Windows License Summary (Quick Comparison Chart)

[kathy025]

Hi guys,

I have found this handy comparison table for the most common types of Windows Licenses.

Source: What Microsoft won't tell you about Windows 7 licensing | ZDNet

Hope it helps.

 

[UsernameIssues]

Thanks for posting that

Bookmarked.

 

[NoelDP]

Shame it's not factually accurate

Both OEM licenses are valid for both bitnesses, so long as proper installation media are used
It's simply that the media are only provided for one bitness, rather than both, as in Retail products.

I suspect that the chart's creators will wriggle out of that using the word 'Switch'

Anytime Upgrade licenses are also valid for both bitnesses - and/but require the appropriate bitness qualifying OS to be installed and activated/validated before it can upgrade the system

OEM Licenses require clean installation (they don't just allow it).

Retail Upgrade licenses can be clean installed(with a bit of fiddling), and as far as I am aware, they don't require telephone activation.


ALL Windows Licenses require Activation - it's just that it's not visible in the case of OEM_SLP Keys (until something goes wrong), and there is the alternative of KMS Activation for Volume Licensing editions (Pro and Enterprise).

 

[kathy025]

Thanks Noel.

Maybe the well-experienced members and 7eterans of this forum can create a more accurate comparison chart. I like the layout of their table though.

 

[NoelDP]

There are a lot of 'if's' and 'but's' around the subject - I've never seen a full rundown yet, although I've attempted to make a few myself.