You've found the software you want, and now there's a word next to it: Retail. Does it matter? Usually you won't think about it again, right up until you replace your computer. That's when it matters a lot.
The three types
Retail
Think of this as the license that belongs to you and not to a particular machine. It's the type sold to individuals. If you replace your PC, you can generally remove it from the old one and activate it on the new one, one PC at a time.
OEM
This is the copy of Windows that came with your laptop. It's tied to that machine and is meant to live and die with it. Support normally comes from the company that built the computer, not Microsoft.
Volume
Made for organisations buying many copies at once and managed centrally by an IT team. They aren't intended for one person with one PC.
| Retail | OEM | Volume | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Made for | Individuals | A specific new PC | Organisations |
| Move to a new PC? | Generally yes | Generally no | Under the organisation's agreement |
| Who sets it up | You | The PC maker | The IT team |
How to see what you've got
For Windows, there's a command that tells you directly:
- Press Windows + R, type
cmdand press Enter. - Type
slmgr /dliand press Enter. - After a moment, a window appears. Look for "RETAIL", "OEM" or "VOLUME" in the description.
What we sell
The Windows, Office, Project and Visio products in our catalog are listed as retail licenses, and each covers one PC. You'll see the details in the Key Features table on every product page, so you know exactly what you're getting before you buy.
Questions? Our FAQs cover the common ones, or you can ask us directly.