

If you would like to know exactly which license type your Windows 10 version has, you can find out in the following way. Especially because you cannot transfer an OEM license to another computer, while a retail license is allowed, under the right conditions. It is useful to know exactly which licenses you have. That is more expensive, but you are assured of a valid, legitimate license. It is therefore recommended to purchase Windows 10 through Microsoft’s official sales channels. So in all these cases you run the risk that Microsoft will consider your Windows license invalid. Dirt cheap licenses are attractive, but not without risk.

Strictly speaking, these may not be resold without the accompanying device. Such licenses, unlike retail and full version licenses, are tied to a specific computer and motherboard. Often cheap oem licenses (also called system builder licenses) are also for sale, but these are often also in a gray zone. Whether it is educational or other volume licensecodes, or even licenses purchased with stolen credit cards. Often these licenses come from other countries where they are much cheaper, such as China. If you are not eligible for a free Windows license, you may be tempted by websites that offer Windows at bargain prices. For example, if you have a genuine version of Windows 7, 8 or 8.1 (Home or Pro) running, you can in principle still upgrade to Windows 10 for free. To Windows 10 to install for free, there are several options. We explain what to look out for if you want to buy a Windows 10 license and how activation works exactly. Through an activation process, Microsoft can verify that your license is legitimate. In the case of Windows 10, you need a license that, unless under specific conditions, is not free. Your computer is of no use without an operating system.
