Affordable window codes
Affordable window codes
I understand. My reasoning was simpler when we considered its value over the next 5-10 years. Now I need to evaluate it against something still pricier in cost or usage, like GPUs. I had to purchase a new license when upgrading to AM5 three years ago. The previous key worked well for ten years. Edited January 2 by LogicalDrm
I'm not endorsing OEM keys for $10. Yet many believe they are. If you receive a one-time $10 key, for $200 you could unlock 20 MB. Purchasing a full W11 Pro license and expecting a 10-year lifespan would mean changing the MB every six months just to cover costs—unless the usage stays consistent. Most licenses remain OEM or enterprise, which makes it odd they charge such high prices. It probably only reaches 0.01% of users paying the full amount.
Most of the YouTubers you see promoting products seem genuine and likely real, even if they're not approved for the US. I bought two for around $20 each and have used them without any problems. Also, it seems Windows 7 keys still function during installation. I won't discuss anything specific because of forum rules. I'll link this, though—I think linking one of Linus' videos is okay lol.
You assess the situation by evaluating who might have had access and what financial implications exist. A genuine OEM such as Dell wouldn't typically sell activation keys publicly. It seems someone inside the company may have produced extra keys. If those keys were created without payment to Microsoft, they likely belong to Microsoft. Conversely, if the key was made and Dell wasn't compensated for it, then Dell would be at fault. The logic hinges on who controlled the cost and who could legally activate Windows.
Ebay isn't the place to get them. There are legitimate place selling them. Typically, they are not OEM but Retail keys destined to parts of the world where much lower prices are normal. Plenty of information on what is going on look at some of the more legitimate youtubers. Quite a few big ones have videos on it. If you're looking super cheap like $5 OEM then yeah may be stolen.