Microsoft and OEM System Builder Licensing

As a Microsoft partner, you can help your customers make smart licensing decisions. Demonstrate to your customers that preinstalled Microsoft software is their most cost-effective licensing option. Strengthen your customer relationships, enhance your credibility as a trusted advisor, and protect your reputation by making sure your customers get genuine Microsoft software preinstalled.

Enroll today in the Microsoft Partner Program for exclusive system builder resources!

Overview

How OEM System Builder Licensing works For system builders, the licensing process works like this:

Acquire the Microsoft OEM System Builder License from authorized Microsoft OEM distributors.
Preinstall the license onto PCs.
Distribute the PCs to customers.

The OEM System Builder License is affixed to the side of the OEM system builder pack for Windows Vista and to the OEM Preinstallation Master Kit for the 2007 Microsoft Office system. By opening the pack, system builders agree to the license terms. See a complete copy of the OEM System Builder License.

Licensing Hot Topics

To access further information, enroll in the Microsoft Partner Program. If you are already enrolled, use the following links for additional information.

Licensing, Office Ready program, and packaging details
Review changes to OEM System Builder licensing and packaging that have been implemented with the release of Windows Vista and the 2007 Office system.

Downgrade rights
Learn which OEM system builder products contain end-user downgrade rights and which products they can be downgraded to.

Product-specific licensing information
Explore the licensing rules specific to certain OEM system builder products.

OEM Preinstallation Kits
Discover how to use OEM Preinstallation Kits (OPKs) and why they are valuable tools for your business.

Enroll in the Microsoft Partner Program

From business planning to customer retention, the Microsoft Partner Program offers:

A single, integrated partnering framework that recognizes your expertise
Rewards you for the total impact that you have in the technology marketplace
Delivers value to help your business succeed

When you become a Registered Member of the Microsoft Partner Program you get free, exclusive system builder resources!

Learn more about the Microsoft Partner Program.