Windows 11 Pro Key: Retail vs OEM Breakdown

1 April 2024 at 19:50 in Editions, Gaming News with 1 comment

Explore the differences between a Windows 11 Pro retail and OEM key. We break down the pros and cons to make it easier for gamers to decide which Windows 11 key is best for them.

Windows 11 Pro Key

Windows 11 Pro vs Home Key for Gamers – Which is better?

Deciding which Windows 11 key is best for you is essential to get the most out of your PC and your gaming rig. You may see words like “retail” and “OEM” mentioned with when looking at purchasing a CD key and be wondering what the differences are and which you should buy.

Don’t worry, we’re going to break it down for you into pros and cons for both retail and OEM keys and compare the, so you not only understand the differences, but how each one will do more with your PC.

Differences between Retail and OEM Windows 11 Key

At first glance, many may not realise there is any differences between Windows 11 Pro retail and OEM keys. In truth, though, there are a number of differences that will affect how you are able to use your system, and how easy it is to get support from Microsoft and transfer your license.

For gamers, it’s important that the operating system is high quality, capable of performing all functions under heavy load, and will a last a long time while being affordable. Below you can find the pros and cons of both retail and OEM keys to help you understand the differences.

Windows Pro Retail Key:

Pros

  • Flexibility: You can transfer your Windows 11 Pro retail key to a new PC when upgrading, ensuring you don’t need to buy a new CD key or license when purchasing new hardware. To do so, you first to need to deactivate it on your old PC before entering your code in the Windows Activision screen on the new PC.
  • Transferable: A retail key, you can not only transfer the license to your new Gaming PC but gift it someone else by first deactivating it on your PC and giving them the key code (always check your license agreement).
  • Gifting: Because your buying a key code, you can decide what system to install that version of Windows on. That makes it a perfect gift idea for a friend or loved one who is thinking of building or buy a new PC.
  • Support: Due to it being a Windows license bought at retail, getting Microsoft support throughout the installation process and beyond is much easier that with an OEM key.
  • Features: A Windows 11 retail key features the full Windows 11 license, which comes with all the updates, functionality, and features you’d expect.

Cons

  • Cost: Due to the flexibility and the fact you can transfer the license to as many machines as you want (activated on one PC at a time), a windows 11 retail key can be a little more expensive than a OEM key.

Windows Pro OEM Key:

Pros

  • Affordability: Windows 11 OEM keys come bundled on pre-built machines, making it a cheaper option for both gamers and manufacturers.
  • Pre-installed: Already pre-installed on your gaming PC, it doesn’t require any time from you to activate, register, or install. It’s simply ready to go.

Cons

  • Non-transferable: An OEM key is registered the single PC its installed onto, meaning you can’t take the key with you when you upgrade, requiring you to purchase a new license.
  • Limited Support: Unfortunately, if you come across any issues with the system or license, getting support from Microsoft will be difficult as they will often refer you to the manufacturer that sold you the PC. This can be both frustrating and slow.
  • Lack of Features: OEM keys often come with certain features locked as manufacturers often purchase licenses in bulk as cheap as possible (always check if it has the features you want and if it is ideal for gaming).
  • Low-quality: Cheaper means lower quality and unfortunately low-quality parts can slow a system down, including an OEM key not fit for purpose.

Conclusion: Is Retail Windows 11 Key better for Gaming?

In short, buying an OEM key that comes pre-installed with your gaming PC isn’t the end of the world as it is cheaper and can be good value.

But for those that want higher quality, complete functionality, the option of transferring their Windows 11 license as they upgrade or change machines, or want improved customer support direct from Microsoft, then the retail key will provide you with the best value for money.

Where to buy cheap Windows 11 Pro Key for PC

Looking for the best prices Windows 11 Pro keys? Check our store pages and compare the price of Windows 11 for a better deal!

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By Daniel Burrows Daniel

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