Activation Options

Licenses for Windows 7 can be obtained through one of three basic channels: retail, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), or Volume Licensing. Each channel has its own unique methods of activation. Because organizations can obtain their operating systems through any of the three available channels, they can choose a combination of activation methods.

Retail

Windows 7 products acquired through a retail store are licensed individually and are activated in the same way as retail versions of Windows Vista. Each purchased copy comes with one unique product key, found on the product packaging, which is typed in during the installation of the product. The computer uses this product key to complete the activation after the installation of the operating system is complete. This activation can be accomplished either online or by telephone.

Original Equipment Manufacturer

Most OEMs sell systems that include a standard build of Windows 7. Hardware vendors perform OEM activation by associating Windows with the firmware (basic input/output system, or BIOS) of the physical computer. This process occurs before the computers are sent to the customer so that no additional actions are required of the user. This method of activation is known as OEM Activation.

OEM Activation is valid as long as the customer uses the OEM-provided image on a system. To create a customized image, customers can use the image provided by the OEM as the basis for creating the custom image. Otherwise, a different activation method must be used.

Note Some editions of Windows 7, such as Windows 7 Enterprise, are available only through the Volume Licensing channel. OEM Activation is applicable to computers purchased through OEM channels with Windows installed.