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š¹ [Retail]
Description: This is a Full Packaged Product (FPP), often called a boxed copy, purchased from a retail store or Microsoft Store (online).
Key Behavior:
- Product key can be transferred to a different PC (only one active device at a time).
- If you change or upgrade your hardware (e.g., motherboard), you may need to reactivate.
- Limited reactivation count, usually linked to your Microsoft account for easier reactivation.
Ideal For: DIY PC builders or users who frequently upgrade systems.
š¹ [OEM] (Original Equipment Manufacturer)
Description: These are pre-installed Windows licenses by PC manufacturers (e.g., Dell, HP, Lenovo).
Key Behavior:
- Tied to the first PC it was activated on, non-transferable to another PC.
- If pre-installed with Windows 8/10, the key is embedded in the UEFI/BIOS firmware no need to manually enter it.
- If ownership of the PC changes, the license can transfer with the hardware.
Ideal For: Users buying branded PCs or laptops with pre-installed Windows.
š¹ [Volume] (MAK/KMS Licenses)
Description: Designed for large businesses, schools, or organizations through Microsoftās Volume Licensing.
Types:
- MAK (Multiple Activation Key) ā A set number of activations.
- KMS (Key Management Service) ā Activation through a corporate server.
Key Behavior:
- Not transferable if ownership of PC changes.
- MAK keys may allow reinstallation on the same hardware, but limited.
Ideal For: Businesses managing multiple machines centrally.
š¹ [Bind]
Description: Keys or licenses that bind to a Microsoft account.
Key Behavior:
- After activation, the license is linked to your Microsoft account.
- Makes re-activation easier after hardware changes or system reinstall.
- Can sometimes be reactivated on new hardware (via activation troubleshooter).
Ideal For: Users who want flexibility and account-based license management. Lifetime Activation / no expire date
š¹ [Phone]
Description: These keys require activation via Microsoftās telephone system.
Key Behavior:
- Typically used for older Windows versions or special activations.
- You call an automated Microsoft system and provide an Installation ID.
- Can be reactivated up to 1-2 times on the same hardware.
Ideal For: Users who have limited or no internet access or need to recover an old license.
š¹ [DLA] (Digital License Activation)
Description: License linked to the device through Microsoftās digital entitlement system.
Key Behavior:
- No product key required for reinstall (license stored in Microsoft servers).
- Non-transferable to another PC.
- Often used in OEM Windows 10/11 systems and upgrades from Windows 7/8.
Ideal For: Users with genuine, activated copies from hardware upgrades or free upgrades.
š¹ [Key]
Description: A single-use product key that may allow online or offline activation.
Key Behavior:
- One-time activation, may or may not support reactivation.
- Not always bound to Microsoft account.
- Often limited in terms of support and transfer.
Ideal For: Users needing one-off activations, budget keys (e.g., grey-market resellers).
š¹ [Account]
Description: Comes as login credentials for a subscription-based Windows license or Office 365.
Key Behavior:
- Usually not a standalone key ā access is through Microsoft account login.
- Common for educational, enterprise, or third-party resold accounts.
- Risk of being revoked if against Microsoft ToS.
Ideal For: Temporary use or subscription models (e.g., Office 365 E3, E5).
