OEM system builder licensing

Created Date 2017-03-13 |  Modified Date 2017-03-14

The Microsoft OEM System Builder License is designed to make it easy for system builders to acquire and distribute genuine Microsoft software with the systems that they build and sell. The licensing information found here will help you understand the OEM System Builder License, which is an agreement between you, the system builder, and Microsoft.

Which Windows client license is right for your customer?

Windows 10 licensing

With Windows 10, Microsoft has decided to keep a straightforward set of Windows editions to avoid complexity and challenges that come from multiple editions. Additionally, there will be limited changes to the System Builder License Agreement. Find out what has changed for both the retail full-packaged product (FPP) and the system builder license.

See the Windows 10 licensing guide.

Windows 8.1 licensing

To simplify the number of SKUs at retail and prevent customer confusion, Microsoft has made some changes to Windows 8.1 licensing. Find out what has changed for both the retail full-packaged product (FPP) and the System Builder License.

See the Windows 8.1 licensing guide.

Windows 8 licensing

The Windows 8 Licensing guide details the use of Windows 8 software in COEM. It discusses both the System Builder License and the Personal Use License and scenarios under which they may be used.

For more information, see the Windows 8 licensing guide.

The OEM system builder licensing experience

The following Microsoft OEM system builder licensing resources include licensing information relating to Microsoft products and the importance of genuine Microsoft software for the system builder audience.

OEM system builder licensing guide
This guide will help you understand Microsoft licensing for Windows 10 and Windows Server products. Topics include how to acquire, preinstall, and distribute Microsoft software on computers that you build and sell.