„It`s not a grey market. It would be like buying Adidas, Puma or Nikes at a counter, TJ Maxx,” Jordan said. „There is no legal problem buying it from us. It`s just another market. It is perfectly legal to install Microsoft software on any computer at any time. IT IS ONLY LEGAL TO ACTIVATE THIS SOFTWARE ON THE COMPUTER FOR WHICH AN APPROPRIATE LICENSE EXISTS. Microsoft has always created a commercial version of most operating system software. This version is the property of the Buyer to the extent that it can be legally installed on one computer, then removed from that computer and installed on another computer. As long as the SINGLE LICENSE is never used in 2 locations at the same time, you will abide by the agreement and will not be subject to any criminal or civil action. On the one hand, support is questionable if you run into problems and Windows later asks for activation again because the license is no longer valid. On the other hand, the codes could also be sold illegally and trade could be exposed. This would be conceivable, for example, when purchasing licenses via a stolen credit card for later distribution. Then Microsoft could lock the keys sold and you`d be back at first, the few dollars you`ll probably never see again without further use.

This phrase, which for decades scrolled past the eyeballs of PC users as they clicked on Windows license agreements without reading them, made Bill Gates rich. It`s also the gateway to an incredibly confusing thicket of legal words, and Microsoft has made the subject even more confusing over the years by adding layers of anti-piracy protection that are only indirectly tied to the license itself. (And let`s not even start with weird words like real.) Still, most, if not all, websites seem ready to welcome you if you receive a key that has already been used or isn`t working. Again, make sure you buy your key from a legitimate source. That`s why we don`t recommend buying Windows 10 keys from individual sellers (or illegally). 13. Consumer rights, regional differences. This Agreement describes certain legal rights. You may have other rights, including consumer rights, under the laws of your state or country.

You may also have rights with respect to the party from whom you acquired the Software. This Agreement does not modify these other rights if the laws of your state or country do not allow it. For example, if you acquired the Software in one of the following regions, or if mandatory local law applies, the following provisions apply to you: Up to Win XP at least, an OEM version of Windows could be reinstalled and reactivated on any computer from the same manufacturer (Dell, HP, etc.), regardless of the operating system originally installed on that computer. For example, a Dell OEM version of Win XP can be installed on a Dell system that originally shipped with Win 2000 (or even Win 7). The new XP installation would be activated and would be completely legal. IMO, what Gerald is talking about is related to the chatter in the license agreement for the Windows 7 upgrade disk and its features. This disc and its license agreement can be used to install and activate a new copy of Windows 7 on any system that has an OEM license for any type of Windows. Microsoft was even asked about this apparent „hacking” and confirmed that it was true and legal, based on their own vocabulary in the agreement. One. Disputes covered – everything except intellectual property. The term „dispute” is as broad as possible.

It includes any claim or controversy between you and the manufacturer or installer of the device, or you and Microsoft, with respect to the Software, its price, or this agreement under any legal theory, including contract, warranty, tort, statute or regulation, except for disputes relating to the enforcement or validity of your intellectual property rights and the rights of your Licensors, our licensor(s). No matter where you get your product key, you shouldn`t download Windows 10 from anyone other than Microsoft. Microsoft`s website states: „If you purchase Microsoft software as a digital download, we recommend that you avoid auction websites and peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing websites. Right now, there are a limited number of websites where you can legally purchase digital downloads of Microsoft software. Limited Remedy. If Microsoft or the manufacturer or installer of the device violates its limited warranty, Microsoft, in its sole discretion, will: (i) repair or replace the software free of charge, or (ii) accept the return of the software (or, at its option, the device on which the software was preinstalled) for a refund of the amount paid, if any. The device manufacturer or installer (or Microsoft if you purchased them directly from Microsoft) may also repair or replace any software supplements, updates, and replacements, or refund any amount you paid. These are your only remedies for breach of warranty.

This limited warranty gives you certain legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary from state to state or country to country. The OEM license lives and dies with a single computer and can never be legally installed on another computer. All of this may be evidence that you have a valid license, which is a legal grant from the licensor (Microsoft) to the licensee (you) that gives you the right to use Microsoft Windows on a particular device, provided that you comply with the terms of the license agreement. The license itself is an intangible entity governed by a legal agreement between you and Microsoft or one of its partners who resold the Windows license as part of a new PC. This license agreement is what you quickly flip through without reading every time you install Windows. g. Severability of people. If any part of Section 11 (Binding Arbitration and Class Action Waiver) is found to be illegal or unenforceable, the remainder will remain in effect (with an award rendered prior to the commencement of the judicial proceeding), except that Section 11 is unenforceable in its entirety if a determination of partial illegality or unenforceability would permit class or representative arbitration. Note: In Germany, the acquisition, distribution without connection to the equipment as well as the use of OEM versions are completely legal (I ZR 244/97 of 06.07.2000). The OEM and retail versions are identical, the only difference is the type of packaging. Be sure to link your Microsoft account to your digital license to prepare for hardware changes. Mapping allows you to use the Activation troubleshooter to reactivate Windows if you later make a significant hardware change.

For more information, see Reactivate Windows after a hardware change. When you click on our website to a retailer and purchase a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. It supports our work, but has no impact on what we cover or how, and it doesn`t affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are remunerated for these independent reviews. In fact, we follow strict guidelines that ensure that our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers. For Windows 10, Microsoft charges 145 euros for Windows 10 Home in full version in its own online store. The Pro edition is significantly more expensive at 259 euros. Machen Sie sich auf die Suche nach Online-Shops für Windows 10, finden Sie das Betriebssystem oft für knapp über 10 Euro, wie ein Blick hier in den PC-WELT Preisvergleich beweist. Allerdings müssen Sie auch hier darauf achten, dass es sich um einen seriösen Shop handelt. To link your Microsoft account, follow these instructions: Hi Andrew, I don`t understand my potential transfer scenario. My current laptop came with Vista Home Premium OEM which I then upgraded to Windows 8 Pro when it first came out for a special upgrade offer of just £24.99.

I then upgraded it to Windows 10 for free when it was released. I am now thinking about getting a new laptop and was wondering if I could transfer my existing version of Windows 10 to a new laptop using the method described above. I think the question is, is upgrading Windows 8 Pro (from Vista Home Premium OEM) considered a full version or does it „inherit” the OEM nature of the previous operating system? (i) use or virtualize the functionality of the Software separately; Hoo boy, did it go wrong? When I joined ZDNet in 2006, I wrote a lot of words about the original Windows Genuine Advantage authentication software. I once called it „the stupidest thing Microsoft has ever done with Windows.” System Builder or OEM versions of Windows are sold by Microsoft to system manufacturers through authorized intermediaries. These are manufacturers or retailers that sell PCs that come preconfigured with Windows preinstalled. However, the license agreement may state that support is provided through and not by Microsoft. You won`t have a flashback without contacting MS. You must start a service request with the account to which the license was associated. b. Standalone Software.

If you acquired the software as standalone software (and also if you upgraded the software you purchased as standalone software), you can transfer the software to another device that you own.