Windows 8.1 64 bit OEM vs Retail...Building my own.

[shadow9d9]

It seems like retail is $20 more expensive. Is there a reason to go with the more expensive version? Thanks!

 

[CRCSUX]

No

 

[postmortemIA]

used to be, apparently that changed with Windows 8
OEM - will be locked to your PC, so you will have problem using this copy when you make new PC down the road
retail - can be used on any single PC

 

[Seba]

With Windows 8.1 (non-pro), there is no reason to choose OEM. The price difference is negligible.

With retail (FPP) version you can transfer it to another PC and you also have both 32 bit and 64 bit versions.

With OEM, the license is locked to one PC (and, at least here, the PC and Windows 8.1 must be sold together, on the same Invoice - otherwise it is the same as using a pirated version). And the OEM is either 32 bit or 64 bit (you can not switch later).

With Windows 7 (all versions) and with Windows 8.1 Pro, the price difference is bigger between same version in OEM and in Retail.

 

[ViRGE]

Seba, the OEM license restriction was lifted as of Win 8.x. OEM (System Builder) and Retail copies can both be transferred to new machines. So other than the ability to install it as an upgrade, there's little reason to pick Retail over OEM.

http://www.microsoft.com/oem/en/licensing/sblicensing/Pages/personal-use-license.aspx

 

[Seba]

AFAIK, they changed it again with 8.1. and then partially reverted that change or something like that.

For $20 more I would choose the version that does not require a lawyer attached.

For upgrading there is an entirely different license. But of course you can use any Retail license to replace an older OS.