Can I install and use OEM license for my personal use (PC or Laptop) as I am not a manufacturer or system builder?

Question

I bought Windows 10 pro OEM key from market at low price. I installed windows and activated the Windows with that key. Its running fine and working 100% with no issue. I just read today that OEM keys are only for computer manufacturer companies or system builders. I am not a manufacturer or system builder I just bought it and activated my windows with that key for my own laptop. So is it allowed to use OEM key for our own Laptop or PC. What are the License terms for OEM keys as I read on internet that its for system builders not for end user. I don't want to break any license terms.

Answer 1

Hi @Osama050, your post is very welcome in our community.

My name is William. I'm an Independent Consultant and a long-time user also. I am grateful to assist you today.

OEM licenses are licenses made available to major manufacturers that is, they come "attached" to the hardware...For example: When you buy a notebook from a brand such as HP, Dell, Sony and etc. and Windows comes pre-installed, this is the OEM license..

Only hardware manufacturers can buy this type of license, it is non-transferable, that is, it cannot be enabled on another device.

We as community members are unable to collect information like Product ID or Windows Product Key due to security policy. For this reason, Microsoft has a dedicated team to deal with this activation issues and you can contact them at the following URL:

[https://support.microsoft.com/contactus](https://support.microsoft.com/contactus)

So if your doubt has been answered, feel free to choose a rating. By doing that you also contribute to the community and help other members with the same doubt.

Thanks for your time.

Best Regards

Wiliam D.

Independent Advisor and member of the Microsoft

Answer 2

You should be fine. Most likely wherever you bought the key incorrectly labeled it as an OEM key, because you can't activate Windows with an OEM key. If you were able to activate Windows 10 using your key, then it's not an OEM key and is actually just a fully valid Windows 10 Pro key. So you haven't broken any license terms.

Answer 3

Ok, Wiliam Dias, what will be for users who bought pc without windows like me also I am not a system builder what will be in this case. Is it is legal for end-user to buy OEM keys for themselves and use them to continue their windows experience?

Answer 4

Shreyan Jain thanks for your response I want to know I am a normal user, not a system builder can I buy or use OEM keys by knowing it's pros and cons because OEM keys are cheaper than retail keys.

Answer 5

Hi Osama050 !!

This is technical support opened forum, primarily staffed by volunteers with no official connection or relationship to Microsoft. And as a lawyer, I can tell you that any legal advice you get from a tech support person, no matter how technically skilled they are, is not something you want to rely upon.

In the links below you can check similar questions from other end users and as you can see, some points there are common and others are conflicting...Because as I told you, the answers here are given by technical people and not by someone from Microsoft who can answer from the legal point, you know what I mean?

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...

I mentioned just a few examples, but in the forum you will find hundreds and maybe thousands of questions like that. But I've been working with Windows for several years and at least for me, some points are still a gray area...

That is why I've recommended before, that you reach out to Microsoft on this link below, so that way you will get the right answer from the manufacturer and you shouldn't have any problems later:

https://support.microsoft.com/contactus

Best Regards

Wiliam D.

Independent Advisor and member of the Microsoft