Two Windows 11 Pro keys can look identical but behave very differently. The difference is the licence channel: retail, OEM or volume. Here's what each one means.
Retail keys
A retail key is sold on its own, separate from any computer. It activates Windows on one PC at a time and stays active for the life of that PC. Under Microsoft's licence terms, retail licences can generally be moved to a new PC after you remove them from the old one. If you plan to move a key you bought from us, message us first and we'll help.
OEM keys
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) licences come pre-installed on new PCs and laptops. They are tied to that first device, usually to its motherboard, and normally can't be moved to another PC. If you bought a branded laptop with Windows already on it, you almost certainly have an OEM licence.
Volume licences (MAK and KMS)
Volume licences are for companies and institutions that activate many PCs centrally. Be careful: “KMS activators” you find online pretend to be a company's activation server. That isn't a genuine licence. It's a crack, and it can stop working or bring malware with it.
How to check which licence your PC uses
- Press Windows + R, type
cmdand press Enter. - Type
slmgr /dliand press Enter. - A box shows the channel, for example RETAIL, OEM or VOLUME_KMSCLIENT, and whether Windows is licensed.
You can also open Settings → System → Activation to see whether Windows is active.
Which should you buy?
- Home users and freelancers: a genuine retail key. It's simple and lasts for life.
- Building or upgrading a PC: retail, so you're not tied to old hardware.
- Avoid: any “key” that comes with an activator tool, or that's sold as a volume or KMS key to a single home user.
Tecvane sells genuine Windows 11 Pro and Windows 10 Pro retail keys for Rs. 2,000, with lifetime activation and a 1-year replacement warranty. See the Windows activation guide.