TYPES OF WINDOWS PRODUCT KEY

TYPES OF WINDOWS PRODUCT KEY

There are three types of Windows product key:-

• Retail Key : This when you buy a Full Packaged Product (FPP), commonly known as a "boxed copy", of Windows from a retail merchant or purchases Windows online from the Microsoft Store. Product keys can be transferred to another PC. This type of key can be used after doing change in hardware also (by suitable method).

• OEM : Product keys are issued by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and are not-for-resale and may not be transferred to another computer. They may, however, be transferred with the computer if the computer is transferred to new ownership. If the OEM PC came pre-installed with Windows 8 or Windows 10, then the product key will be embedded in the UEFI firmware chip. Generally this type of key comes with pre-installed Windows laptops. Normally these keys cannot be used after doing change in hardware.

• Volume license key : KMS Client and Volume MAK product keys, are volume license keys that are not-for-resale. They are issued by organizations for use on client computers associated in some way with the organization. Volume license keys may not be transferred with the computer if the computer changes ownership. This form of licensing typically applies for business, government and educational institutions, with prices for volume licensing varying depending on the type, quantity and applicable subscription-term. A volume license key (VLK) denotes the product key used when installing software licensed in bulk, which allows a single product key to be used for multiple installations. For example, the Windows Enterprise edition or Professional edition is activated with a volume license key.