Windows 10 OEM – Is It Really Different From The Regular Version? Find Out Now

Microsoft offers Windows 10 licenses through a variety of channels governed by different rules, but for most users, you can only get a license through the retail channel or an OEM (original equipment manufacturer). So what is Windows 10 OEM? How is Windows 10 OEM different from regular Windows 10?

You buy a new desktop or laptop with Windows 10 pre-installed. On the surface and in the way it works, there is no difference between the separately purchased Windows 10 license and the pre-installed version, but in reality, it is not. The following article will compare Windows 10 OEM and Windows 10 to help you better understand Windows 10 OEM.

1. What is Windows 10 OEM?

You probably know that OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. According to Wikipedia, an OEM produces hardware or software that will be used in some other company's final product.

Technically, Microsoft is an OEM as their Windows operating system ships on PCs manufactured by companies like Dell, HP, Lenovo, MSI, etc. However, things get confusing when one realizes the term original equipment manufacturer is also used for such PC vendors.

Windows OEM (System Builder) is not something that has come up in recent years. Microsoft has been distributing OEM versions of Windows for the past few decades. We have had OEM versions for Windows XP, Windows 7, and even older versions like Windows 2000 and the latest is Windows 10 OEM.

In terms of software and how you use Windows, the OEM and commercial versions are identical. You get all the features, as well as unstoppable software updates. Just like the retail version, Windows OEM also comes in 32-bit and 64-bit versions. Although 32-bit Windows is losing popularity due to its incompetence.

2. Compare Windows 10 OEM and Windows 10 commercial

Now that you know what Windows 10 OEM is, it's time to learn the difference between Windows 10 OEM and Windows 10 commercial.

3. Windows 10 OEM is only for 1 device

Windows OEM has a product key that is tied to a specific device. While a retail product key also works on one computer, it can be transferred to another computer.

Previously, in the case of laptops, the OEM product key was printed on the bottom of the device. Today, it is embedded directly into the device's firmware (BIOS or UEFI) and is used by Windows when required.

This saves users the hassle of turning the device on and off multiple times while entering the product key on the system, and reduces the chance of losing the key and piracy of Windows over time.

You may have trouble reactivating Windows system builder if you make a significant hardware upgrade like your motherboard. But that doesn’t mean you can’t upgrade the hardware. You can change almost everything except the motherboard because the license key is tied to it.

4. Windows 10 OEM is cheaper

Another big difference is price. Microsoft charges device manufacturers a lower licensing fee for OEM Windows product keys. The reason is that device manufacturers buy them in bulk.

5. Windows 10 OEM without technical support

OEM Windows doesn't come with technical support. That means you can't call Microsoft's technical support team to get your questions answered. However, your PC manufacturer may have their own support, and online forums are always available to help.

In addition to laptop and desktop manufacturers, Windows OEM license keys can also be used by professional system builders who configure PCs according to customer needs.

6. Windows 10 OEM no upgrade

Another difference between the commercial version and Windows OEM is that it cannot be used for upgrading. That means if you are running a valid copy of Windows 7 or 8.1 and you buy Windows 10 OEM, you will have to do a clean install.

7. How to get Windows 10 OEM?

If you're not planning on buying a new PC, there are a number of ways to get an OEM copy of Windows 10, such as buying from e-commerce sites like Amazon and eBay.

Windows OEM is basically pre-installed by PC manufacturers or system builders for resale to customers. While you can buy a legal copy of Windows OEM online, there is a lack of information regarding whether you can buy it as an end user.

For daily use, you should choose the retail version of Windows to get the best support instead of the OEM version which is cheaper but does not guarantee some benefits. Choose a reputable supplier with a business certificate like SaDesign to ensure buying genuine copyrighted products at a good price, with a quality warranty so that customers can rest assured in their choice. Contact us now for the fastest support!