Windows OEM Install vs. Windows Retail Install

[Eggbert]

Hi,

I was curious as to the difference between installing Windows 7 OEM and Windows 7 retail version. I'm building my first PC and am on somewhat of a budget, so I'm interested in the OEM version of Windows 7. However, since this is my first build I don't really want to go down this route if it is more difficult to install than the standard retail version - is this the case?

I don't really mind about the single install only thing, as by the time I upgrade my mobo we'll probably be well into Windows 8, and the lack of manuals etc. doesn't bother me too much either as I'm usually OK with installs without using manuals. It's just the actual install process I'm worried about.

Thanks a bunch!

[aidanjt]

None what so ever. The only real difference between the two is the license involved.

[dangel]

It's the same physical software - the difference is in the licensing terms. OEM licences are supposed to be sold and used against one specific piece of hardware whereas retail licences are transferable. There is no difference when installing it.

[Eggbert]

Aha, I see. That's great - I was just looking for confirmation of that really, as I said I've never built a PC and didn't now what to expect. Thanks!

[art vandelay]

Ditto what's been said but a retail license is so much more flexible for the extra £40 in my opinion. When you upgrade your machine to Windows 8 - you effectively lose the Windows 7 OEM license. If you buy retail, you could install this on another machine (PC building is addictive ). Or if you upgrade the machine you're building significantly you can sometimes have trouble with an OEM license since it may be deemed by Microsoft to be a new machine - with the retail license you can transfer the license to the "new" machine.