What a “lifetime” Windows licence really means

BySmart Keys

Lifetime means no subscription and no expiry date. It has limits you should know.

What it means

You pay once and keep the right to use that version.

Three limits

  • Updates last only as long as the version is supported.
  • OEM licences live and die with the PC.
  • One licence is for one PC at a time.

How it differs from a subscription

Microsoft 365 stops when you stop paying. Windows does not.

How to check activation is permanent

slmgr /xpr should say “permanently activated”.

When it can stop working

A major hardware change on OEM, or a key revoked as fraudulent.

Windows 11 ProOEM or Retail

Do I have to pay again for new versions?

Not for updates of your version. Moving between major versions depends on Microsoft’s offer at the time.