What Is a Retail License?
A Retail license is sold directly to individual users.
You can install it on one computer at a time, but it can be transferred to a different PC if you buy a new one later.
Retail licenses include Microsoft support and usually come with a product key you can enter to activate Windows.
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What Is an OEM License?
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer.
These licenses are sold to computer makers (like Dell, HP, etc.) to preinstall Windows 10 Pro on new machines.
OEM licenses are cheaper but are tied to the original device permanently — you can’t transfer them to another computer later.
Support for OEM Windows typically comes from the PC manufacturer, not Microsoft.
Key Differences
Feature Retail License OEM License
Transferable to new PC ✔️ Yes ❌ No
Microsoft Support ✔️ Yes ❌ Manufacturer support
Cost Higher Lower
Product Availability Widely available Only via manufacturers
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