What is rtm version of windows. How to determine the type of Windows license (Retail, VL, OEM)

Quite often there are abbreviations, RTM, RETAIL, VL, OEM, next to the names of the files. And I would like to describe in more detail the meaning of these abbreviations. To avoid unnecessary questions, I give a detailed description of each of the abbreviations.

What is the RTM version?
RTM - (an abbreviation for the English Release To Manufacturing or, less commonly, the English Ready To Market) - a designation of the readiness of a product for replication and release (for example, on a CD-ROM or DVD). Has synonyms Final, Gold.
“Final version” of a product and “RTM version” are synonymous.
The colloquial expression “gone gold” means that an RTM version of the software product has appeared.
In computer literature you can find the expression: “an RTM version of the operating system has been released [...]”. This means that the “final”, final product has been released.

What is the RETAIL version?
Retail version is the usual “boxed version”, from the consumer’s point of view, the version sold in stores in colorful large boxes. Accordingly, this version has no restrictions on the OEM version - it supports both a clean installation and updating an existing operating system. Requires activation within thirty days from the date of installation;

What is OEM version?
The OEM version is intended to be shipped with new servers only and is not suitable for upgrading an existing operating system; it only supports a clean new installation. This version requires activation within thirty days from the date of installation;

What is the VL version?
Volume License (on the Internet there are abbreviations vl; vlk – volume license key; vlm – volume license media) – what we often call the “corporate version” or “corporate license”, this option is supplied only to very large corporate clients and differs from the usual retail version in that, to the delight of pirates, it absolutely does not require any activation.

Actually this is not true. At least win 2008 server standard + sp2 requires activation. It is probably assumed that there is a KMS server on the corporate network, from which activation takes place, but if it doesn’t exist, then alas... only an activator will help or look for a public KMS server.

There are KMS activators, they simulate the operation of a KMS server. Such activators can activate Windows only with the VL mark. In a nutshell, if you have downloaded Windows VL, then the KMS activator will work for it.

Is the RTM version different from RETAIL?
No, it's no different. These are absolutely identical versions. Simply after installing the RTM version, you need to enter Windows Update and install all available updates.

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Download What is RTM, RETAIL, VL, OEM versions of Windows 7, Windows 8, 8.1?:

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What is the RTM version?

RTM- (an abbreviation for Release To Manufacturing or, less commonly, Ready To Market) - a designation of the readiness of a product for replication and release (for example, on a CD-ROM or DVD). Has synonyms Final, Gold. “Final version” of a product and “RTM version” are synonyms. The colloquial expression “gone gold” means that an RTM version of the software product has appeared. In computer literature you can find the expression: “an RTM version of the operating system has been released.” This means that the “final”, final product has been released.

What is the RETAIL version?

Retail version- regular " boxed version ”, from a consumer perspective, the version sold in stores in colorful large boxes. Accordingly, this version has no restrictions on the OEM version - it supports both a clean installation and updating an existing operating system. Requires activation within thirty days from the date of installation;

What is OEM version?

OEM version is intended for delivery only with new servers and is not suitable for upgrading an existing operating system; it only supports a clean new installation. This version requires activation within thirty days from the date of installation;

What is the VL version?

Volume License(there are abbreviations on the Internet: vl; vlk – volume license key; vlm – volume license media) – what we often call the “corporate version” or “corporate license”, this option is supplied only to very large corporate clients and differs from regular retail -version in that, to the delight of pirates, absolutely does not require any activation.
Actually this is not true. At least win 2008 server standard + sp2 requires activation. It is probably assumed that there is a KMS server on the corporate network, from which activation takes place, but if it doesn’t exist, then alas... only an activator will help or look for a public KMS server.

How do the RTM version of the distribution images differ from the RETAIL version?

No, it's no different. These are absolutely identical versions. Simply after installing the RTM version, you need to enter Windows Update and install all available updates.

How do OEM and Retail distribution images differ?

The OEM and Retail images differ from each other in only one file – ei.cfg, or rather one line in this file. This line indicates the distribution channel (you can take it and edit it). No more differences in images Retail And OEM No!

Attention! Supply OEM different from delivery BOX(Retail version) by “binding” the license key to the motherboard of your computer. Due to this, the cost of this package is, as a rule, significantly lower than a similar edition of Microsoft BOX software.

The Windows operating system is the most popular in the world. It works on 90% of devices owned by housewives, office workers, large companies, schools, IT professionals and developers. Each category of user uses the computer in its own way. For some, a web browser and Office suite are enough, others need more fine-tuning of the system, and some simply need powerful security mechanisms. In this regard, several editions of Windows have emerged, differing in different functionality, license price and purpose. In this article, we will look at how they differ, and also explain what certain terms mean that you may come across on the Internet.

What editions of Windows 10 are there?

There are only 6 main editions of desktop Windows 10:

• Home Single Language (Home SL)- Homemade for one language.
• Home- Homemade.
• Pro- Professional.
• Enterprise- Corporate.
• Education- For educational institutions.
• S- publication for students and educational institutions.
• Lean- not yet officially released, but only an edition under development for tablets with 16 GB of internal memory. Information on it will appear later.

Of course, there are other highly specialized editions. For example, the operating conditions of IT companies in China are slightly different than in the other world, so Microsoft created a special version of Windows 10 - Windows 10 China. However, an ordinary user from a CIS country is unlikely to encounter this, so we will not analyze such systems.

Note that Windows 10 editions often include Windows 10 Mobile, which is available in two versions:

• Windows 10 Mobile.
• Windows 10 Mobile Enterprise.

In fact, Windows 10 for smartphones is a separate operating system, so we won’t talk about it here either.

What is the difference between different editions of Windows 10

There are quite a lot of differences between the editions, but not everyone can understand them. We will look at the available editions based on a couple of criteria that can influence your choice of one or another Windows 10.

Where to buy a license for Windows 10, and how much does it cost?

In this section we will consider the possibility of purchasing a license for a particular edition of the system from the point of view of an ordinary user.

• Home SL: this edition is the cheapest, but buy a license for it ordinary user it is forbidden. Microsoft licenses Windows 10 Home SL only to manufacturing companies that can pre-install it on tablets or laptops.
• Home: the most common version of Windows 10 in the world. A license for it can be purchased by any user in the Microsoft Store or Microsoft partner stores. The price in the USA is $120, but in other regions it may differ due to differences in exchange rates. The Russian Microsoft Store offers to buy Windows 10 Home for 8,699 rubles.
• Pro: a more expensive edition created for IT professionals, developers and small organizations. Also available to every user. The original price is $200, but the Russian Microsoft Store sells Windows 10 Pro for 15,299 rubles. We also note that a paid upgrade from Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Pro is possible - to do this, just type the request Windows 10 Pro in the Windows Store.
• Enterprise: edition created specifically for corporate clients. A license for it can only be purchased by legal entities.
• Education: publication for educational institutions. The subtleties of its licensing are quite complex, but the main thing is that it is also inaccessible to the average user.
• S: This edition is also aimed at educational institutions and is not available to ordinary users. However, it can be preinstalled on laptops and tablets (in particular, Surface Laptop). In this case, the user will be able to upgrade to the Pro edition for $49.99.

In which editions can you disable Windows 10 updates?

Windows 10 users quite often complain about automatic system updates. Windows 10 itself downloads and installs security updates, bug fixes and new driver versions. Many people want it because of possible problems with the latest system builds and drivers. Let's figure out how you can influence this process in different editions of Windows 10.

• Home SL: no way. There's absolutely nothing you can do with updates. The system will automatically download updates and install them within 7 days.
• Home: Similar to Home SL, there are no ways to control the update center.
• Pro: in this edition you can disable driver updates, defer any updates for 35 days, limit automatic downloading of updates, and also switch to the corporate update branch - Current Branch For Business (instead of the standard Current Branch). New builds of Windows 10 are released into the business branch only after thorough testing by Microsoft and ordinary users, so the likelihood of errors in them is minimal.
• Enterprise: In addition to the Pro Edition features, you get the option to switch to the LTSB (Long Term Servicing Branch). Here updates come with long delays, and major updates come with huge delays. All for the sake of stability.
• Education: everything here is similar to the Pro edition.
• S: Update settings in Windows 10 S are also completely similar to the Pro edition.

What features differ between Windows 10 Home, Pro, Enterprise and other editions?

Let's look at other functional differences between the Windows 10 editions.

• Home SL: This edition is the most limited. You get only the basic features of Windows 10. A rather unpleasant aspect is the lack of an official ability to change the system language. However, it is still possible.
• Home: The functionality of this edition is absolutely similar to Home SL, with the exception of changing the main system language: in Home it is possible without problems.
• Pro: Compared to Windows 10 Home, you get quite a lot of extra features. We note the availability of a group policy editor, which allows flexible system configuration, a built-in Bitlocker encryption mechanism, the ability to activate etc. There are also some corporate features available that are not useful to the average user.
• Enterprise: the most functional edition. In addition to the capabilities of Windows 10 Pro, there are powerful security mechanisms (though you need to learn how to use them), Direct Access functions, Windows-To-Go (the ability to create a flash drive with Windows 10 that can be used on different computers), BranchCache and more.
• Education: Functionality is similar to the Enterprise edition.
• S: The main feature of this edition is that it blocks the installation of classic programs. You will only be able to download apps from the Windows Store. In addition, the ability to change the standard browser (Microsoft Edge) and search engine (Yandex in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Turkey, Bing in the USA and European countries) is disabled. All other functionality is similar to the Pro edition, with the exception of a few proprietary features created specifically for educational institutions.

How to Download Windows 10 Home SL, Home, Pro and Enterprise ISO Images

We have already told how from the official Microsoft website. Let's figure out which sites listed in the corresponding article can be used to download specific editions.

Official site

On this site, any user can download ISO Windows 10 Home SL, Home and Pro without any problems. To download the desired edition, select the following image:

• Home SL: Windows 10 for one language.
• Home / Pro: Windows 10. You can select a specific edition when installing the system from this image.

TechBench website by WZT

On a resource created by amateurs, you can easily download images of Windows 10 Home SL, Home/Pro, as well as Windows 10 Enterprise or Windows 10 Education. You don't need instructions for this: everything is pretty obvious.

Third Party Resources

If you are using other image sources, look at the ISO name or description. Usually its author indicates the built-in publications.

What do the letters N, KN and LTSB mean in the name of the image?

Even on the official Microsoft website you can see images of Windows 10 N or Windows 10 KN. Windows 10 LTSB can also be found on various resources. Let's explain what these letters mean.

What is Windows 10 N

Postfix N denotes a different set of programs built into the system, in particular, the absence of Windows Media Player components. This subtype of editions was created after Microsoft's litigation in the European Union.

Microsoft provides images of Windows 10 Home N and Pro N to ordinary users. For people from most CIS countries, it is enough to know that Windows 10 N is not available in Russian or Ukrainian, so its use in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine or Kazakhstan does not make sense. If you did see an N-image in Russian on some third-party resources, then know that this language was integrated into the image by its author, which is why you may have problems later.

What is Windows 10 KN

KN editions are similar to N editions with the only difference: while N editions are created for EU countries, KN ​​editions are only available for Korea and only in Korean.

What is Windows 10 LTSB

We have already mentioned the term LTSB above as one of the Update options in Windows 10 Enterprise. Windows 10 LTSB images are created for enterprise users only. Their main features are the following:

• Lack of any built-in metro programs, including Windows Store and Microsoft Edge.
• The default update center is set to the LTSB branch.

If you don't want to deal with the lack of metro programs, then you definitely shouldn't use these images. If you want Windows 10 as clean as possible, then you won't find a better option. Just keep in mind that licenses for this version of Windows are sold only to legal entities, and you will have to do something about activation.

What does OEM, Box, Retail, FPP and VL mean?

While downloading images on the Internet or simply discussing them with someone, you may come across terms like OEM, Box or Retail. They are usually used in the context of Windows 10 editions, and many consider them to be separate editions. In fact, all these names have nothing to do with the editions of Windows 10 and, accordingly, the functionality of the system, but indicate Windows license delivery channel. Let's look at this point in more detail.

What is an OEM license

OEM license- a Windows license that is tied to the device’s motherboard. An ordinary user cannot purchase such a license; it is available only to PC manufacturers at fairly low prices (usually $10-20 depending on the edition of Windows).

The catch with the OEM license is that, according to the license agreement, it is not portable to other devices.

What is a Retail, Box or FPP license?

Retail license- a Windows license that is not tied to anything and can be transferred to other devices. Regular users receive this type of license when purchasing Windows 10 Home or Pro.

Since such licenses are most often sold in boxes (with a disk or flash drive), the name is also common Box (box license) or FPP (Full Packaged Product). Note that in the context of Windows 10 licensing, the concepts Retail, Box And FPP mean the same thing.

What is a VL license

If we consider licenses for Windows 10, then VL denotes a volume license that is not available to ordinary users: it is intended only for large enterprise customers. Its peculiarity is the ability to activate several hundred systems at once with the same license key.

What is a Not For Resale license?

If you have come across a similar term somewhere (although it is quite difficult to come across it by chance), then know that Not For Sale means literally Not for resale.

Is the functionality of Windows 10 OEM and Retail different?

No, it's no different. The functionality and configuration of Windows 10 OEM or Windows 10 Retail does not depend in any way on the license delivery channel for it.

What are RTM, Final, RC and Insider

In addition to abbreviations indicating Windows 10 license distribution channels, you may come across the terms RTM, Final, RC and others. As with OEM/Retail, they are in no way associated with Windows 10 editions, but indicate the system version. Let us give an explanation of the main notation.

What is RTM, Final or Gold

RTM (Release To Manufacturing, release) - the final version of the system, which is released as the official one. Words Final or Gold in this context they mean the same thing.

What is RC or Insider

R.C.(Release Candidate) - a beta version of the system, which may contain shortcomings and bugs. This abbreviation was applied to Windows 7 and Windows 8. Starting with Windows 10, the designation is used Insider or Insider Preview. Insider builds are quite often unstable, so you should not install them unless absolutely necessary.

What is TH1, TH2, RS1, RS2 or RS3

Such terms refer to the codename of the version of Windows 10. We will provide information about all currently known versions of Windows 10, including codenames, version and build numbers.

• TH1 (Threshold 1)- version 1507 - assembly 10240 . Released in July 2015 under the name of the original version of Windows 10 ( IR). Status - RTM.
• TH2 (Threshold 2)- version 1511 - assembly 10586 . Released in November 2015 under the name November Update NU). Status - RTM.
• RS1 (Redstone 1)- version 1607 - assembly 14393 . Released in July 2016 under the name Anniversary Update AU). Status - RTM.
• RS2 (Redstone 2)- version 1703 - assembly 15063 . Released in March 2017 under the name Creators Update (updates for designers C.U.). Status - RTM.
• RS3 (Redstone 3)- version 1709 - assembly 16299 . Released in October 2017 under the name Fall Creators Update (autumn update for designers FCU). Status - RTM.
• RS4 (Redstone 4)- version 1803 - assembly 17134 . Released in May 2018 under the name April 2018 Update. Status - RTM.
• RS5 (Redstone 5)- version 1809 - assemblies 17xxx. Currently in active development, the update is expected to be released in September-October 2018. Status - Insider.

Now you know exactly how Windows 10 Home and Pro differ, and you also know how to distinguish the edition of Windows 10 from the license delivery channel or system version.

Windows operating systems traditionally reach users in different ways. Depending on the delivery channel, Microsoft uses slightly different methods for licensing a copy of the operating system.

At the same time, while the terms Retail and OEM are familiar to many IT specialists, many admins sometimes forget about the intricacies of Volume License. As a result, the question often arises of which distribution kit to install.

So, below are the details of this or that delivery scheme.

Retail- the usual “boxed” version sold in stores. Nowadays, in the age of development of digital distribution, the concept of a “boxed” version is more of an image than a real box with a disc in a store. This version supports both a “clean” installation from scratch on a computer and an upgrade from a previous version of the operating system to a purchased one. This version must be activated via Microsoft servers (Internet required).

OEM- the version of Windows that comes with computers and servers. OEM copies of the operating system are not intended for individual sale. As a result, this version only supports a “clean” installation from scratch; technical support for users of OEM copies of Windows is provided not by Microsoft, but by the computer equipment supplier. This version also requires activation on Microsoft servers via the Internet.

Volume License— a corporate version, shipped only to large customers, which are various organizations. The most significant difference between this version and those described above is that activation of VL copies of Windows is carried out through an internal KMS server ( Key Management Server) organizations. This procedure is convenient for corporate users, since it does not require constant Internet access for all machines. However, there is a downside. VL versions of Microsoft software products must maintain communication with the KMS server and periodically undergo a reactivation procedure (within 180 days). This was done to combat piracy.

What other Windows delivery schemes are there?

In addition to the three main options, there are also more exotic ones.

GGK (Get Genuine Kit)- the so-called licensing program from Microsoft. Can be purchased by a user who decides to make his pirated version of Windows licensed. The package includes a Windows disc and a certificate of authenticity sticker. The GGK distribution can be deployed on top of an installed pirated copy of the OS. Suitable for individuals and organizations that need to license up to 5 computers.

GGWA (Get Genuine Windows Agreement)— a licensing program suitable for corporate clients who need to license more than 5 computers. Includes a license certificate and a set of documents. There is no Windows media available, but it can be ordered separately. Or the distribution kit can be downloaded from the Microsoft website.

bundle/Not For Sale- version not for sale.

Hello everyone, today we’ll learn how to determine the type of Windows license (Retail, VL, OEM), let’s look at their differences and purposes. It will be useful for system administrators who want their own Windows licensing server in their company. Since the KMS server automatically activates only the Volume version of Windows. then you will have to carry out the procedure of changing the type of OS release. I think I’ll write you an article on how to change Retail to Volume.

Types of Windows licenses:

Evalution is a trial version; its functions are identical to Retail, but after a fixed test period it stops loading.

Windows retail, what is it?

• Retail - aka FPP (Full Product Package), or boxed version. Sold retail in a box. Requires activation. It looks like this, an installation disk and it contains paper and an activation sticker.

• OEM license - short for Original Equipment Manufacturer, comes with new machines, is installed by the computer manufacturer, and is usually already activated at the time of sale. If you reinstall it yourself, it usually requires activation. It is worth noting that OEM versions of major vendors do not require activation on native hardware. You may find a similar sticker from OEM Software on purchased devices.

• VL license - short for Volume License, initially only for large enterprises (or corporate license), not sold at retail. This version does not require activation. In this case, the same key is installed on large quantities cars (up to 500, GVLK key). Sometimes this type of license is called VLK (Volume License Key), which actually means the same thing.
• CPP is an abbreviation for Compliance Checking Program, also known as Update. A version intended only for installation over an existing copy of Windows. Has a lower cost than Retail.

Now from theory to practice, using the example of the Windows 7 operating system.

To find out the installed version of Windows, we perform the following movements:

1. Go to "Start" > "Run" > "CMD"
2. In the command line that opens, enter regedit.exe (to open the registry)
3. You can close the command line at this point - we won’t need it anymore.
4. In the registry we go to the following folders:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE => SYSTEM => Setup => Pid and look at the file named "Pid" (no need to open)

In the specified value, the last 3 digits are what we need.
If it says "OEM" - it's OEM. See what this means above.
If "270" is indicated, it is VL. See also above.
If "CCC" is indicated, this is Retail. (C is a number). Description above
(explained applicable to Win7. For WinXP - VLK distribution - look at the Retail principle for Win7, OEM - like OEM)