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About Windows Server 2019
A Windows licence is a one-time key that activates the operating system on your PC. The main choice is the edition — Home covers everyday use, while Pro adds BitLocker drive encryption, Remote Desktop, Hyper-V virtualisation and the ability to join a domain. Server editions are for businesses running Active Directory or hosting workloads.
The other choice is the licence type. A Retail key is transferable — you can move it to a new PC when you upgrade. An OEM key is cheaper but tied to the first machine it activates. Prices for the exact same key vary widely between stores, which is why comparing before you buy typically saves the most here.
What you're buying
A genuine activation key for Windows that you redeem yourself. Retail keys are transferable between PCs; OEM keys are locked to one machine. We list the licence type on each offer so you know what you are buying — we never present a one-machine OEM key as a transferable retail one.
Delivery & activation
Every offer we list is a digital license delivered by email — usually within minutes of purchase. You buy on the store; we only compare live prices and link you out. No physical disc, no shipping.
Why is the same windows & os a different price at each store?
Stores compete on digital licence prices and run different regional and promotional deals, so the identical licence can vary widely between them. We track every store live and surface the lowest current price — the same approach behind our cross-store price study. Prices update continuously; check the comparison above for today's cheapest.
Frequently asked questions
All Windows & OS →What is the difference between Windows Home and Pro?
Both run every app and game. Pro adds business and power-user features: BitLocker encryption, Remote Desktop (host), Hyper-V virtualisation, Group Policy and domain join. For home and gaming use, Home is enough; choose Pro if you need those specific features.
What is the difference between a Retail and an OEM key?
A Retail key can be moved to a new PC when you replace hardware. An OEM key is cheaper but permanently tied to the first motherboard it activates. Both activate the same Windows — the difference is transferability.
Are these Windows keys genuine?
We compare offers from established key stores. Genuine retail and OEM keys sit in the main comparison; the licence type is labelled on every offer. Always read the offer details for the activation method before buying.
How do I activate Windows with a key?
Install Windows, then go to Settings → System → Activation → Change product key and enter your key. Some OEM keys use phone activation — the store provides instructions.
Why is the same Windows key cheaper here?
Stores compete on digital licence prices and run different regional and OEM deals. We surface the lowest live price across every store we track so you do not overpay versus buying direct.
- Live prices across trusted stores
- Instant digital delivery — keys & licenses by email
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