OEM vs. retail vs. volume license keys: what's the difference?
By the TrustiKeys support team. Updated , 3 min read
OEM licenses are preinstalled by PC makers and stay with that computer. Retail licenses are sold to individuals and can move to a new PC. Volume licenses are issued to organizations under an agreement with Microsoft and activate through the organization. All three run the same Windows or Office; the difference is who the license belongs to and where it can be used.
The three license channels compared
| Item | OEM | Retail | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | PC makers, preinstalled | Individuals and small businesses | Organizations with a Microsoft agreement |
| Transfer to a new PC | Generally no | Yes, one PC at a time | Managed by the organization |
| How it activates | Firmware key / digital license | Product key or digital license | KMS server, MAK key or Active Directory |
| Microsoft support | Through the PC maker | Through Microsoft | Through the organization's agreement |
OEM licenses
When you buy a laptop with Windows already installed, the license is OEM. The key is embedded in the firmware and Windows activates automatically, even after a reinstall. The trade-off: the license is tied to that computer. Replace the PC and the license stays behind.
Retail licenses
Retail licenses are sold to end users, either as a boxed product or a digital key. They can be moved to a new computer as long as they're removed from the old one; see how to transfer a Windows license. For Office, retail keys are redeemed once to a Microsoft account, and you can reinstall from that account on a new computer.
Volume licenses
Businesses, schools and governments buy volume licenses through agreements with Microsoft. Their PCs activate against the organization's own KMS server or with a Multiple Activation Key (MAK). Volume licenses are meant for that organization's devices.
slmgr /dli, or Windows reports error 0x8007007B, it's an organization license. Ask the seller for a key intended for individual use.Which should you buy?
For a home or small-business PC, a retail-style license for the edition you need is the straightforward choice. Each TrustiKeys product page lists the devices, account requirement and restrictions before you buy. Browse Windows licenses or Microsoft Office, or read software license types explained for how one-time purchases and subscriptions compare.
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