Shop around online and it won't be long before y'all come across inexpensive versions of Windows 10 on sale. These might be very tempting, particularly if you're looking to upgrade from Windows 7 now that its support has concluded. Some of the inexpensive versions will no doubt be of a dubious nature, while others seem legitimate. And so, what are they and should y'all purchase one for your PC? We break it down.

What is an OEM licence?

Many of the cheap versions you'll see on eBay and other links will be something called an OEM version. OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer and is a term applied to companies that build PCs. Those desktops and laptops usually include a re-create of Windows, so that when you walk out of Currys/PC World with that shiny new Dell you tin can take it home and utilize it immediately.

While the majority of OEM versions finish up preinstalled on PCs, information technology's also possible to buy them every bit licence keys from places like eBay or Lizengo. This is a common do for users who like to build their own gaming PCs, or buy a second-paw device that has either no OS, or one that is out of date.

How is an OEM licence different to a retail version of Windows?

Most people never purchase a copy of Windows itself. They buy a PC that has Windows on it, and that's the final they think of it.

But those who do want to purchase the operating system ofttimes opt to pick up a retail version. These are either sold in standard software packaging in shops, and thus chosen boxed copies, or are bachelor online from Microsoft as a download and licence central.

Microsoft's price for a download version of Windows x is £119.99/$139 for the Home edition or £219.99/$199 for Pro. Compare that to eBuyer'due south £103.49, or the even cheaper options online over on Amazon. Lizengo'south price for a Windows 10 Dwelling house OEM key is just £22.99, or £32.99 for the Pro Edition.

Whats difference between Windows 10 OEM and retail versions

In employ, there is no difference at all betwixt OEM or retail versions. Both are full versions of the operating system, and as such include all the features, updates, and functionality that y'all would expect from Windows.

Where their paths diverge is in two of import areas: support and flexibility.

When you buy an OEM re-create y'all're in essence taking on the role of the manufacturer of your device. This means that if yous run into problems with hardware compatibility or see activation bug, calling Microsoft for aid volition probably end upwards with you beingness told to contact the manufacturer of your device. Which of course, in this example, is yous!

The second major departure is that whereas when you buy a retail copy of Windows you lot tin can use it on more than ane auto, although not at the same time, an OEM version is locked to the hardware on which it was showtime activated.

This might not seem a major consequence, but if you decide to change the motherboard on your PC, then chances are you'll also demand to pay out for a new re-create of Windows at the same fourth dimension, as the old one won't re-activate on the new hardware.

To see how y'all can reuse your retail Windows licence read our How to install Windows on more than 1 PC feature.

Should I buy a inexpensive OEM key?

In that location's zilch illegal near buying an OEM key, so long every bit it's an official one. There are plenty of legitimate sites online that deal in this kind of software, Amazon has a number of sellers offering OEM keys, every bit does eBay, and more specialist sites like the same Lizengo are an option.

Just be sure to read the description carefully and check user ratings before spending any money. Some very cheap offers might exist for foreign copies of Windows x, which may require downloading an English linguistic communication pack, only these are free and available from Microsoft.

So long as yous're happy to take on the responsibleness of being your ain technical support, then an OEM version can salvage a lot of coin while offer an identical experience.

Of course, those who prefer peace of heed, and someone at the end of the telephone who tin help ready any problems, might prefer the total retail route instead. Merely avoid buying a USB wink-drive version from that dodgy-looking guy in the Tesco machine park.