Are cheap OEM Windows keys legal? Who should use OEM Windows keys?

What is an OEM Windows key?

OEM (original equipment manufacturer) such as DELL, Lenovo, HP, etc. Keys are licenses purchased by original equipment manufacturers to pre-install Windows operating systems on new devices. This means that OEM keys are usually bundled with hardware, such as Dell, HP or Lenovo, which pre-install Windows operating systems on their computers and obtain lower-priced OEM keys through bulk purchases. Since these keys are designed for new devices, the cost is much lower than retail Windows keys.

Are cheap OEM keys legal?

In short, OEM keys themselves are legal. Microsoft allows original equipment manufacturers to purchase and use these keys to pre-install operating systems. However, the problem lies in the scope of use and resale of OEM keys.

Legality depends on the source
If you buy an OEM key from a reputable merchant or website, it is usually legal. However, OEM keys are only authorized for use on specific hardware. Therefore, reselling these keys may violate Microsoft’s use agreement. For example, some merchants may sell these OEM keys to individual users at a lower price, and although these keys are technically valid, they do not comply with Microsoft’s retail licensing regulations.

Hardware Binding Restrictions
Another issue that affects the legality of OEM key use is its binding to the hardware. OEM keys are usually bound to the device hardware used when first activated, especially the motherboard. If you replace the device or motherboard, the OEM key may not transfer to the new device, which is different from the use of retail keys. Therefore, OEM keys are not the best choice for users who want to install Windows multiple times on different devices.

Why are OEM keys so cheap?
There are several main reasons why OEM keys are cheap:

Bulk purchases
Original equipment manufacturers purchase keys in large quantities at one time for pre-installation on a large number of new devices. This bulk purchase makes the cost of a single key significantly lower.

Exclusive use for pre-installed devices
OEM keys are usually designed to be pre-installed on new devices, so they do not have the flexibility and support services of retail versions. This exclusive use makes them cheaper.

Resale Market
Some merchants obtain OEM keys from other channels and resell them to consumers, causing these keys to circulate in the market. This practice may result in low prices, but there are certain risks in terms of legitimacy and stability.

Risks of using cheap OEM keys
While cheap OEM keys may seem like a good deal, there are also certain risks:

Non-transferable
OEM keys can only be activated once and are tied to specific hardware. If you change your device or upgrade your hardware, you may need to purchase a new key.

Limited Microsoft technical support

Unlike retail versions, OEM Windows keys usually do not include direct technical support from Microsoft, and you need to obtain support through the device manufacturer.

Gray market risks
Purchasing OEM keys from unreliable vendors may result in the key you obtain not being able to activate or use. If the key is obtained through illegal means or in violation of Microsoft’s licensing agreement, there is a risk that it cannot be used.

Conclusion
Cheap OEM Windows keys are legal, but only if you buy them from a reliable source and understand their limitations. The low price of OEM keys is mainly due to their bulk purchase and hardware-bound nature, which is suitable for users who do not need to frequently change devices or motherboards. However, you must be careful when purchasing, make sure the vendor is reputable, and understand the limitations and potential risks that OEM keys may bring.

If you are looking for flexibility and long-term support, a retail key may be a better choice; but if you only need a one-time activation on a single device, a cheap OEM key is still a cost-effective and legal option.