Retail, OEM and Volume Licences Explained
In short: the licence type decides who can use the software, on which device and whether it can be moved. Every Kaywen product page states the licence type before you buy.
Retail licences
A Retail licence is sold directly to an end user. It is usually tied to one person or device at a time and can normally be moved to a new computer if you remove it from the old one first.
OEM licences
An OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) licence comes with, or is installed on, a specific computer. It is meant to stay with that hardware for its whole life and usually cannot be transferred to another machine.
Volume licences
Volume licences are designed for organisations that need many installations. They are managed centrally by IT and often use activation methods such as KMS or MAK.
Quick comparison
| Retail | OEM | Volume | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical buyer | Individuals, small businesses | PC makers and builders | Organisations |
| Transferable to new PC | Usually yes | Usually no | Per agreement |
| Activation | Product key | Product key / built-in | KMS or MAK |
Device count
Some licences cover one device, others several (for example a 5-PC pack). The device count is listed on each product page, so you know exactly what you’re getting.
Still not sure which product fits? Read our other guides, browse the catalog, or ask our team. A real person will help you choose.