In short: for a PC you have built yourself, an OEM licence is the cheapest and suits you if you keep the same motherboard for years. If you regularly change platforms, a Retail licence moves with you from one build to the next. Before installing Windows 11, enable the TPM (fTPM or PTT) and Secure Boot in the BIOS.
OEM or Retail: it comes down to the motherboard
Windows ties activation to the motherboard. You can change the graphics card, memory, drive or power supply without consequences. It is replacing the motherboard that matters:
| Your profile | Recommended licence | Why |
|---|---|---|
| You keep the same platform for 4 or 5 years | OEM | Cheaper, no limit as long as the motherboard does not change |
| You often change CPU and motherboard | Retail | Transferable to the new build |
| You build PCs for other people | OEM, one per machine | Each PC you deliver has its own licence |
The transfer rules are explained in our guide New PC or new motherboard.
Home or Pro?
For a gaming or personal PC, Windows 11 Home is enough: gaming performance is identical. Windows 11 Pro adds BitLocker encryption, Remote Desktop as a host, Hyper-V and business management, which are useful for a workstation or a PC holding sensitive data. The full comparison: Windows 11 Home or Pro.
BIOS settings before installing
- TPM 2.0: on motherboards sold separately it is often disabled. Enable AMD fTPM on an AMD platform or Intel PTT on an Intel platform.
- UEFI mode: disable CSM (Compatibility Support Module) if present.
- Secure Boot: enable Secure Boot, often by selecting "Windows UEFI" mode or loading the default keys.
The guide Is my PC compatible with Windows 11? explains how to check these settings once Windows is installed.
Installing Windows 11 on the new PC
- Prepare a USB drive with Microsoft's official tool (see Create a Windows 11 installation USB).
- Boot from it and install Windows 11 on your SSD.
- Enter your key during setup, or later in Settings > System > Activation: you can click "I don't have a product key" to continue, provided you choose the edition that matches your licence.
- Then install the chipset and graphics card drivers from the manufacturers' websites.
Frequently asked questions
Can I install Windows 11 without a key on a self-built PC?
Yes. Installation works without a key, but Windows remains unactivated: a watermark is displayed and personalisation is locked until you enter a valid licence.
Does changing the graphics card deactivate Windows?
No. Only replacing the motherboard counts as a new PC for Windows activation.
Is Windows 11 Pro better for gaming?
No. Home and Pro offer the same gaming performance, with DirectX 12 and Game Mode. Pro only adds security and management features.
My motherboard has no TPM chip: is that a problem?
Rarely. Recent Intel and AMD processors include a firmware TPM 2.0 (PTT or fTPM) that you simply enable in the BIOS. No additional chip is needed.
For your build: Windows 11 Home OEM, Windows 11 Pro OEM or Windows 11 Pro Retail, delivered by email within minutes with Microsoft's official download link and an invoice.