📎 AI Summary:
The thread discusses the differences and costs between retail and OEM versions of Windows 8.1 Pro, with the original poster questioning whether the higher price of the full retail version offers significant benefits over the OEM version for clean installs and license flexibility. Responses clarify that OEM versions are full copies but are generally intended for a single new PC and cannot be used to upgrade existing Windows installations, though they can typically be transferred to another machine if installed on a new build. Later, a user shares a personal experience of buying a legitimate Windows 8.1 key from a third-party site at a much lower price, emphasizing the affordability and ease of acquiring genuine Windows licenses online. The overall sentiment is informational, with a focus on licensing options, costs, and purchasing strategies.
Saltgrass

Saltgrass

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Thread Author #1
Looking at the pricing on Newegg for the two versions of 8.1 Pro, I have to wonder why the full version gives you the 64 and 32 bit versions but at a cost of $199, while the OEM 64 bit version is $139. No extra license included in the Retail version, just another $10 CD?

I am assuming the 8.1 EULA has not restricted the OEM versions and still allows for changing computers, so if you did not need the 32 bit version of Windows 8.1 Pro, is there a reason to purchase the full version? Such as, does the Retail version have more install or repair options than the OEM version?

Is there a difference in the way the two versions are installed, as far as the licensing? Any Special procedures for the OEM version?

Thanks.
 

davidhk129

davidhk129

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#2
Does this article clarify your query?
I am still a little foggy after reading it.
http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/windows-81-oem-media

This is the part I don't understand.......( quote )
the Windows 8.1 OEM editions are the Full version of the product and are designed to be installed on a single new PC only.
Unlike the retail media, you cannot use OEM media to upgrade an existing version of Windows to Windows 8.1.................end quote.

So, can I use the OEM media to do a clean install on my Win 7 ?
 

Last edited:
Saltgrass

Saltgrass

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Thread Author #3
The Quote from the link says the OEM is for a single New PC only. Since all versions (except multi-licensed) are for a single PC, does the "New" part signify anything the Retail license does not? The Windows 8 OEM EULA states the license can be moved to another machine, which is the change from prior OEM licenses to which I refer.

They say both versions get a license key, so still not seeing any difference, unless the key is handled in a different manner than the retail version.

The fact is says you cannot use the OEM to upgrade a previous version seems to be relevant, but I always do clean installs so it may not be.

From logical point of view, the price for the License is +$50, for the Retail, above the OEM. Finding something to justify that extra cost would ease my concerns. (the $ numbers I am using are just wags, so they don't have to be precise)

Thanks for the response.

Full version. As with previous Windows versions, the Windows 8.1 OEM editions are the Full version of the product and are designed to be installed on a single new PC only. Unlike the retail media, you cannot use OEM media to upgrade an existing version of Windows to Windows 8.1.
Click to expand...
 

Saltgrass

Saltgrass

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Thread Author #4
I have decided not to purchase anything right now. I will wait until next year and see if I like Windows 8.2.. ;)
 

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