Windows Activation: Types of Licence, What OEM Means and What a Digital Licence Is

Plenty of people have seen the "Activate Windows" watermark in the bottom-right corner of the screen — after reinstalling the system, replacing a motherboard or buying a second-hand computer. Some ignore it, some buy a key for a couple of lari on a marketplace, and some run a dubious "activator". Let's look at how Windows licensing really works, what types of licence exist, why activation can be lost, and how to sort it out legally and reliably.

Why activation matters

Activation is a check that a copy of Windows is being used in line with its licence. An unactivated system still works, but with limits: you can't change the theme or wallpaper, a reminder stays on the screen and notifications pop up from time to time. More importantly, using an unactivated or illegally activated system on a work computer breaches the licence agreement — and for a business that's a legal risk too.

Types of Windows licence

OEM — preinstalled

A licence the manufacturer of a laptop or ready-built PC bought along with the device. On modern devices the key is embedded in the motherboard firmware, so when you install the same edition of Windows, activation happens automatically. An OEM licence is tied to that specific device and can't be moved to another computer.

Retail — boxed

A licence bought separately, in a shop or from an authorised seller. It can be moved to another computer as long as the system is removed from the old one. It costs more than OEM but gives you freedom when upgrading or replacing a computer.

Digital licence

An activation tied to the computer's hardware and stored on Microsoft's servers. You get one, for example, after a free upgrade from Windows 7/8/10 or a purchase from the Microsoft Store. If you link the digital licence to a Microsoft account, it's easier to restore after major hardware changes.

Volume licences

Volume Licensing (KMS, MAK) is for organisations with an agreement with Microsoft or a partner. These keys aren't meant for individuals and shouldn't be sold at retail. They're exactly what most often turns up in "cheap key" listings.

Why activation gets lost

• Motherboard replacement. To Windows this is effectively a new computer. An OEM licence formally doesn't transfer; a digital or Retail licence can often be restored with the activation troubleshooter if it was linked to a Microsoft account.
• A different edition installed. If a laptop came with Windows Home and Pro is installed, the key in the BIOS won't fit.
• A revoked key. Microsoft eventually blocks dubious keys bought cheaply — and a system that's run fine for months suddenly becomes unactivated.
• A system fault. Sometimes activation disappears after a major update or damage to system files, even though the licence is legitimate.

The risks of "cheap keys" and activators

Keys for the price of a lunch are usually resold volume keys, keys from education programmes or ones bought with stolen cards. They may work, but they can be blocked at any moment and the money won't come back. Illegal "activators" are worse still: they tamper with system files and services and very often contain malicious code — cryptominers, remote-access trojans and password stealers. We regularly see computers whose problems began right after this kind of "activation". There's more on this in our article on the risks of pirated Windows.

How to tell which licence you have

The activation status is shown in the system settings under "Activation". There you can see whether Windows is activated, which edition is installed and whether the licence is linked to a Microsoft account. The key sticker on older computers and laptops can also come in handy, but on modern devices the key in the firmware matters more. If you're not sure what licence you have, a technician can tell in a few minutes and suggest the legal route.

Legal ways to sort it out

• Install the edition of Windows that matches the device's OEM key — activation happens by itself.
• Restore a digital licence through your Microsoft account after a hardware change.
• Buy a Retail licence from an authorised seller or the Microsoft Store.
• For organisations — buy licences through a Microsoft partner, with paperwork for the accounts.

What our technician does

1. Checks the current activation status and the type of licence you have.
2. Determines whether there's a key in the device firmware and which edition it's for.
3. Reinstalls the correct edition or restores a digital licence.
4. If needed, helps you choose and buy a legitimate licence.
5. Removes traces of illegal activators and checks the system for malware.

A real example

The owner of a small shop in Gldani bought a used laptop: Windows Pro was "activated", but six months later an activation demand appeared on the screen. It turned out the previous owner had used an illegal activator, which had also installed a hidden cryptominer — hence the constantly roaring fan. The laptop's firmware held a legitimate OEM key for Windows Home. We saved her data, installed a clean copy of Windows Home, which activated automatically, and moved her files and programs across. The laptop became quieter and faster, and the licence was legal and cost her nothing.

Call a technician

If an activation demand has appeared on your screen or you're unsure whether your Windows is legitimate, we'll come to any district of Tbilisi around the clock. Learn more on our Windows installation, virus removal and computer setup pages.