Microsoft provides a free Windows 10 or 11 ISO image file that you can download and use on your system, but it comes with one condition: you can't personalize your system. This might not seem like a big deal, but many users need personalization, and they need to activate a free copy of the Windows operating system.
However, when you look at the pricing for Windows, you realize it's not for the vast majority of users. The high price will tempt you to look for cheaper activation methods, and you'll find several sites selling them for a third or a fifth of the original price. But should you buy such a cheap Windows activation key?
Windows key
Are Cheap Windows Keys Legal?
Microsoft currently charges $139 for Windows 11 Home and $200 for Pro. Faced with such high pricing you'll immediately turn to search engines to find cheap Windows keys or activation tools . A word of caution here, do not rush into buying from any seller on the web.
These sellers obtain keys through different strategies, usually buying keys in low-cost countries and reselling volume licensing keys, or by taking advantage of Microsoft's education program to obtain free keys. They're cheap, but there's always a risk. Also, some sites often have multiple sellers and absolutely do not guarantee purchases. So, we wouldn't call them legitimate at all.
Risk of Illegal Third-Party Windows Activation Keys
Here are some of the risks of buying cheap Windows activation keys that you should consider before buying.
- Buy unusable keys
You go to a third-party site and confidently buy the cheapest key listed by the seller. However, some may not work when you try to activate your computer with a newly purchased "cheap" Windows key.
There are a large number of sellers on a certain treasure and other trading platforms, and they all have certain risks. The price is so low you can't ignore it, and that's what these sellers are aiming for. Even they understand that cheap Windows Genuine keys don't seem legitimate.
But what happens when the key becomes unusable? Often, buyers are not supported by sellers, who run the risk of ignoring them completely after making a purchase. They may even shut down the site or delete their seller account.
- Buy a key valid for a limited time
Countless users on Quora and Reddit have shared their experiences buying cheap Windows activation keys. If the key works, the user will leave a satisfactory review, but that's not all. Cheap product keys can be used for a certain period of time and then expire.
Windows key
You can attribute this cheap Windows key to luck, as Microsoft takes action as soon as it finds out about such deals. Some buyers have even shared that their low-priced keys will continue to work, but it's hard to verify that claim.
So, buying a cheap key is a gamble, you may not be so lucky to buy a lifetime activation key.
- Buy OEM keys instead of retail
Microsoft offers 3 different types of Windows licenses: Retail, OEM, and Volume Licensing. The difference between OEM and retail keys is that OEM keys are bound to the machine and are not transferable. Meanwhile, after removing the retail keys from the old system, you can use them on another computer. It's a nuance, but one you have to be aware of if you ever want to switch to a new computer in the future.
Sellers may mislead you into buying an OEM version. This might not seem like a big deal, but when you switch to a new system, you're going to have to search for and buy a new key.
- Buy different versions of keys
Often, the details mentioned in the description about cheap keys may not be true at all. You might get a key for an older or even no longer supported version of Windows.
Also, you may end up with keys for different Windows editions (Professional, Educational, or Enterprise). Therefore, the key will not work on your system unless you reinstall the specific version of Windows OS for which it is intended.
- Legal Issues
This is the most overlooked aspect of buying cheap Windows activation keys. For example, a cheap Windows key sold on a treasure trove is likely to be illegal. These keys may have been obtained through piracy or other illegal means, and may be blocked or canceled by Microsoft.
Additionally, using an illegal key may violate Microsoft's terms of use, preventing updates and support for your operating system. It is recommended that you purchase a genuine Windows license to ensure the safety and legal use of your computer.
Is it better to buy from Microsoft?
Windows operating system licenses are really expensive, you can buy genuine Windows product keys in the following ways:
1. Purchase on Microsoft's official website: You can purchase genuine Windows product keys on Microsoft's official website, which is the safest and most reliable way.
2. Purchase at an authorized retailer: You can purchase a genuine Windows product key at an authorized retailer, who usually offer a genuine product warranty and support.
3. Purchase from the computer manufacturer: If you purchased a computer with Windows pre-installed, you can purchase a genuine Windows product key from the computer manufacturer.
No matter which purchase method you choose, make sure you are purchasing a genuine Windows product key to keep your computer safe and legal to use.
Cheap Windows keys may not be safe
Never buy a Windows key from an unknown site or an unrated e-commerce site. Try buying an original Windows license, preferably from Microsoft or during the big discount season. Never enter your personal information or credit card details on fake websites.