Is Buying a Used Software Licence Legal? EU Law Explained

If you have ever considered purchasing a pre-owned software licence, you have likely asked yourself: is this actually legal? The short answer is yes. Since 2012, buying and selling used software licences has been fully legal across the European Union, thanks to a landmark ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). This article explains exactly what the law says, what it covers, and how you...

OEM vs Retail vs Bound Licences: Which Software Licence Type Should You Buy?

Buying a Windows or Office licence but confused by terms like OEM, Retail, and Bound? You are not alone. These three licence types determine how you can install, transfer, and reactivate your software — and choosing the wrong one can cost you money.

Here is the short version: OEM licences are locked to one computer and cannot be transferred. <...

How to Fix Windows Error 0x803fa067 (Edition Upgrade Failed)

Getting error code 0x803fa067 when upgrading Windows 10 or 11 from Home to Pro? This activation error occurs when the edition upgrade process fails — typically because of an internet connection conflict during the upgrade. Here is how to fix it in minutes.

How to Fix Windows Error 0xc004f050 (Activation Failed)

Seeing error code 0xc004f050 when trying to activate Windows? This error means Windows cannot validate your product key — usually because the key does not match your installed edition, or because of an upgrade path conflict. Here is how to fix it step by step.

How Many CPU Cores Do I Need?

Whether you are building a new PC, upgrading an older machine, or simply trying to understand your system's specifications, the number of CPU cores matters. But how many do you actually need? The answer depends entirely on what you use your computer for.

What Are CPU Cores and Threads?

A core is an independent processing unit inside your CPU. Each core can handle its own tasks, so a processor with more cores can work on more...

Windows Server Essentials vs Standard vs Datacenter: Which Edition Do You Need?

Microsoft offers three editions of Windows Server: Essentials, Standard, and Datacenter. Choosing the wrong one can mean paying too much for features you do not need — or running into limitations that block your growth. Here is a clear comparison to help you decide.

Quick answer: Most small businesses need Standard. E...

Windows Server Core Licensing Explained: How Many Do You Need?

Windows Server licensing trips up even experienced IT managers. The shift from per-processor to per-core licensing changed everything — and if you miscalculate, you either overpay or run unlicensed hardware. This guide cuts through the jargon so you can get it right the first time.

We have merged two common questions into one definitive resource: What exactly are "cores" in Microsoft...

Windows Server and CAL Licences: A Complete Guide

Setting up a Windows Server environment? You will need two things: a Windows Server licence and Client Access Licences (CALs) for every user or device connecting to that server. Without CALs, your server setup is not properly licensed — even if the server itself is activated.

This guide explains what CALs are, the four types available, how to calculate how many you need, and where to buy them at t...

How to Uninstall Pre-Installed Office Programs (2026)

When you install a fresh copy of Microsoft Office on a Windows PC, you might run into activation errors, missing applications or compatibility warnings that seem impossible to explain. In the vast majority of cases the culprit is the same: leftover files and registry entries from a pre-installed or trial version of Office that the standard “Uninstall” button did not fully remove. Before you reinstall the product you have purchased fro...

How to Take a Screenshot on Any Device

Step 1: Capture the Image

Taking screenshots is one of the most useful features built into Windows. Here are the methods available to you.

Windows provides...