Can someone explain to me about how windows license works?

Understanding Windows Licensing: A Comprehensive Guide

If you’ve recently purchased a new computer or upgraded your operating system, you may have found yourself puzzled by the intricacies of Windows licensing. Let’s break down how Windows licenses work, what different types exist, and how they relate to your Microsoft account.

Types of Windows Licenses

1. Retail Licenses: These are the licenses you buy directly from Microsoft or an authorized retailer. A retail license is typically more flexible than other types. For instance, if you upgrade your hardware or decide to move the operating system to a different machine, you can transfer the retail license. These licenses are often tied to your Microsoft account, making it easier to manage your installations.
2. OEM Licenses: An Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) license is what comes pre-installed on a new computer. Unlike retail licenses, OEM licenses are meant to stay with the hardware they were originally installed on. This means that if your computer fails and you replace it, you cannot transfer your OEM license to a new machine. Furthermore, OEM licenses often don’t come with support from Microsoft; instead, support is typically provided via the manufacturer of the device.
3. Volume Licenses: These are designed for larger organizations that need to deploy Windows on multiple machines. Volume licenses are not for individual users and can come with additional options for management and deployment.

Linking to Your Microsoft Account

One common area of confusion relates to whether a Windows license is tied to your Microsoft account. In essence, if you activate Windows 10 or Windows 11 using a digital license linked to your Microsoft account, it makes managing your license easier. If you ever need to reinstall Windows or change hardware, you can log in to your Microsoft account, and your license will automatically activate again.

It’s worth noting that if you purchase a retail key via an online platform and enter it during installation or upgrade, it may also become linked to your Microsoft account, giving you similar benefits. However, if your license came with a new PC as an OEM license, it typically wouldn’t be linked to your account in the same way.

Do You Need to Buy a License Every Time?

The answer to this depends on your specific situation. If you have a retail license, you can use it on multiple machines over time, as long as you uninstall it from the old device first. However, for OEM licenses, you do not have the flexibility to transfer the operating system to a different computer; that license is tied to the original hardware.

If you own a device with an OEM license and it breaks beyond repair, you will need to purchase a new license if you decide to buy a new device. Conversely, if you upgrade your existing PC, you could potentially use a retail license to transfer the OS.

Final Thoughts

Understanding Windows licensing can be a bit daunting, but it’s essential for ensuring you have a legal and functional operating system. Always keep track of whether your license is retail, OEM, or volume-based, and how it relates to your Microsoft account. This knowledge will help you navigate any future installations or upgrades with confidence. If ever in doubt, consulting with Microsoft support or the device manufacturer can provide clarity and assistance tailored to your situation.