[REQUEST] CDKDEALS Trustworthy For Buying Win 10 Pro?

[frase]

Here we go..



Myself I generally just purchase direct via MS. Less hassle is 100% legit = peace of mind.

 

[cypress]

I bought one of these keys recently from some site for like $10 to test with. Put it into PID checker and it comes back as a valid retail key. I successfully upgraded my Windows 10 Home to Pro with it. I wouldn't be surprised if it failed to work in the future.

That being said I would rather buy a legit license that I know is never going to fail me.

I also would never buy any of these shady licenses for a customer nor direct them to acquire one. I always insist on proper licenses from the proper channels.

100% I will not risk my reputation or trust with a client to save some money on a questionable license key.

 

[sapphirescales]

The only legitimate way to purchase an upgrade is via the Microsoft store or via Amazon

Or an authorized distributor. But yeah, if you're buying retail then Best Buy, Microcenter, Amazon, Office Depot/Max, or directly from Microsoft are the only sources you should consider.

 

[britechguy]

100% I will not risk my reputation or trust with a client to save some money on a questionable license key.

Nor will I. But if I have a client who is financially strapped (and I have) they get to make the choice they wish after reading:

On the Grey Market

That allows them to make an informed decision. It's not my choice to make. The only thing I won't do is black market or hacked/cracked software. But if they want a grey market license they obtain it, I just do the work afterward, and if it won't install, it's up to them to deal with whatever comes next.

 

[frase]

Nor will I. But if I have a client who is financially strapped (and I have) they get to make the choice they wish after reading:

On the Grey Market

That allows them to make an informed decision. It's not my choice to make. The only thing I won't do is black market or hacked/cracked software. But if they want a grey market license they obtain it, I just do the work afterward, and if it won't install, it's up to them to deal with whatever comes next.

No way would I do that, it opens yourself up to a darker shade of grey area. Legit key via MS or they can go elsewhere, I am not a charity it is what it is.

 

[britechguy]

And, again, we're each allowed to set our own practices.

 

[fincoder]

Legit key via MS or they can go elsewhere

Or for full licenses, from a distributor of Microsoft products, like Ingram, Synnex, Leader.

Unfortunately for Home-to-Pro upgrade-only licenses, there is only Microsoft via the app store, or (in Australia) Harvey Norman retail chain. These options are cheaper, however, than buying a full OEM or retail license. HN must have an exclusive agreement, they probably sell quite a few because none of their computers come with Pro!

By the way, OEM licenses are a full license, not upgrade-only. They've always worked fine to upgrade a running Home system to Pro. That's because they're a full license that would be legal to install from scratch, so why wouldn't the 'anytime upgrade' with OEM key be allowed?

 

[MDD1963]

I am bombarded by quite a few 'grey market' key seller adds on FB, the typical "Get Office Pro 2019 for $14!", or 'Win10 Pro for $15!',etc...

Certainly not a legit one in the bunch with those prices...

 

[nlinecomputers]

By the way, OEM licenses are a full license, not upgrade-only. They've always worked fine to upgrade a running Home system to Pro. That's because they're a full license that would be legal to install from scratch, so why wouldn't the 'anytime upgrade' with OEM key be allowed?

Because Microsoft prohibits that. OEM licenses are for systems you have built only. You're not allowed to install it on anything else. That's what the retail boxed version is for.

 

[fincoder]

OEM licenses are for systems you have built only

I'm not sure they're restricted to that only. Is there some license condition or other stated rule that says an OEM license can't be used on a system built by another party? Or can't be used if a system already has a different OEM license?

There has been a lot of mythology about Windows OEM licenses over the decades. Many Australian parts resellers would only sell an OEM license with other hardware, implying or even stating it was a Microsoft requirement. If it was a requirement once upon a time (doubtful), it hasn't been for a long time. But budget resellers kept up the ruse to help sales. Some people to this day believe OEM can only be purchased alongside a motherboard or hard drive due to Microsoft's rules, which is obviously incorrect.

Even the OEM condition of no transfer to another machine isn't very clear. It merely says the license must stay 'with the licensed device'. But because changing a motherboard breaks activation, many assume it breaks the license conditions but that isn't clarified in the license terms. Is a PC with just motherboard changed the same device? I say yes, and Windows 10 even has an activation troubleshooter that facilities the reactivation after hardware changes.

 

[nlinecomputers]

I'm not sure they're restricted to that only. Is there some license condition or other stated rule that says an OEM license can't be used on a system built by another party? Or can't be used if a system already has a different OEM license?

There has been a lot of mythology about Windows OEM licenses over the decades. Many Australian parts resellers would only sell an OEM license with other hardware, implying or even stating it was a Microsoft requirement. If it was a requirement once upon a time (doubtful), it hasn't been for a long time. But budget resellers kept up the ruse to help sales. Some people to this day believe OEM can only be purchased alongside a motherboard or hard drive due to Microsoft's rules, which is obviously incorrect.

Even the OEM condition of no transfer to another machine isn't very clear. It merely says the license must stay 'with the licensed device'. But because changing a motherboard breaks activation, many assume it breaks the license conditions but that isn't clarified in the license terms. Is a PC with just motherboard changed the same device? I say yes, and Windows 10 even has an activation troubleshooter that facilities the reactivation after hardware changes.

According to Microsoft’s System Builder License https://devicepartner.microsoft.com/en-us/assets/detail/TCsSystemBuilderENG-pdf you are only allowed to use OEM software that you build for resell and you must preinstall it using the OPK. That is the ONLY method you are allowed to use. If you are building your own system you are supposed to be using the retail version, that’s what it is for. This has been the rule from Windows 7. The only exception is Windows 8, which DID add a personal build clause because they offered no retail version of 8. Windows 8.1 reversed that and returned it to the previous rules. Of course the reality is that Amazon and Newegg sell tons of Windows 10 OEM to DIY cloner builders and Microsoft doesn’t care because they know such a market would pirate before paying full retail.

 

[Sky-Knight]

What @nlinecomputers says is true, but it's not well enforced... or at all really.

There was a time when you couldn't even buy the things without hardware to go with it, and that gave rise to a drive shortage as everyone would purchase the cheapest hard disk they could along with the OEM licensed whatever to save money. These days the price gap between OEM and Retail isn't sufficient to be worth it IMHO. The portability rights alone are well worth the $40.

If your OEM license deactivates for whatever reason, you're not getting it back. Retail is a phone call and reset.

 

[fincoder]

only allowed to use OEM software that you build for resell

OK, you're right. I looked up the OEM license conditions before posting but not the System Builder conditions.

The portability rights alone are well worth the $40.

They would be except that, in practice, Microsoft doesn't distinguish between OEM and retail when allowing transfers using the activation troubleshooter. Hence gamers and home-enthusiasts don't care if it helps them stay under a tight budget. Some don't even activate their install and live with a watermark and no Personalisation settings.

 

[Sky-Knight]

Why are you using the home troubleshooter? You call them, tell them your license type and demand reactivation. I've never had one refuse on a retail.

 

[fincoder]

It's far easier just going into Settings > Updates & Security > Activation. A couple more clicks including 'My hardware has changed' and confirming Microsoft account, then hey-presto! it's activated. Regardless of OEM or retail license.

 

[Sky-Knight]

It's far easier just going into Settings > Updates & Security > Activation. A couple more clicks including 'My hardware has changed' and confirming Microsoft account, then hey-presto! it's activated. Regardless of OEM or retail license.

And that's great, but when it doesn't work you dial the toll free number.