Are the licenses sold on Licence24.ch legal in Switzerland? Complete explanations

Are the licenses sold on Licence24.ch legal in Switzerland? Complete explanations

Buying a Microsoft license at a low price online raises a legitimate question: is it really legal? Many users hesitate to get a Windows or Office license anywhere other than Microsoft's site, fearing to acquire a questionable or non-compliant product.

At Licence24.ch, this question comes up often — and rightly so. This article clearly explains, from a legal and technical perspective, why our licenses comply with Swiss and European legal frameworks, how they work, and how to buy with confidence.

1. What is a Microsoft software license?

A software license is an activation key that grants the right to use software. For Microsoft, activation is done via the Internet and validates your usage right on a given device.

The main categories of Microsoft licenses are:

• Retail (boxed) — license transferable from one PC to another
• Original Equipment Manufacturer — license tied to the first PC on which it is installed
• Volume — licenses in large quantities for businesses and organizations
• Digital perpetual — lifetime license delivered as a digital key, no subscription

On Licence24.ch, the licenses offered come from legitimate European channels (unused, uninstalled, or legally resold licenses) and can be activated directly via Microsoft servers.

2. The legal basis: CJEU ruling C-128/11 and the situation in Switzerland

In Europe

The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), in ruling C-128/11 (UsedSoft/Oracle, July 3, 2012), established that the sale of a perpetual license transfers a usage right that can then be resold. The original holder must stop using the resold license, but the publisher — including Microsoft — cannot oppose its resale.

In Switzerland

Although outside the EU, Switzerland recognizes the principle of exhaustion of rights: once a license is lawfully sold, its resale is generally not prohibited. In practice, resale is legal if the key comes from a legitimate source and the usage conditions are respected.

In summary: Buying a digital license on Licence24.ch is legal in Switzerland and complies with applicable European law.

3. Why are these licenses cheaper?

Price differences are explained by several legitimate factors:

• Unused volume licenses — from stocks of companies or organizations that have not used all their licenses
• Transfer of used licenses — resold legally according to European and Swiss regulations
• Perpetual licenses — a single lifetime purchase, no monthly subscription unlike Microsoft 365
• 100% digital model — no cost for box, packaging, or physical distribution

These factors allow us to offer competitive prices while guaranteeing authentic, activatable, and compliant licenses.

4. How does activation work in practice?

The process is simple and identical to a license purchased directly from Microsoft:

1. Download Windows or Office from the official Microsoft website
2. Enter the product key received by email and start activation
3. Check the "Activated" status in the product settings

With Licence24.ch, you receive a Microsoft download link, a unique 25-character key, and an invoice. Our support is available 7 days a week if needed.

5. What risks should be avoided?

There are deceptive offers on the Internet to watch out for:

• ❌ Keys sold at abnormally low prices (less than 5 CHF)
• ❌ Sellers without a physical address or identifiable customer support
• ❌ Keys generated by software (KMS, activators) — illegal and unstable
• ❌ Sellers without invoice or traceability

These dubious keys may work briefly before being deactivated by Microsoft, exposing the buyer to financial loss and service interruption.

Choose a transparent, traceable reseller with responsive support and a verifiable address — like Licence24.ch, a company based in Switzerland.

6. What is the difference between an OEM and Retail license?

On Licence24.ch, the licenses sold respect these distinctions. In case of doubt, our support guides you to the license suited to your needs.

7. Licenses available on Licence24.ch

Microsoft Windows

• Windows 11 — Professional, Home, Enterprise, Education, N editions
• Windows 10 — Professional, Home, N editions

👉 See All Our Windows Licenses

Microsoft Office

• Office 2024 — Professional Plus, Standard, Home and Business (Windows & Mac)
• Office 2021 — Professional Plus, Standard, Home and Business (Windows & Mac)
• Office 2019 — Professional Plus (Windows & Mac)

👉 See all our Microsoft Office licenses

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if Microsoft blocks a key? It’s rare, but if it happens, contact us immediately. We respond quickly and offer you a solution — exchange or priority support.

Can I use the license on multiple PCs? No. Each license is valid for one device at a time. For multiple PCs, you need as many licenses.

Is the license valid for life? Yes. The perpetual digital licenses offered on Licence24.ch are valid for life, with no subscription or recurring fees.

Am I entitled to security updates? Yes, exactly like with a license bought from Microsoft. Security and feature updates are included as long as the system is supported by Microsoft.

In summary

Buying a digital license on Licence24.ch is legal, secure, and economical. You get the same software, the same level of security, and the same features as with a license purchased directly from Microsoft — at a better price thanks to a legal and transparent distribution channel.

For more information, check out our practical guides:

👉 How to activate Windows 10/11 with a product key

👉 Office without a subscription: is it really possible?

⚠️ Disclaimer — Licence24.ch is an independent reseller of perpetual digital software licenses. We are not affiliated with Microsoft Corporation, nor are we official partners or authorized by them. The product names, trademarks, and logos mentioned (Windows, Office, Microsoft 365, Microsoft) are the exclusive property of Microsoft Corporation. All licenses offered can be activated directly on Microsoft servers, in accordance with the applicable European and Swiss legal framework for software license resale, including the ECJ ruling C-128/11.