Windows 10: Where to purchase Legitimate Retail Windows 10 activation keys

I want one or more retail Windows 10 activation keys because I am trying to make a very small virtual lab environment for my use in testing Active Directory and security tests. Yes, I want Windows 10 and not 11. I want to be able to reuse the keys if I delete the VM that was using the keys so I want a retail key that I just have to type in again when making the VM. I want to practice active directory so I assume I would want Pro editions. I would also like one of the 2016 or later servers for the active directory.The main reason I am posting this here is because I have spent multiple hours a

:)

 

Windows 10 Activation key OEM or retail

Hi everyone,

I like to buy a retail version of windows 10 home but I cannot find a store that sells it here. I plan to purchase online an activation key of windows 10 home. I just like to ask if the activation key purchased online is an OEM or Retail. Thank you.

 

Does Microsoft maintain a list of authorized retailers for Windows 10 keys?

Hi StumpyMG

There is a list of authorized Microsoft hardware resellers, but there is no official list of authorized retailers, because the truth is, if you want to purchase Microsoft Software, the only real place to get that is from Microsoft

Anyone selling legitimate Microsoft Software will be charging roughly the same price as Microsoft charge, so it does not make sense to purchase form another retailer

All those websites selling vastly discounted Windows and Office are either selling cracked software or volume licence copies that will activate initially, but will soon after self-deactivate because that software licence needs re-arming . . .

It is actually cheaper in the long term to purchase full retail licences form Microsoft, because a legitimate retail licence can be transferred to new PC's in the future when it is time to replace your PC . .

 

Windows 10 Activation - Cannot Find Retail Key

It was a Retail key purchased directly through the Microsoft store. Not an upgrade. I purchased my current Key when switching from an OEM license to a retail license for a similar hardware change back in 2019.

I already attempted the troubleshooting steps and indicated it was a change in hardware however I given an error that it was unable to contact the Windows Servers. I have a support ticket active through Microsoft as it seems there is nothing left I can do on my end to resolve the issue.

But thank you for the advice!