Can a Windows OEM license be sold standalone without by a distributor/'registered partner'?

Question

I recently ran into a facebook post of a self proclaimed 'registered partner' of Microsoft who sells OEM license at very cheap prices.

When I asked about the authenticity, they said it is 100% legal and it lies to the discretion of the distributor to sell it with a PC or standalone. They tried really hard to convince me but still it looked quite shady and I am sceptical. Can anybody shed some light to this?

Answer 1

OEM keys, while legal, have restrictions such as they are tied to the first motherboard they are installed too - not transferable. Also, Microsoft rules for the sale of these licenses state that once you install it you must sell the computer. Personally, I'd stay away, to me the risks and drawbacks are too great.

I hope this helps and if you need any further assistance please post and we will be glad to assist you.

"When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe." John Muir

Answer 2

Hi there Debarshi, I will be your Independent Advisor for today, I hope we can both resolve your problem.

OEM licenses are non transferable as those are embedded to the motherboard of the computer. Also if it is very cheap most likely it is counterfeit.

Please be careful of buying licenses from an unauthorized reseller.

This is according to Microsoft

"Beware of Product Keys Sold Separately

With the exception of Product Key Cards (PKC’s) distributed with COA’s, Microsoft does not distribute products keys as standalone products. If you see a listing on an auction site, online classified ad, or other online page advertising product keys for sale, it’s a good indication that the keys are likely stolen or counterfeit. If you were to purchase and use a stolen or counterfeit product key to activate Windows installed on your PC, the key may not work for activation, may already be in use on another PC, or it might be blocked from use later by Microsoft when the key is reported stolen. The best way to get everything you expect up front is to buy genuine Microsoft software preinstalled on a new PC or genuine Microsoft software from an authorized reseller."

Source link:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/howtotell/Shop....