Comparisons

OEM vs RETAIL vs BIND vs CID: Which License Should You Buy?

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OEM vs RETAIL vs BIND vs CID: which license should you buy?

OEM, RETAIL, BIND and CID are the four license types you will see most often on our product pages. They decide what you receive, how you activate it, what happens if you reinstall and whether you can get a refund. This guide helps you choose between them, using the rules written on our own license types page. We took the screenshots from that page on 2026-11-04.

IMPORTANT: everything below describes the rules of our store, not Microsoft's license terms. Every product page shows its "License Type", so you can check it before you buy.

1. The four types, side by side

TypeWhat you getDevicesReinstall or move itRefund before revealing
RETAILA product key1 device per unit (up to 5 computers with 5PC products)No: each activation can be used only onceYes, within 30 days
OEMA Windows 10 or 11 Professional key1 computerNo: it stays with the first computerYes, within 30 days
CIDAn Office key, activated with a Confirmation ID1 PCNo: each activation can be used only onceYes, within 30 days
BINDAn Office key you redeem on your Microsoft account1 device at a time (PC or Mac, depending on the product)Yes, while you keep that accountNo

In every type, once you click "Get my license" you have 24 hours to activate it or tell us if it doesn't work. The refund is available only as long as you haven't revealed the license. BIND Licenses are the exception: they can't be refunded, whether or not they have been revealed, unless the law of your country requires it.

2. RETAIL: the general-purpose key

A RETAIL License is a product key that you enter in Windows or in the app, and it activates online in seconds. You'll find it in Windows, Windows Server, SQL Server, Visual Studio and several Office products. It is also the type to choose for a Windows Home to Pro upgrade.

RETAIL License card on the Licendeals license types page: a product key that activates the software once, online, for 1 device

The rule to remember: each activation can be used only once. If you uninstall or reinstall the software or the operating system (including a reset or a format), or change hardware such as the hard drive, the processor or the motherboard, that activation can't be used again, and our warranty doesn't cover it. Some Office RETAIL products may also need a Confirmation ID, as the card explains.

3. OEM: Windows Professional for one computer

An OEM License is a Windows 10 or Windows 11 Professional key that stays with the first computer you activate it on. It is activated online, in the activation settings of Windows.

OEM License card on the Licendeals license types page: a Windows 10 or 11 Professional key that stays with the first computer

Two things to check before you choose it:

  • It can't be moved to another computer later.
  • It can't be used to upgrade Windows Home to Pro. If you are on Windows Home (not Home Single Language), choose Windows Professional with a RETAIL License instead.

You'll find it in Windows 10 Professional OEM and Windows 11 Professional OEM.

4. CID: Office on one PC, with a Confirmation ID

A CID License is an Office key that you activate in two steps, both online: you enter the key in Office, and then you get a Confirmation ID through Microsoft's activation portal. It takes a few minutes and we guide you step by step. It is for 1 PC.

CID License card on the Licendeals license types page: an Office key activated with a Confirmation ID, for 1 PC

As with RETAIL, each activation can be used only once, and our warranty doesn't cover a reinstall. If the two codes are new to you, read What Is a Confirmation ID (CID)? You'll find this type in Office 2021 Professional Plus CID, Office 2024 Professional Plus LTSC CID and Office 2024 Standard LTSC CID.

5. BIND: Office linked to your Microsoft account

A BIND License is a product key that you redeem on your own Microsoft account. From then on you download and install Office from that account, and you can reinstall it or move it to a new device for as long as you keep the account.

BIND License card on the Licendeals license types page: an Office key linked to your Microsoft account, reinstall or move it while you keep the account

The trade-offs are written on the card too:

  • Once the license is redeemed on a Microsoft account, it can't be unlinked or transferred to another account. Use the account you plan to keep.
  • It can't be refunded, even if you haven't revealed it, unless the law of your country requires it. Reveal it only when you are ready to redeem it.

For the full explanation, see What Is a BIND License?

6. Which one should you buy?

  • You have Windows Home and want Pro: RETAIL, never OEM.
  • You want Windows Professional for one computer you will keep: OEM or RETAIL. In our store both are used once, and an OEM License stays with the first computer.
  • You want Office on one Windows PC: CID, or BIND if you want to be able to reinstall.
  • You change computers often, or you use a Mac: BIND, if the product page says it works on a Mac. Remember that it can't be refunded.
  • You are not sure: open the product page, look at its "License Type", and read the matching card above before you pay.

7. Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between OEM and RETAIL?

In our store, an OEM License is a Windows 10 or 11 Professional key that stays with the first computer you activate it on, and it can't be used to upgrade Windows Home to Pro. A RETAIL License is a general product key, and each activation can be used only once.

Can I use an OEM License to upgrade Windows Home to Pro?

No. Choose Windows Professional with a RETAIL License instead.

Which license lets me reinstall Office?

A BIND License, for as long as you keep the Microsoft account you linked it to. RETAIL and CID activations can be used only once.

Can I get a refund?

For RETAIL, OEM and CID, within 30 days of your purchase, as long as you haven't revealed the license. BIND Licenses can't be refunded, unless the law of your country requires it. Your statutory rights are not affected.

What if my license doesn't work?

If a license doesn't work, tell us within 24 hours of revealing it and we will replace it right away.

Checked on: our license types page, read on 2026-11-04. We can change our rules, so check that page and the product page before you buy.

Still unsure? Our 24/7 support can help you choose. Or go straight to Windows 11 Professional or Office 2021 Professional Plus BIND at Licendeals.

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Older What Is a Confirmation ID (CID)? How Office Activation with an Installation ID Works