I downloaded Windows 10 Home from microsoft onto a USB stick and installed on a new build. Now I want to activate it, but the Microsoft store license is expensive. If I buy a Windows 10 Home OEM DVD, can I use that product key to activate with. Thanks.
@bluestringer,
A System Builder's Windows 10 Home OEM DVD product key will activate an installation of Windows 10 Home. However, it violates the Microsoft System Builder's License for you to use it on your own personal computer:
Communication page | Windows system builder licensing for personal use
There is a key with every DVD bought from local store or online. You can use that key and activate your windows 10.
This argument has gone on for many years right back to Windows 7 at least.
It is not that legally well defined what a system builder is. That is why sellers bundle a licence with an old hard drive (which does not even have to be working). That article does not constitute a legal definition.
Anyway, MS have never made any attempts to stop users using oem licences unless same key gets used multiple times, or used on different devices.
I'm sorry, I just don't see what can be confusing about Microsoft's first paragraph:
If you are building a system for your personal use or installing an additional operating system (OS)*in a virtual machine, you will have*to purchase a full version of Windows 10, available in FPP. Windows 10, Windows 8.1, and Windows 7 system builder software does not permit personal use and is intended only for preinstallation on customer systems that will be sold to end users.
But no, Microsoft does not enforce it.
Yup, I recall we discussed this at Eight Forums back then, when the personal use clause came into effect.
It's a good thing IMHO, whether it's enforced or not, we have the moral obligation to adhere... albeit Windows FPP is way overpriced given the monetization built into it... but that does not deter from the EULA.
Besides, with full retail you get tranferability and such...
Thanks for the answers. I've been building PC's for friends and family for a few years and I always use the OEM version. I give them the DVD to go along with the build. I've just never built one and installed Windows from a download put on a USB stick. I'll get a DVD and use it for activation and supply it with the build. Thanks.
There is no difference at all in the install using a USB flash drive or a DVD. Well, except the installation from the USB flash drive will go much faster than from a DVD.
Yes, you can activate an installed Windows 10 with a purchased OEM product key that comes with the DVD. It does not matter what the source of the installation was, DVD or USB flash drive.
Quote