Buy Windows from Microsoft or from a key shop?
Both routes activate on Microsoft servers. The difference is price, licence type and who supports you.
What Microsoft offers
Full-price digital licences tied to your account, and free downloads.
What key shops offer
Lower prices, usually OEM or Retail keys, delivered by email.
How to choose
- Maximum simplicity and budget is no issue: Microsoft.
- A lower price with a known refund policy: a key shop.
How to choose a shop
Follow our checklist.
Where to get the Windows image
Always from Microsoft, wherever you buy the key.
Is a key from a shop less genuine?
It activates the same way. What matters is the seller’s guarantee.