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🔍 1. License Type & Usage
| Feature | Retail Windows | OEM Windows |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Sold directly to consumers for personal or commercial use | Pre-installed by PC manufacturers or system builders |
| Transferable to Another PC? | ✅ Yes – can be moved to a new computer | ❌ No – tied to the first computer it’s installed on |
| Activation | Can be reactivated after hardware changes or on another PC | Permanently linked to the motherboard |
🔧 2. Support
| Feature | Retail | OEM |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Support | ✅ Full support from Microsoft | ❌ No direct Microsoft support (support must come from the PC manufacturer or system builder) |
| Updates | ✅ Fully supported | ✅ Fully supported |
💰 3. Cost
| Feature | Retail | OEM |
|---|---|---|
| Price | 💲 More expensive | 💲💲 Cheaper (often significantly) |
🔄 4. Installation Flexibility
| Feature | Retail | OEM |
|---|---|---|
| Clean Installation | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Upgrade Path (e.g., Windows 10 to 11) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes, but may be limited by hardware |
| Reusability | ✅ Can reinstall on new hardware | ❌ One-time use on one motherboard |
🧠 Summary: Which One is Better?
| Need | Choose |
|---|---|
| Budget-conscious build (won’t upgrade PC) | ✅ OEM |
| You build your own PCs and may upgrade often | ✅ Retail |
| You want Microsoft customer support | ✅ Retail |
| You’re OK without support and want to save money | ✅ OEM |
✅ Final Verdict:
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OEM is better for a single-use PC or budget builds where you don't plan on changing the motherboard.
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Retail is better if you want flexibility (e.g., transferring the license to a new PC in the future).
Let me know if you’re building a PC or buying prebuilt — I can tailor the advice further.