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PC Guides, Windows 10, Windows 11
Windows License Types Explained: Retail, OEM, and MAK
When you buy a Windows key, you’re buying a specific license type — not just software. Retail, OEM, and MAK behave differently in ways that matter the moment you change hardware, move to a new PC, or need to activate on multiple machines.
Retail keys — the most flexible option
A Retail key activates on one PC at a time and is fully transferable. Replace your motherboard, build a new PC, upgrade your system — deactivate on the old machine and activate on the new one. The license follows you, not the hardware.
This is the right choice for most personal users and anyone who regularly upgrades their setup. You buy once and carry the license forward indefinitely.
Our Windows 11 Pro Retail key is $19.99. Windows 10 Pro Retail starts at $14.99.
OEM keys — tied to hardware
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) keys are permanently bound to the first PC they activate on. Replace the motherboard and the key stops working — there’s no moving it to a different machine.
This is how PC manufacturers license Windows on pre-built systems. It’s priced for hardware that won’t be fundamentally changed. A new laptop or pre-built desktop you plan to keep for 5+ years without hardware upgrades? OEM is fine. A self-built PC you’ll be upgrading annually? OEM will eventually cost you a second key.
MAK keys — volume licensing for multiple PCs
MAK stands for Multiple Activation Key. One key, multiple machines. A 5-PC MAK key covers five activations — each machine activates individually against Microsoft’s servers, consuming one use from the key’s total count.
MAK keys are built for businesses and IT departments deploying Windows across a fleet. They simplify key management significantly: one key to track instead of five separate ones.
Side-by-side comparison
| Retail | OEM | MAK (5-PC) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $19.99 | $24.99 | $79.99 |
| PCs covered | 1 | 1 | 5 |
| Transferable to new PC | ✓ Yes | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Survives motherboard swap | ✓ Yes | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Best for | Personal / builders | Fixed hardware | Business / IT |
Does license type affect how Windows activates?
No. All three types activate through Microsoft’s servers the same way. The license type determines how many machines and for how long Microsoft allows it — not whether the activation works.
A Retail key from MyLegitKeys activates identically to one bought from Microsoft directly. Resellers source genuine keys at market prices below Microsoft’s retail rate — the price difference reflects the distribution channel, not the software.
What about KMS keys?
KMS (Key Management Service) is a completely different activation method for large enterprise environments. It requires a KMS server running on your internal network, and client machines must call home to it every 180 days. Without your own KMS infrastructure, a KMS key simply won’t stay activated.
For personal use or small businesses: Retail or MAK. KMS is for corporate IT departments only.
Browse Windows licenses
Frequently asked questions
If I buy a Retail key and build a new PC later, do I need to buy again?
No. Deactivate on the old machine (or just stop using it) and activate on the new one. Windows allows one active installation per Retail key at a time.
Can I transfer an OEM key to a new motherboard?
Officially no — Microsoft ties OEM keys to the original hardware. Microsoft support occasionally allows a one-time exception if you contact them, but it’s not guaranteed. If hardware changes are likely, Retail is the safer choice upfront.
What happens when a MAK key runs out of activations?
Contact Microsoft to request additional activations for your volume license. This is standard for business licensing — they grant extensions regularly for legitimate use.
Is there any practical difference between a key from MyLegitKeys vs Microsoft directly?
The software and license type are identical. Activation goes through the same Microsoft servers. The price reflects the distribution channel.
Which should a small business buy for 5 computers?
MAK 5-PC at $79.99 works out to ~$16 per machine vs $19.99 per machine buying Retail individually. For 5 machines, MAK saves ~$20 and means one key to manage instead of five.