If you’re building your own PC, you’ll need to think about what operating system you want to use.
Windows is the most popular choice, whether you prefer Windows 10 (it will be supported until October 2025) or Windows 11. But even if you opt for the former, you’re still looking at well over $100/£100 just for the software.
However, while shopping online, you may have found sites selling what appears to be a full version of Windows for a much lower price. These can be very tempting, especially if you have a strict budget for the total PC build.
Is it worth the risk or is it better to buy at full price? Here’s everything you need to know.
What is an OEM license?
Most of the cheap versions of Windows 10 and 11 that you will see online are described as the “OEM version”. OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer and is a term applied to companies that manufacture PCs. These desktops and laptops usually include a copy of Windows, which means it’s pre-installed and ready to go.
While the majority of OEM versions end up pre-installed on devices, it is also possible to purchase them as license keys from third-party sites. That’s not unusual when you’re building a new PC.
How is an OEM license different from a retail version of Windows?
Most people never buy a copy of Windows itself. They buy a device with Windows installed and only have to worry about available updates in the settings.
But for those who want to buy just the operating system, a commercial version is the most popular. Physical versions on disc or USB are still available from some retailers, but a digital download and license key are far more popular. Here’s how much you could expect to pay full price:
Microsoft
In reality, there is no difference between the OEM or retail versions. Both are full OS releases, include all the features, updates features you expect.
However, there are two key differences worth being aware of: support and flexibility.
When you buy an OEM copy, you essentially assume the role of the manufacturer of your device. This means that if you’re having hardware compatibility issues or activation issues, Microsoft will likely direct you to the device manufacturer. Which, in this case, is technically you.
The second major difference is the number of devices a copy can be used on. The retail versions can be installed on multiple devices (but not at the same time), while the OEM version can only be used on the hardware it was first activated on.
This may not seem like a major problem, but you will run into problems if you want to change your PC’s motherboard in the future. New hardware means an OEM copy is no longer compatible, so you’ll have to buy everything again.
Should I buy a cheap OEM key?
There is nothing illegal about buying an OEM key, as long as it is an official key. There are many legitimate sites online that discuss this type of software, including the following:
However, this does not mean that registering on these sites will be legitimate. Be sure to read the description carefully and check user ratings before spending any money. If you are not sure at all, it is better to look elsewhere.
Some very cheap offers may be for copies of Windows 10 or 11 in a foreign language. This can easily be solved by downloading English language packs, which are free and available from Microsoft.
So, as long as you’re happy to take on the responsibility of being your own tech support, an OEM version can save a lot of money while still providing an identical experience.
But you might prefer the added peace of mind of a retail version, with full access to Microsoft customer services.
