Windows OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer):
It is permanently tied to the first computer it is installed on
It cannot be transferred to another PC, even if the first one is retired
It costs less than the Retail version
Technical support is provided by the computer manufacturer, not directly by Microsoft
It is usually pre-installed on PCs purchased from manufacturers
Windows Retail:
It can be transferred from one computer to another (but can only be active on one device at a time)
It costs more than the OEM version
Technical support is provided directly by Microsoft
It is sold as a standalone product, often in physical packages or as a digital download
It offers greater flexibility for users who change hardware frequently
Identical functionality: Both versions offer the same operating system functionality - the only difference is the licensing and support terms.
The choice depends on your needs: if you plan to change computers or significantly upgrade your hardware, the Retail license is more cost-effective in the long run despite the higher initial cost.
