Used Microsoft licences

Used Windows licences with TÜV IT certificate from Soft & Cloud

At Soft & Cloud, we also offer used Windows licences, both for the new Windows 11 and for Windows 10. A used licence means that Soft & Cloud buys licences for the operating system from all over Europe from companies that no longer need them. As used Windows licences and the licensed software do not wear out even with intensive use, companies that buy their required Windows licence used from us can save up to 70 % of the licence costs.

What is a Windows operating system?

Microsoft Windows is the world's most successful and, with a market share of around 90 per cent, the most widely used operating system. It can be easily installed and used on PCs, notebooks, netbooks, laptops and other devices from almost all manufacturers. Microsoft provides drivers compatible with the operating system for many peripheral devices.

Functions and features

Windows offers a user-friendly graphical interface and can be operated with a mouse, touchscreen or voice assistant. Microsoft provides its own programmes free of charge for many typical usage scenarios, such as the Edge internet browser, universal apps, DirectX 12 for current games and the Cortana voice assistant. The latest versions of Windows are provided by Microsoft at regular intervals with cumulative security updates, to which buyers of used licences for Windows also have unlimited entitlement and access.

Licence overview Windows 10 and Windows 11

You can purchase a used Windows 10 licence from Soft & Cloud either as a Windows 10 Professional upgrade or as a Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC (2019) upgrade. Windows 10 Professional is recommended for professional users and due to the additional business functions (e.g. BitLocker, Remote Desktop) also very good for small businesses. An earlier, qualified version of Windows is required for installation. Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC is aimed at larger companies and organisations that benefit from features such as AppLocker and Windows Defender Antivirus in addition to a stable and future-proof operating system.

You can purchase any used Windows 10 licence legally and cheaply from Soft & Cloud and enjoy the same rights as buyers of new licences. For example, Microsoft offers extended support of ten years for Windows LTSC (Long Term Serving Channel).

What is the difference between Professional and Enterprise?

Windows Professional is primarily aimed at small companies, freelancers and other users who require a sophisticated and powerful IT platform. The operating systems in the Professional series come with additional apps and applications that enable start-ups, sole traders and solo freelancers as well as SMEs in particular to permanently increase productivity and IT security. Remote and mobile scenarios are supported by the operating system, as is the use of cloud technologies in the company.

Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC is designed for devices that are subject to strict change management policies. For the Long-Term Servicing Channel Edition, Microsoft provides monthly Windows 10 security updates for specialised devices and enables new features to be made available for a period of up to five years.

If you are not sure which Windows licences are needed to update mobile and stationary devices in your company with a current Windows version, you are welcome to contact us directly. The same applies if you want to buy used Windows Server licences (e.g. a Windows Server 2016 licence) second-hand and at a reasonable price.

Conclusion

Microsoft Windows 10 and 11 are mature and very powerful operating systems that are suitable for companies of all sizes, industries and orientations. With used licences from Soft & Cloud, you can significantly reduce the costs for updates and are always on the safe side legally and financially.

We would be happy to provide you with a customised offer for your company's IT. You can conveniently request the licences you need via our webshop or contact us by telephone on +49 2571 8731087 or in writing by e-mail to info@softandcloud.com.

Frequently asked questions and answers

Is it legal to buy used software?

In a landmark ruling on 3 July 2012, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) determined that software may also be resold and that the rights of the original purchaser, e.g. to support, upgrades or downgrades, are also transferred to the new purchaser. The ECJ ruling was confirmed by the Federal Court of Justice in 2013 and verified by the competent Münster Procurement Chamber in 2016.

In order for used Windows licences to be used legally, certain requirements must be met, which Soft & Cloud proves through regular certifications by TÜVIT.

Are Windows licences transferable?

In order for a used Windows 10 licence to be legally resold and used, it must no longer be used by the seller. In addition, the original terms of purchase must allow the licence to be sold.

The sale and return of the licences must also be documented.

Can licences be resold?

The resale of software licences that are no longer required or used in your company has been fully legalised by the ECJ's landmark ruling of July 2012. The sale is therefore an effective way for companies to quickly reduce over-licensing (which is often caused by volume licences) and sell licences that are no longer required. The licence consultants at Soft & Cloud provide you with active support and ensure that the licence transfer is documented and therefore legally compliant.

Where are Windows licences stored??

Used licences purchased for Windows client or server operating systems, Office applications, etc. are archived securely and free of charge in the Soft & Cloud licence management portal, together with all associated documents and downloads. The licence key belonging to the licence, also known as the product key, is required to activate and authenticate the software and is stored locally on the computer on which the operating system was activated with the licence key. The software must therefore be uninstalled locally and the activation cancelled before it is sold again. Our licence consultant will be happy to assist you with any questions or uncertainties.

Difference between Windows 10 and Windows 11?

Probably the most important difference between Windows 10 and its successor Windows 11 is that Windows 11 no longer supports 32-bit architectures. Therefore, the hardware may have to be replaced and modernised before switching to Windows 11, as it must work with 64-bit. In addition, the new operating system will of course be supplied with updates by Microsoft for longer.