Windows 8.1 OEM vs Full Retail debate

[tom_1989]

Hi guys,

After searching multiple forums on this topic, I am still non the wiser as to;
1. wether there is actually a Windows 8 OEM and retail version - some say they are both the same
2. The OEM version is tied to the motherboard

For some reason there seems to be a mix of contradicting views on the topic. It would be really helpful if someone could back up their claims with direct links to Microsoft's terms and conditions (rather than just hearsay).

On Microsoft's Licensing FAQ, it states that

Can I purchase OEM system builder software for personal use?
A. For Windows 8.1, if you are building a PC for your personal use or installing an additional operating system in a virtual machine, you must purchase a full packaged retail product, not OEM system builder software.

This implied that there are two separate version (OEM & Retail)

Also,

Q. Can a PC with an OEM Windows operating system have its motherboard upgraded and keep the same license? What if it was replaced because it was defective?
A. Generally, an end user can upgrade or replace all of the hardware components on a computer—except the motherboard—and still retain the license for the original Microsoft OEM operating system software. If the motherboard is upgraded or replaced for reasons other than a defect, then a new computer has been created. Microsoft OEM operating system software cannot be transferred to the new computer, and the license of new operating system software is required. If the motherboard is replaced because it is defective, you do not need to acquire a new operating system license for the PC as long as the replacement motherboard is the same make/model or the same manufacturer's replacement/equivalent, as defined by the manufacturer's warranty

See http://www.microsoft.com/oem/en/licensing/sblicensing/pages/licensing_faq.aspx#fbid=q33zH_Ck5nq

There's seems to be a full retail version of windows 8.1 on Amazon, which is only marginally more expensive than the OEM 'advertised' version.

I really would like the option of transferring the OS to a new Mobo.

Cheers

 

[Sighn]

Yups. I find it confusing too and the definition seems to vary depending on the outlet. Windows 8.x isn't new to this. Subject to outlet advertisement the difference can mean anything from Boxed vs unboxed (sleeved) to transferable key vs non-transferable.

The description Microsoft has given in your post sounds like 8.x purchased (standalone) vs 8.x free - pre-installed into the sold system, product key written to BIOS. That would explain the "Generally, an end user can upgrade or replace all of the hardware components on a computer—except the motherboard"

 

[Glaucus]

Where did you find that question, as I see no reference to 8.1 like in your quote. Despite going to the link.

With win8 they did away with retail. OEM became the retail with massively different licensing rules than w7 and older.

Anyone can install it, it is not linked to the computer etc.
Note this is totally different to volume licensing and licenses which are pre installed.

Did you buy win8 OEM , comes in a box etc. If so it is not tied to a computer/mobo. It can however only run on one computer at a time. So no issue moving it between computers. More than likely you'll have to phone and when it asks how many PCs it's installed on press the 1 key.

Same for other version that you technically shouldn't use.

 

[tom_1989]

Where did you find that question, as I see no reference to 8.1 like in your quote. Despite going to the link.

With win8 they did away with retail. OEM became the retail with massively different licensing rules than w7 and older.

Anyone can install it, it is not linked to the computer etc.
Note this is totally different to volume licensing and licenses which are pre installed.

Did you buy win8 OEM , comes in a box etc. If so it is not tied to a computer/mobo. It can however only run on one computer at a time. So no issue moving it between computers. More than likely you'll have to phone and when it asks how many PCs it's installed on press the 1 key.

Same for other version that you technically shouldn't use.

The first question's answer directly mentions windows 8.1 and states that for personal use, you need to purchase the retail version. The second question is a little vague as it doesn't directly state whether it relates to windows 8 or 7.

Do you have any evidence from MS site that there is no two versions? some will agree while other disagree.

I'm in the process of building my first PC so am looking at buying a copy.

Furthermore, this question was proposed to a Microsoft engineer;

currently have windows 8.1 oem installed on a computer that i built. if i were to change the motherboard, would i have to buy another windows 8.1 copy or would i be able to keep using the one installed already on the hard drive? is windows 8.1 oem tied to the motherboard?

An OEM key can be used as many times as necessary on the same computer. Once the MotherBoard is changed, it is no longer considered the same computer.

Refer to this question 'Can a PC with an OEM Windows operating system have its motherboard upgraded and keep the same license? What if it was replaced because it was defective?'
http://www.microsoft.com/oem/en/licensing/sblicensing/pages/licensing_faq.aspx#fbid=Ld_mrCcqa_6

This again, contradicts the consensus that the OEM version of windows 8 is transferable to a different motherboard.

Sighn also makes a good point that it may not be OEM vs retail but rather Preinstalled vs standalone.

Oh so very confusing

 

[Ploppy2k3]

an OEM version of windows 7 onwards activates using a certificate stored in the BIOS. this is why you cant change the motherboard. Well you can change it to another OEM one from the same manufacturer that's the same or newer than the original as the certificates are not backwardly compatible.

The is no difference in the versions apart from that.

OEM versions are not transferable according to our chap at M$.

 

[Pinkribbonscars]

FYI, I just 'upgraded' my computer. Basically everything was new. Windows 8 OEM wouldn't activate without phoning them up, but it was just a simple, tedious affair of reading a string of numbers to a robot.

 

[Glaucus]

an OEM version of windows 7 onwards activates using a certificate stored in the BIOS. this is why you cant change the motherboard. Well you can change it to another OEM one from the same manufacturer that's the same or newer than the original as the certificates are not backwardly compatible.

The is no difference in the versions apart from that.

OEM versions are not transferable according to our chap at M$.

That preinstalled OEM, not OEM boxed version.
OEM boxed version is retail, it can be transferred between computers etc.

If you can fond the priginal windows 8 thread and search through it, you'll find the differences etc.

 

[Glaucus]

snip:

Those apply to preinstalled windows on purchased computers, not boxed copies. If you look your on the OEM partner site, which means it only applies to preinstalled windows.


Boxed copies you can transfer between systems, and is essentially a gull retail version. Retail version no longer exists.

 

[Ploppy2k3]

yup sorry that was the point I was trying to make box vs pre-installed. (badly I admit)

the phone automation service will let you do the re-activation 5 times typically before you get transferred to a person. Even then you can just say its a new machine and they never question it.