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

Buying a Microsoft license at a low price on the Internet raises a legitimate question: is it really legal? Many users hesitate to obtain a Windows or Office license anywhere other than the official Microsoft site, for fear of acquiring an "illegal" or "pirated" product. At Licence24.ch, this question often comes up, and rightly so. This article clearly explains, legally and technically, why our licenses are legal in Switzerland and Europe, how they work, and how to buy with confidence.

1) What is a digital license?

A software license is an activation key that grants the right to use software. For Microsoft, activation is done via the Internet (or by phone) and validates your right of use on a given device. The main categories of Microsoft licenses are as follows:

·        OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer): supplied with a new PC, it is tied to the original motherboard and is not transferable after activation.

·        Retail (box or download): sold at retail, it can be transferred from one PC to another (only one activation active at a time).

·        Volume (MAK/KMS): intended for businesses and administrations. It is legal to resell when it comes from unused stock or is resold in accordance with European rules.

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

2) The legal basis: CJEU C‑128/11 and situation in Switzerland

The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), in ruling C‑128/11 (UsedSoft/Oracle, July 3, 2012), ruled that the sale of a perpetual license transfers a right of use that can then be resold. The initial holder must cease using the resold license, but the publisher cannot oppose its resale. In Switzerland, although outside the EU, the principle of exhaustion of rights is recognized: once the license is lawfully sold, its resale is generally not prohibited. In practice, resale is legal if the key comes from a lawful source and the usage conditions are respected.

This information is general and does not constitute legal advice. For a specific situation, it is recommended to consult a professional.

3) How Licence24.ch guarantees legality

We work only with verified European partners. Each key is:

·        authenticated and tested (Microsoft activation online or by phone);

·        from a lawful, traceable source;

·        provided with an invoice in CHF (VAT);

·        perpetual (no subscription) as long as the PC is not completely replaced or reformatted;

·        covered by support in case of activation difficulty.

4) Why our prices are lower

Several factors explain the price difference with the Microsoft Store:

·        Keys from lawful resales (companies, administrations, European stocks).

·        100% digital distribution (no box or DVD).

·        No monthly subscription: you pay once for a lifetime license.

·        Optimized online structure: fewer intermediaries, lower marketing costs.

In short: same software, legitimate usage rights, optimized cost.

5) Verify authenticity and activation: the simple method

To ensure a key is legitimate and functional, follow these steps:

1.      Download Windows/Office from the official Microsoft website.

2.      Enter the purchased key then start the activation.

3.      Check the “Activated” status in the product settings.

With Licence24.ch, you receive an official download link, a unique key, and an invoice. Our support is available if needed.

6) Offers to absolutely avoid

There are deceptive offers on the Internet that may work briefly before being disabled:

·        Pirated keys (generated or stolen).

·        MSDN/Education keys not transferable to the general public.

·        Test or temporary keys that expire after a few weeks.

Prefer a transparent and traceable reseller. Suspicious keys often end up being invalidated by Microsoft, exposing you to financial loss and service interruptions.

7) Quick FAQ

• Are Licence24.ch licenses “official”?

Yes: these are legitimate and activatable Microsoft usage rights, coming from lawful channels.

• What is the difference between OEM and Retail?

OEM: tied to the original PC. Retail: transferable from one PC to another (only one active activation).

• What is MAK/KMS?

MAK: limited number of activations (volume). KMS: activation via a company server. Keys offered to individuals must correspond to their use.

• What happens if Microsoft blocks a key?

It’s rare, but if it happens, contact us: we will assist you and find a solution.

8) Conclusion and next steps

Buying a license at a fair price is not illegal — provided you choose a reliable and transparent reseller. Licence24.ch commits to legality, traceability, and activation support. You get the same software, the same level of security, and the same features as with a license purchased from Microsoft, at an optimized price. To learn more, discover our selections (Windows, Office) and consult our practical activation guides.

Last updated: October 2025.