Can a Windows 7 retail key be used to activate an OEM installation?


  1. orion44
    Posts : 12
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       New #1

    Can a Windows 7 retail key be used to activate an OEM installation?


    I have an OEM installation disc of Windows 7 from CyberPowerPC that includes Windows 7 Home, Pro, and Ultimate. I have an OEM key for Windows 7 Pro (since that is the only OEM version of Windows 7 Microsoft allows for new PCs any more).

    My question is, if I purchase a legitimate copy of Windows 7 Ultimate - retail version - can the product key be used to activate an OEM installation of Windows 7 Ultimate.

    Bonus question: Can I use the Window 7 Ultimate retail key to upgrade my OEM copy of Windows 7 Pro via the Windows Anytime Upgrade feature?

    The only other post I found on this matter was Can You Install OEM Windows 7 and use Retail Product Key and I need a little more reassurance, if any knows.


    Thanks for your time!
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  3. Ranger4
    Posts : 9,746
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit sp1
       New #2

    You should not have any problems, providing you make sure you install Windows 7 Ultimate & you have a retail Windows 7 Ultimate activation key. You cannot use the Ultimate key for other versions of Windows such as Home Premium.

    The answer to your bonus question is, you can only use your retail Ultimate key to activate ONE installation of Windows 7 Ultimate at any one time, so if you have already used it once you cannot use it again until you remove the original installation.
    Last edited by Ranger4; 16 Dec 2015 at 15:50. Reason: Needed editing.
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  4. Layback Bear
    Posts : 25,847
    Windows 10 Pro. 64/ version 1709 Windows 7 Pro/64
       New #3

    Lots of luck finding Windows 7 Ultimate Retail that is legal.
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  6. orion44
    Posts : 12
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       New #4

    I was able to find a legit copy of Windows 7 Ultimate on eBay and activated it with no issues. So I can confirm you can use a Retail key on an OEM installation.
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  7. Brds7t7
    Posts : 1,797
    Win 7 Ultimate, Win 8.1 Pro, Linux Mint 19 Cinnamon (All 64-Bit)
       New #5

    In Windows XP if you wanted to activate an OEM version you needed an OEM disc and OEM key. In Windows 7 it's a little easier as you can install using either an OEM or Retail disc. It's the key that determines the type (OEM or Retail) anyway.
    I've activated both Retail and OEM versions of 7 using the same Retail disc.
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