Retail, OEM or Volume, Which One Is Ideal For Me?

Buy Microsoft Office or Windows? The complexity of software licensing can be challenging for individuals and businesses alike. In particular, Microsoft’s licensing agreements, including Windows and Office, are subject to a variety of models and terms that may be confusing to the average user. In this blog, I will shed some light by explaining the different types of Microsoft licenses: OEM, Retail, and Volume.

What types of licenses do you have?

To start with, Microsoft mainly works with the following 3 types of licenses:

• OEM License
• Retail License
• Volume License

By the end of this blog, you’ll know exactly which license is ideal for your situation.

OEM License

The term OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. As the name suggests, these are licenses that are mainly purchased by hardware manufacturers, such as Dell, Lenovo, and HP. When you buy a new computer or laptop, it often comes with a pre-installed version of Windows. This version of Windows was purchased by your device manufacturer as an OEM license.

The most important feature of an OEM license is that it is tied to the first computer on which it is activated. This means that the license cannot be transferred to another computer. Therefore, if you decide to purchase a new computer, you will also need to purchase a new license.

In addition, if you need technical support for your Windows or Office product, you should contact your device manufacturer rather than Microsoft. This can be a disadvantage if you need specific help where you no longer have any advice yourself.

Despite these limitations, OEM licenses are often significantly less expensive than other types of licenses. This makes them a popular choice for both manufacturers and individual users who are looking for a cost-effective way to get Windows or Office on their device.

Retail License

Retail licenses, also known as Full Packaged Product (FPP), are designed for end users. Unlike OEM licenses, retail licenses are not tied to a specific computer. Instead, they are tied to the individual user. This means that you can transfer your license to another computer if you decide to replace your old computer.

When you purchase a Retail license, you get a physical or digital copy of the software, a license key, and, in most cases, access to Microsoft support. This means that if you experience any issues with your software, you can contact Microsoft directly for help.

While retail licenses are generally more expensive than OEM licenses, they offer a number of benefits that can make them attractive. They offer more flexibility and access to support, making them a good choice for individual users who value these features.

Volume License

Volume licensing is designed for enterprise and institutional customers who require a large number of installations. Unlike Retail and OEM licenses, which are installed on a single device, a Volume license allows you to use a single license for multiple installations.

This type of license is often used by businesses, schools, government agencies, and other large organizations. They also offer additional features, such as the ability to install and manage software remotely, and the ability to move licenses between devices.

The biggest advantage of a Volume license is its cost-effectiveness in large-scale deployments. For a large company or a school, it can be much cheaper to purchase a Volume license than to purchase individual Retail or OEM licenses for each device.

In addition, Microsoft also offers different types of Volume licenses to meet the specific needs of different types of organizations. For example, there are academic licenses for educational institutions and non-profit licenses for charitable organizations.

Which version is right for me?

Each type of Microsoft license – OEM, Retail, and Volume – has its own unique benefits and limitations. It’s important to understand your own needs and situation before making a decision. For example, an OEM license may be the way to go if you’re looking for a cheaper option and don’t plan to change your device. On the other hand, if you want direct access to Microsoft support and the flexibility to transfer your license to another computer, a Retail license may be a better option.

Looking for a cheap Retail or OEM license from Microsoft?

Are you looking for Office or Windows licenses? Look further in the Licenses4us shop for licenses at the best price.