How to read the table
Windows edition
The edition sets the features. Your key must match the edition you have, except that a Pro key can upgrade Home to Pro. Check your edition.
License type
Retail licenses can generally be moved to another of your PCs once the old one no longer uses them, subject to Microsoft's licensing and activation rules. OEM licenses belong to the PC they first activate. Retail vs OEM explained.
Devices
Every key covers one PC. Retail covers one PC at a time; OEM covers one PC for its lifetime.
Moving to a new PC
This is the practical difference you'll feel. Replacing a motherboard counts as a new PC for activation purposes, so builders who upgrade often are better served by retail. Details in activation after hardware changes.
Quick recommendations
- Personal laptop or family PC: Home Retail.
- Self-built PC or work machine you'll upgrade: Pro Retail.
- A finished PC that won't change and needs Pro: Pro OEM.