Is a cheap Microsoft license legal?

Short answer: Yes, buying a cheap Microsoft license is completely legal, provided you buy from a reliable provider operating within the framework of EU law.
LicentiePromo supplies exclusively 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 a heavy burden on your wallet. Then you come across providers like LicentiePromo with prices that are much lower.
The logical question is: is this legal? And: how do I know if I am not being scammed? In this article, we answer both questions honestly and transparently.


How does the 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) establishes the principle of exhaustion of the right of distribution: 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.
In concrete terms: if Microsoft sells a license to a company, and that company resells that license (e.g. when switching to another system), then that license may be legally resold. The European Court of Justice confirmed this principle in the UsedSoft/Oracle judgment (2012), a landmark for the second-hand software license market. LicentiePromo operates entirely within this legal framework.


Where do LicentiePromo's licenses come from?

The licenses offered by LicentiePromo originate from companies and organizations that no longer need their software licenses — think of companies merging, switching to a subscription, or upgrading to a newer version. These licenses are verified and resold in accordance with EU regulations.
Therefore, you are not buying counterfeit or illegal keys. You are purchasing a legal, full-featured license linked to a genuine activation with Microsoft, with the same functionality as a license purchased directly from Microsoft.

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


What does Microsoft itself say?

Microsoft distinguishes between legal resale (permitted 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 activates via the official Microsoft servers, just like a purchase in the Microsoft Store. If activation fails, 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 details (KBO number, VAT number, address)
  • ✅ Mention of the legal basis for resale (EU Directive)
  • ✅ Transparent explanation regarding 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 regarding the origin of the licenses
  • ❌ Only positive reviews without any nuance
  • ❌ No warranty 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 second-hand Microsoft license?

A second-hand or pre-owned license is a software license that was previously purchased by another company or person and is no longer in use. Based on the EU principle of exhaustion of distribution rights, these licenses may be resold. The software functions identically to a new license.

How do I know if my license from LicentiePromo is genuine?

Every license you purchase from LicentiePromo is activated via the official Microsoft activation servers. If your activation is successful, your license is validated by Microsoft itself. If it fails, LicentiePromo guarantees a replacement key.

Can Microsoft deactivate my license?

Licenses from reliable providers like LicentiePromo are legally obtained and are not blocked. Licenses from dubious providers that work with generated or stolen keys do run that risk. Therefore, always choose a provider with a transparent origin and an activation guarantee.