Is a cheap Microsoft license legal?

Short answer: Yes, buying a cheap Microsoft license is completely legal, provided you purchase from a reliable provider that operates within the framework of EU legislation.
LicentiePromo supplies only legal, activated licenses in accordance with European law.
Read below why.

You are looking for Microsoft Office or Windows, but the price at Microsoft itself is hard on the wallet. Then you come across providers like LicentiePromo with prices that véél lower.
Logical question: is this legal? And: how do I know I am not being scammed? In this article we answer both questions honestly and transparently.


How does EU exhaustion of rights work?

The legal basis for cheap software licenses in Europe is solid. Article 4(2) of the European Software Directive (2009/24/EC) determines the principle of the exhaustion of the distribution right: as soon as a software license is first placed on the market in the EU by the rights holder (Microsoft), that rights holder loses the right to prohibit further resale.
Specifically: if Microsoft sells a license to a company, and that company resells the license (e.g., when switching to another system), then that license may be legally traded. The European Court of Justice confirmed this principle in the judgment UsedSoft/Oracle (2012), a milestone for the second‑hand software license market. LicentiePromo operates fully within this legal framework.


Where do the licenses from LicentiePromo come from?

The licenses offered by LicentiePromo come from companies and organizations that no longer need their software licenses — think of companies that merge, switch to a subscription, or upgrade to a newer version. These licenses are checked and resold in accordance with EU regulations.
You therefore do not buy counterfeit or illegal keys. You buy a legal, full‑featured license that is linked to a genuine activation with Microsoft with the same functionality as a license bought directly from Microsoft.

Want to know more about the activation process? Read our guide page on how activating Office 2024 works.


What does Microsoft itself say?

Microsoft makes a distinction between legal resale (allowed under EU law) and illegal keys (keygens, fake activators, stolen keys). LicentiePromo clearly falls into the first category. Microsoft’s own activation servers validate every key upon installation.
If you purchase a license via LicentiePromo, your software will simply activate via the officiële Microsoft servers, just like a purchase in the Microsoft Store. If activation fails? Then you will receive a replacement key from us.


How do you recognize an unreliable provider?

Not every cheap provider is equally reliable. Use the checklist below to quickly assess whether you are dealing with a serious party.

Signs of a reliable provider:

  • ✅ Clear company information (KBO number, VAT number, address)
  • ✅ Mention of the legal basis for resale (EU directive)
  • ✅ Transparent explanation of the origin of licenses
  • ✅ Verifiable customer reviews on independent platforms (e.g., Trustpilot)
  • ✅ Activation guarantee + clear return policy
  • ✅ Secure payment page (https, recognized payment methods)

Warning signs of an unreliable provider:

  • ❌ No contact details or only an email address
  • ❌ Prices that are way too low (e.g., Office for €2)
  • ❌ No explanation about the origin of the licenses
  • ❌ Only positive reviews without any nuance
  • ❌ No guarantee or refund policy


Is LicentiePromo safe?

Yes. LicentiePromo is a Belgian provider with a proven track record. An overview of our guarantees:

✅ LicentiePromo in numbers: 14.000+ verified customer reviews · Activation guarantee · Fast digital delivery · Belgian company


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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to buy a cheap Microsoft license?

Yes. Under European law (art. 4(2) Software Directive 2009/24/EC) the resale of software is fully legal, provided the license was originally placed on the market in the EU by the rights holder. LicentiePromo sells only licenses that meet these conditions.

What is a secondhand Microsoft license?

A secondhand or occasion license is a software license that was previously purchased by another company or individual and is no longer used. Based on the EU principle of exhaustion of distribution rights, these licenses may be resold. The software works identically to a new license.

How do I know if my LicentiePromo license is genuine?

Every license you purchase from LicentiePromo is activated via the official Microsoft activation servers. If your activation succeeds, your license is validated by Microsoft itself. If it doesn't work, LicentiePromo guarantees a replacement key.

Can Microsoft deactivate my license?

Licenses from reliable providers such as LicentiePromo are legally obtained and are not blocked. Licenses from dubious providers that use generated or stolen keys do carry that risk. Therefore always choose a provider with transparent origin and activation guarantee.