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Windows 10 oem vs retail

Hopper64
Level 15
I typically purchase the retail version of W10 for download, but I just saw where the oem version is cheaper but has a few differences. One concern is whether I can reinstall W10 later on the same machine but with a different video card or hard drive. Is the oem version locked to all of the original hardware? I know if the MB is replaced that the oem version could not be activated, but does this apply to other parts? As far as tech support for oem, I don't think that's a lot different from retail I guess.

Thoughts on this? Thanks guys.
MZ790A Bios 2002, GSkill F5-8000J3848H16GX2-TZRK, 13900KS, EKWB D5 TBE 300, Seasonic Prime TX-1600 ATX 3.0, Asus Strix 4090 w/ Optimus block, Phanteks Enthoo Elite, Asus Claymore 2, Asus Gladius 3, Asus XG349C, Samsung 990, Windows 11 Pro
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4 REPLIES 4

BigJohnny
Level 13
OEM is supposed to be a one shot deal. Ive called it in on a new build telling a little white lie saying I changed some hardware which is kind of true and they activated it over the phone. The only real difference Im aware of is there is zero tech support for OEM from MS where the retail if you have problems you can get free support from MS.

Hopper64
Level 15
That's what I understood. I may just stick with the retail version to reinstall windows if I swap something.
MZ790A Bios 2002, GSkill F5-8000J3848H16GX2-TZRK, 13900KS, EKWB D5 TBE 300, Seasonic Prime TX-1600 ATX 3.0, Asus Strix 4090 w/ Optimus block, Phanteks Enthoo Elite, Asus Claymore 2, Asus Gladius 3, Asus XG349C, Samsung 990, Windows 11 Pro

raju2529
Level 7
Retail version is best
Intel i5 7200U_ Nvidia 940MX _Windows_11_Enterprise_64bit_22H2_buildno_22621.754

Hopper64
Level 15
Yes, agreed.
MZ790A Bios 2002, GSkill F5-8000J3848H16GX2-TZRK, 13900KS, EKWB D5 TBE 300, Seasonic Prime TX-1600 ATX 3.0, Asus Strix 4090 w/ Optimus block, Phanteks Enthoo Elite, Asus Claymore 2, Asus Gladius 3, Asus XG349C, Samsung 990, Windows 11 Pro