Before discussing whether OEM software is legal or not, let’s briefly discuss what OEM actually is? OEM means Original Equipment Manufacture. Top software companies like Microsoft generally distribute OEM software to only those companies or individuals who have registered themselves with Microsoft as system builders. OEM means no overhead cost, no booklets and no DVD/CD packing. You can just buy the software from the manufacturer and can save up to 70%. This software is only for system builders who can install it on their computer for retail sale to end user (customer).

Companies that manufacture original software do not sell it to any normal buyer. In order to buy soft copy of any software directly from the company, buyers have to register themselves then only they will be eligible to purchase any software manufactured by that particular company. OEM software’s are the legal copies of software having license that its buyer can use. It is illegal to sell OEM software directly in to the market as it is against companies norms under which buyers have registered themselves. If any how company gets to know that its product is being pirated it can directly cancel the license of the software in order to stop further  piracy and the customer who has already purchased pirated software will not be able to update it online. Suppose any customer has purchased Windows 7 from the shop. If that operating system is copied version of original one, his/her desktop will start showing one message as “Microsoft Windows 7 is not genuine” and after sometime operating system will be corrupted.

Some people can make clones of OEM software using CDROM duplication software and can sell it as legal. However if caught the manufacturer can be arrested or fined. So we can say that buying OEM software directly from the internet or any shopping website is illegal. Even if you don’t care about the status and financial growth of software companies, keep it clear that software cannot be sold to customers directly. If any registered vendor is selling you OEM software, he is violating basic rules of that license with the software company. You may see in many websites offering you OEM software at special discounts than retailers, but the problem with it is that OEM software is often illegal. Another problem with OES purchasing ads are that it’s not even original. Its illegal pirated copies of software.

If you are willing to sell OEM software illegally, you may not be able to update your software or may get caught by police or have to pay huge penalties. To conclude OEM Software is only legal when used by computer manufacturers to install in their machines. But when these manufacturers or some other source start copying OEM Software and selling it in market, it becomes illegal.

Window 7 OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) is one of the products of software released by the Microsoft. This software is used by popular vendors in computer and laptop categories like Dell, Lenovo, HP etc. This software is not only applicable to branded vendors but users who have assembled PC can also buy Window 7 OEM for their system. Window 7 OEM is identical to other retail editions in features. Also this version of Windows can be upgraded anytime that means you can upgrade Window Premium version to Windows 7 Ultimate. Now the question is If Windows 7 is almost similar to other versions then how do they differ with retail editions and why they are available in the market at lower price?

If you are planning to go for retail edition of windows 7 you won’t get any fancy or manual packaging with it. With retail edition of Window 7 you will get 64-bit and 32-bit discs but with Window 7 OEM edition you can get either 32-bit edition or 64-bit edition but not both. Also even if you are getting 32-bit and 63-bit along with retail edition, you won’t be able to install both of them instead you can install either 64-bit edition or 32-bit edition on your PC or laptop. If you are having a retail copy of Window 7 then you will get support from Microsoft as soon as you activate your retail edition but if you buy OEM version of Windows 7 you have to visit your Laptop or PC vendor for active support.

If you have to assemble PC and you want to buy OEM version of Windows 7 then may get limited or no active support and you have to take help of Google to solve problem associated with Window 7 OEM version. Another major difference is in terms of licensing. If you have license of retail copy of Window 7, it means that you have got ownership of license which means that you can install that window 7 versions on one system and also you can install it on another different PC. Once you uninstalled it from the computer on which it was installed earlier you can activate Window 7 license online. But Window 7 OEM edition can only be installed on one PC because as soon as it get installed it get’s tied to Motherboard which means that the license is limited to that particular system only and you can not install It on any other computer system. You can reinstall Window 7 OEM on that particular system again and again but not on different systems. One of the best features that Microsoft provides you is that you can transfer OEM license to another system Motherboard in case of any hardware failure, but always remember that activation can be done only through phone which means that you have to explain to Microsoft that what happen your motherboard which makes you transfer license of OEM license to new motherboard of PC.

So anyone who is interested to buy Window 7 OEM software should remember the differences mentioned above before buying this software. If you know how to build your PC perfectly then you can buy Window 7 OEM software edition. If you are sure that you are not going to transfer license of OEM edition then you can go or windows 7 OEM.

OEM stands for ‘Original Equipment Manufacture’. OEM software does not need CD or DVD, booklets, packing case etc. Simply, OEM software stands for lowest price with excellence. You can directly purchase it from the manufacturer and the only payment you have to make is for the software. In this way, you can bank 75-90%. OEM Software is the software which is installed on your machine, or provided with the machine, when you buy a new one. So, whether you are planning to buy or download OEM software, the following account will be very helpful for you. Go through this account carefully that harmonizes about OEM software download.

Buying the OEM Software

You pay for a printer and you get a third-party, program of photo editing along with it. Under the license of an OEM, the software has been supplied to the printer manufacturer. And it can only be sold or given away with that specific printer.


Sometimes, you will also come across that generally OEM software is accompanied by a manual or a box. If you have experienced its software and are satisfied with it then, not having a manual won't be a problem. Although a majority of OEM software still comes with the built-in help system. Some OEM software is a cut down adaptation of their retail counterpart. So, it is vital that you always make sure that the software has all of the features that you are looking for.

The software vendors, such as Microsoft, provide OEM Versions of software to manufacturers for mass distribution on new hardware. Sometimes there is no difference between an OEM version of Windows and its retail counterpart. May times though, the hardware company will customize the operating system in such a way that it installs displays their logo on boot, drives for their specific hardware, or other things that are related to that particular manufacturer.

Comparing Costs

The difference in cost between OEM software and full retail software can be enormous. So, if there is no box, no manual and no technical support; it is not a problem. In this case, it can be a bargain. In a majority of countries, the most of OEM software must be purchased with hardware that accompanies with it and arrives for you to be bought, right from the manufacturer.
It is noteworthy that the OEM software programs are to a great extent less expensive than retail versions of the same software.

Prevention while Making Transactions for OEM Software

Never overlook to check the license of OEM software before you sell it or buy it. By checking its license, make sure that you fulfill with all its legal requirements. So, always, check its license before buying or selling it.

Microsoft is inclining up implement of software authenticity. If the software you are running is determined to be an OEM version that has been negotiated and purchased illegally then may be you will not get product updates, including serious safety patches. So, now you know about buying of OEM software and OEM software download, get it on your system and enjoy its benefits.