belongs to. By the way—despite OEM license restrictions, you can actually reactivate an OEM key on changed hardware. This option is primarily meant for people whose hardware has unexpectedly bit the dust, and a replacement has been swapped in.There's nothing illegal about buying an OEM key, so long as it's an official one. There are plenty of legitimate sites online that deal in this kind of software, including the following: Amazon.

Can I activate Windows using OEM key : To clarify, you cannot use the original Windows 7 OEM key to activate Windows 10. If you have claimed the free upgrade in the past from Windows 7 to 10, that process assigned you a digital license instead for Windows 10.

Can an OEM license be reused if you purchase a new computer

If you've OEM license, you can't transfer it. 1 person found this answer helpful. Digital licenses are associated with your hardware and linked to your Microsoft account. So, you can activate Windows 11 using Windows 10 key.

Are OEM keys tied to motherboard : The facts are OEM is tied onto your Motherboard and other hardware. You change/replace them, your Windows copy is deactivated. Then next time online, it will attempt to reactivate. Checking if the hardware is too different, OEM won't reactivate…

Disadvantages of OEM

  • The Brand Owner is Responsible for Business and Revenue.
  • There May Be a Lack of Differentiation Between Your Product and Competitors Who May be Using the Same OEM.
  • OEMs Have Minimal Control Over the Product and Its Branding.


OEM keys, while legal, have restrictions such as they are tied to the first motherboard they are installed too – not transferable. Also, Microsoft rules for the sale of these licenses state that once you install it you must sell the computer.

Are cheap OEM keys safe

You can even buy an OEM key, designed to be sold only as pre-installed software on a PC, as long as the key is not stolen, cracked, or otherwise a non-genuine product. The potential problems with the legality of buying cheap keys may occur if they have been obtained for sale through illegal means.Yes, you can use the same product key for multiple devices, but the exact number of times depends on the type of license you have purchased. If you have a retail license, you can use the product key up to 10 times. But if you have an OEM license, you can only use the product key once.If Product ID has OEM in the license string then it is OEM. Windows 10 keys will activate an equivalent edition of Windows 11. The only exception to that statement is editions that have VLK (Volume License Keys)which doesn't apply to Home and Professional editions of Windows 10.

Yes they are. OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer and is a term applied to companies that build PCs.

Can I reuse Windows 7 OEM product key : If it's an OEM copy of Windows it can only be legally used on the computer it was sold with. About of product key you can reuse to same computer when you have already activated. If you have upgraded from windows 7 to windows 8 you have options to return to previous Windows system.

Why is the OEM key cheaper : OEMs and businesses are allowed to buy keys in bulk, and sometimes resell spare ones they don't need. (Or, worse, buy them in bulk with the direct intention of reselling them.)

Why are Windows 11 keys so cheap

What makes the license keys so cheap is that they're gray market at best. In other words, the keys aren't illegal, but they're likely extras from a volume licensing agreement and not meant to be sold individually to home users.

But under Microsoft's rules, you are only entitled to a one time transfer. If you upgraded from an OEM Windows 7, Windows 8 or 8.1 license, these are licenses that come preinstalled on a new computer from a manufacturer, and then your Windows 10 license maintains the OEM rights – cannot be transferred.Yes you can do this (OEM or Retail Key – it does not matter). The key is maintained in the Microsoft Licensing System and the license provides for reinstalling on the same drive or replacing the drive. So just install the same version of Windows (Home or Pro) and that will work fine.

Can I use Windows 7 OEM key to activate Windows 10 : 7 has ended years ago. But here is what I found. As part of Windows 10's November update, Microsoft changed the Windows 10 installer disc to also accept Windows 7 or 8.1 keys. This allowed users to perform a clean install Windows 10 and enter a valid Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 key during installation.