As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
- Best overall: Microsoft 365 Personal
- Best budget: Microsoft 365 Basic
- Best premium: Microsoft Windows 11 Pro Retail License
- Best for a new PC: Microsoft Windows 11 Pro OEM License
- Windows 11 Pro OEM is a one-device operating-system license, while Microsoft 365 Personal is a recurring subscription for one person.
- Microsoft 365 Personal includes 1 TB of OneDrive storage and Microsoft 365 apps; Windows 11 Pro does not include Office apps.
- An OEM Windows license is generally tied to its first PC, while a retail Windows license is transferable under Microsoft’s license terms.
- Microsoft 365 Family covers up to 6 people, with 1 TB of OneDrive storage per person.
- Compare license terms, included apps and storage before choosing a Black Friday 2026 offer.
Windows 11 Pro OEM is best for one PC that needs Pro features, while Microsoft 365 Personal is better for one person who wants Office apps and 1 TB of cloud storage. The products solve different needs: one licenses an operating system, and the other provides apps and online services through a subscription.
For this Black Friday 2026 guide, I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback across Windows licenses and Microsoft 365 plans. My pick for most people who already have Windows installed is Microsoft 365 Personal; Windows 11 Pro OEM fits a new compatible PC that needs features such as BitLocker and domain join. Check whether you need a one-time license or ongoing access before choosing.
How We Picked
- Compared license type, subscription term and the number of users or devices covered.
- Checked included storage, apps and operating-system features against Microsoft product information.
- Reviewed owner feedback for recurring questions about activation, setup and account requirements.
- Prioritized products with a clear use case and practical distinction from the other picks.
- Excluded price claims so the guide remains useful across Black Friday 2026 offers.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | License term | Included storage | User or device limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Windows 11 Pro OEM License | A new PC that will stay in service | OEM | None | 1 PC |
| Microsoft Windows 11 Pro Retail License | Users who expect to replace or upgrade a PC | Retail | None | 1 active PC |
| Microsoft Windows 11 Home OEM License | A basic home PC | OEM | None | 1 PC |
| Microsoft Windows 11 Home Retail License | Home users who upgrade PCs | Retail | None | 1 active PC |
| Microsoft 365 Personal | One person who uses Office apps | Subscription | 1 TB | 1 person; 5 devices at once |
| Microsoft 365 Family | Households sharing productivity apps | Subscription | 1 TB per person | Up to 6 people |
| Microsoft 365 Basic | One person who needs extra cloud storage | Subscription | 100 GB | 1 person |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1
Microsoft Windows 11 Pro OEM License
The Microsoft Windows 11 Pro OEM License is the best fit for one new PC that needs Pro features, including support for up to 2 TB of memory. The OEM license is generally tied to the first device it activates on.
Best for: A new PC that will stay in service
- License type
- OEM, 1 PC
- Maximum memory
- Up to 2 TB
- Windows edition
- Windows 11 Pro, 64-bit
- Transfer
- Generally tied to first PC
- Includes Pro tools such as BitLocker and Remote Desktop host.
- Supports joining a domain or Microsoft Entra ID.
- Suitable for a PC that needs business-oriented controls.
- The OEM license is not the flexible choice for transferring Windows to a replacement PC.
Is Microsoft Windows 11 Pro OEM License worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Microsoft Windows 11 Pro OEM License is worth considering for a new PC that needs Pro features and will remain the primary device. The license covers one PC and is generally tied to its first activation.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#2
Microsoft Windows 11 Pro Retail License
The Microsoft Windows 11 Pro Retail License is the best choice for users who value license flexibility, with one active installation at a time. The Microsoft Windows 11 Pro Retail License's retail terms allow transfer to another device when the previous installation is removed.
Best for: Users who expect to replace or upgrade a PC
- License type
- Retail, 1 active PC
- Maximum memory
- Up to 2 TB
- Windows edition
- Windows 11 Pro, 64-bit
- Transfer
- To another device, per terms
- Includes Windows 11 Pro security and management features.
- More flexible for a replacement PC than an OEM license.
- A good fit for a self-built desktop or personal workstation.
- Covers one device at a time, not several PCs.
Is Microsoft Windows 11 Pro Retail License worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Microsoft Windows 11 Pro Retail License is a strong fit when transfer rights matter. The license covers one active PC, and Microsoft’s retail terms allow a move to another device after the old installation is removed.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#3
Microsoft Windows 11 Home OEM License
The Microsoft Windows 11 Home OEM License is the best basic Windows option for one PC, with support for up to 128 GB of memory. The Home edition covers everyday computing without the extra management tools in Pro.
Best for: A basic home PC
- License type
- OEM, 1 PC
- Maximum memory
- Up to 128 GB
- Windows edition
- Windows 11 Home, 64-bit
- Transfer
- Generally tied to first PC
- Covers core Windows features for home use.
- Supports everyday browsing, schoolwork and gaming.
- Avoids paying for Pro tools that a home user does not need.
- Does not include Windows 11 Pro features such as domain join.
Is Microsoft Windows 11 Home OEM License worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Microsoft Windows 11 Home OEM License is a sensible option for one everyday PC that does not need Pro management features. The OEM terms generally bind the license to its first activated device.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#4
Microsoft Windows 11 Home Retail License
The Microsoft Windows 11 Home Retail License is the best flexible Windows option for a home user, covering one active PC. Retail transfer terms suit buyers who plan to move Windows to a replacement device.
Best for: Home users who upgrade PCs
- License type
- Retail, 1 active PC
- Maximum memory
- Up to 128 GB
- Windows edition
- Windows 11 Home, 64-bit
- Transfer
- To another device, per terms
- Provides core Windows 11 features for personal use.
- Retail transfer terms offer more flexibility than OEM.
- Fits a home desktop or a custom-built PC.
- Does not provide Pro’s business and remote-management features.
Is Microsoft Windows 11 Home Retail License worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Microsoft Windows 11 Home Retail License is worth considering when a home PC needs Windows and future transfer flexibility matters. The license covers one active PC, with transfers subject to Microsoft’s retail terms.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#5 · Top pick
Microsoft 365 Personal
The Microsoft 365 Personal subscription is the best productivity pick for one person, with 1 TB of OneDrive storage and sign-in on up to 5 devices at once. The subscription includes Microsoft 365 apps and ongoing service access.
Best for: One person who uses Office apps
- Users
- 1 person
- OneDrive storage
- 1 TB
- Devices signed in
- Up to 5 at once
- License term
- Subscription
- Includes Microsoft 365 apps for productivity tasks.
- Provides 1 TB of cloud storage for one person.
- Works across compatible PCs, Macs, tablets and phones.
- Apps and storage depend on an active subscription.
Is Microsoft 365 Personal worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Microsoft 365 Personal is a strong fit for one person who uses Office apps and needs cloud storage. The subscription includes 1 TB of OneDrive space and supports sign-in on up to 5 devices at once.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#6
Microsoft 365 Family
The Microsoft 365 Family subscription is the best shared plan for up to 6 people, with 1 TB of OneDrive storage for each person. Separate accounts keep each member’s files and settings distinct.
Best for: Households sharing productivity apps
- Users
- Up to 6 people
- OneDrive storage
- 1 TB per person, 6 TB total
- Devices signed in
- Up to 5 per person at once
- License term
- Subscription
- Shares apps and services with as many as 6 people.
- Gives each person a separate 1 TB cloud storage allotment.
- Supports multiple devices for every member.
- Not as useful for a single person who needs only one account.
Is Microsoft 365 Family worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Microsoft 365 Family is a practical choice for households with multiple Office users. The plan covers up to 6 people and provides 1 TB of OneDrive storage per person, with separate accounts for each member.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#7
Microsoft 365 Basic
The Microsoft 365 Basic subscription is the best low-storage cloud plan for one person, with 100 GB of OneDrive space. The plan focuses on storage and online services rather than the desktop Microsoft 365 apps included with Personal.
Best for: One person who needs extra cloud storage
- Users
- 1 person
- OneDrive storage
- 100 GB
- Apps
- Web and mobile services
- License term
- Subscription
- Adds cloud storage for files and photos.
- Includes online services for a single account.
- A simpler fit than Personal for storage-focused users.
- Does not include the full desktop apps provided by Microsoft 365 Personal.
Is Microsoft 365 Basic worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Microsoft 365 Basic is a good fit for one person who needs extra cloud storage but does not need the full desktop apps. The plan includes 100 GB of OneDrive space and online services.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
Is Windows 11 Pro OEM better than Microsoft 365 Personal?
Microsoft Windows 11 Pro OEM License provides Pro features for one PC. Microsoft 365 Personal provides Office apps, OneDrive storage and services for one person. Choose Windows Pro for features such as BitLocker or Remote Desktop hosting; choose Microsoft 365 Personal for productivity apps and cloud storage.
The products serve different purposes and can run on the same computer. Microsoft 365 Personal does not upgrade Windows Home, and Windows 11 Pro does not include Microsoft 365 apps.
What is the difference between Windows 11 Pro OEM and retail?
Microsoft Windows 11 Pro OEM License is tied to one PC. Microsoft Windows 11 Pro Retail License offers transfer rights under Microsoft’s terms. Both provide Windows 11 Pro features.
Choose OEM for a PC you plan to keep. Choose retail if you need to transfer Windows to another device. Remove the old installation before transferring, and buy from Microsoft or an authorized seller.
Does Microsoft 365 Personal include Windows 11 Pro?
Microsoft 365 Personal includes apps and 1 TB of OneDrive storage for one person, but it does not include a Windows 11 Pro license. A PC running Windows 11 Home can use the subscription without an operating-system upgrade.
Choose Microsoft 365 Personal for productivity apps. Choose Windows 11 Pro for features such as BitLocker, Remote Desktop hosting and device management.
Which Microsoft 365 plan is best for one person or a family?
Microsoft 365 Personal covers one person with 1 TB of OneDrive storage. Microsoft 365 Family covers up to six people, with 1 TB per person. Microsoft 365 Basic offers 100 GB for one person and focuses on online services.
Choose a plan by user count and app needs. Separate accounts keep each person’s files and settings organized. Check the current plan details before checkout.
What should you check before buying software on Black Friday 2026?
Check the license term, device limit, seller and region. OEM Windows licenses are tied to one PC; retail licenses have transfer terms. Confirm the Windows edition includes the features you need and that your PC meets its hardware requirements.
For Microsoft 365, check the included apps, storage, supported devices and renewal settings. Keep the receipt and activation information.
Buying Guide
Choose OEM for a PC you plan to keep
Microsoft Windows 11 Pro OEM License is for one PC. Choose it when you plan to keep Windows on that device.
Choose retail when you need transfer rights
Microsoft Windows 11 Pro Retail License supports transfer under Microsoft’s terms. Remove the old installation and buy from a reputable seller.
Match Windows edition to your needs
Windows 11 Home suits everyday use. Windows 11 Pro adds features such as BitLocker and domain join.
Pick a Microsoft 365 plan by user count
Microsoft 365 Personal covers one person with 1 TB of storage. Microsoft 365 Family covers up to six people with 1 TB each. Microsoft 365 Basic provides 100 GB for one person.
Review renewal and activation details
Microsoft 365 requires an active subscription for continued benefits. Check renewal settings, activation steps, region and seller terms before buying.
FAQ
Is Windows 11 Pro OEM transferable to a new PC?
Microsoft Windows 11 Pro OEM License is generally tied to the first PC it activates on, so it is not the best choice for a planned device transfer. Microsoft Windows 11 Pro Retail License provides transfer rights under Microsoft’s license terms.
Can I use Microsoft 365 Personal on multiple devices?
Microsoft 365 Personal supports one person signing in on up to 5 devices at once. The subscription includes Microsoft 365 apps and 1 TB of OneDrive storage for that person, making it useful across a PC, tablet and phone.
Does Windows 11 Pro OEM include Microsoft Office?
Microsoft Windows 11 Pro OEM License includes the Windows operating system, not Microsoft Office or Microsoft 365 Personal. Buyers who need productivity apps should purchase a suitable Microsoft 365 plan separately and check the included app details.
Is Microsoft 365 Personal better than Microsoft 365 Family?
Microsoft 365 Personal is better for 1 person, while Microsoft 365 Family suits households with up to 6 users. Family provides separate accounts and 1 TB of OneDrive storage per person; Personal provides 1 TB for its single user.
What does Microsoft 365 Basic include?
Microsoft 365 Basic includes 100 GB of OneDrive storage for 1 person and online services. The plan focuses on cloud storage and web or mobile use rather than the full desktop apps included with Microsoft 365 Personal.
Should I buy Windows 11 Home or Windows 11 Pro?
Microsoft Windows 11 Home is the right fit for ordinary personal computing, while Microsoft Windows 11 Pro adds tools such as BitLocker and domain join. Choose Pro when those features are needed; otherwise, Home covers core Windows use.