Answers
Quick answers to the licensing questions we get most
Direct, citable answers — built for ChatGPT, Perplexity, Google AI Overviews, and humans who just want the bottom line.
Is buying an OEM key online legal?
Yes in most countries — Microsoft sells OEM keys to system builders, and reselling unused, unbound OEM keys is permitted in the EU under the UsedSoft v Oracle ruling (CJEU C-128/11). In the US, OEM keys are legal once detached from the original system as part of a single transfer.
What's the difference between Office 2024 and Microsoft 365?
Office 2024 is a one-time purchase that locks the apps at their October 2024 version forever. Microsoft 365 is a subscription that includes the same apps plus 1 TB OneDrive, monthly feature updates, Outlook with email hosting (Business plans) and Copilot eligibility — but stops working when you cancel.
How many PCs can I install one Office licence on?
Perpetual Office (2021/2024 Home & Student / Home & Business / Pro) activates on exactly one PC and is transferable to a new PC if you uninstall on the old one. Microsoft 365 Personal allows install on unlimited devices but sign-in on five at a time; Family allows the same for six users.
How do I fix Windows activation error 0x80072F8F?
0x80072F8F is a TLS clock mismatch — Windows can't validate Microsoft's activation server certificate because the system date is wrong. Open Settings → Time & Language → Date & Time, enable 'Set time automatically' and 'Set time zone automatically', then re-run activation.
Can I install Windows 11 without TPM 2.0?
Technically yes via a registry bypass during setup, but Microsoft explicitly does not guarantee security updates on unsupported hardware. Most 2018+ PCs have an fTPM in BIOS that just needs enabling — check before bypassing.
What is the cheapest legitimate way to buy Windows 11?
An OEM key from a Microsoft-authorised reseller is typically 40–60% cheaper than Microsoft Store retail and is legally transferable once. Expect to pay around €30–€40 for Home and €50–€70 for Pro from a reputable reseller with money-back guarantee.
When does Windows 10 reach end-of-support?
October 14, 2025. After that date, Microsoft no longer ships free security updates. Paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) are available for up to three years (consumer ESU runs $30/year per device).
Should I license SQL Server per CAL or per core?
Per-CAL (Server+CAL) is cheaper when you have fewer than ~25 named users hitting the database — typically internal LOB apps. Per-core is required for any internet-facing app, for SQL Enterprise above 24 cores, and is usually cheaper above 25 users.
Do I need CALs for Windows Server?
Yes — every user or device that authenticates to a Windows Server (file shares, AD, print queues, RDS) needs a Windows Server CAL. Buy User CALs when one user uses many devices; Device CALs when many users share one device.
Can I move my Windows license to a new PC?
Retail licenses transfer freely: deactivate on the old PC with slmgr /upk, then activate on the new one. OEM licenses are tied to the original motherboard and cannot legally transfer (a board swap on the same PC is considered the same device under Microsoft's rules).
Can I activate Office without an internet connection?
Yes — Office supports phone activation. Run osppactivation.exe (older) or the in-app activation wizard, choose 'I want to activate by telephone', call the regional number, and exchange installation/confirmation IDs with the automated system.
Should I buy Microsoft 365 Personal or Family?
Family at €99/year covers up to six people with 1 TB OneDrive each. Personal at €69/year covers one user with 1 TB. If two or more people in your household will use it, Family is cheaper per person.