What does OEM mean? Easily explained

If you buy a laptop or PC with Windows pre-installed, you are always talking about an OEM version. We explain what this means in this practical tip.

Explanation: This means "OEM"

• "OEM" stands for the abbreviation of "Original Equipment Manufacturer" and means that the Windows version is not specifically for retail, but was installed in a complete system.
• The OEM versions are sold by Microsoft directly to the respective PC manufacturers at reasonable prices, who then install Windows themselves on the finished system. An OEM version of the PC manufacturer may not be sold separately. In 2000, the Federal Court of Justice announced in a ruling that OEM versions may also be sold separately from hardware, but large manufacturers such as Microsoft avoid this legal ruling by agreeing corresponding contracts with their customers.
• Therefore, there are usually no CDs or DVDs from the OEM versions in retail that you can use to install the system yourself.
• Occasionally, the manufacturers of the complete PCs include a CD with the operating system. However, it is now the rule that only the OEM key is included. With this you can then download the corresponding Windows directly from the Microsoft website.
• In some cases, the respective Windows version can be activated on a new PC system with the OEM key. However, please note that the key is then no longer valid on the old PC.
• Whether you can transfer the key to another PC depends, among other things, on the respective Windows version. If there is a problem with the activation, you will be shown the responsible Microsoft hotline. However, you should not necessarily tell here that you want to use the key on another PC. Often your key will be activated again or you will receive a replacement key.

If you want to purchase an OEM version of Windows 7 Professional, we present the cheapest providers on our price comparison page.