Is a cheap Microsoft license legal?

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

You're looking for Microsoft Office or Windows, but the price from Microsoft itself is a bit steep. That's when you come across providers like LicentiePromo, which offer much lower prices.
A logical question: Is this legal? And: how do I know I’m not being scammed? In this article, we answer both questions honestly and transparently.


How does the EU's exhaustion of rights work?

The legal basis for low-cost software licenses in Europe is solid. Article 4(2) of the European Software Directive (2009/24/EC) establishes the principle of exhaustion of the distribution right: once 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 that license (e.g., when switching to a different system), then that license may be legally resold. The European Court of Justice confirmed this principle in the UsedSoft v. Oracle ruling (2012), a milestone for the market of second-hand software licenses. LicentiePromo operates entirely within this legal framework.


Where do LicentiePromo's licenses come from?

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

Want to learn more about the activation process? Read our guide on how to activate Office 2024.


What does Microsoft 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 during installation.
If you purchase a license through LicentiePromo, you can activate your software just as you would through the official Microsoft servers, just like when purchasing from the Microsoft Store. If activation fails, we will provide you with a replacement key.


How can you spot an unreliable provider?

Not every low-cost provider is equally reliable. Use the checklist below to quickly assess whether you’re dealing with a reputable company.

Signs of a reliable provider:

  • ✅ Clear company details (CIS number, VAT number, address)
  • ✅ Reference to the legal basis for resale (EU Directive)
  • ✅ Clear explanation of where licenses come from
  • ✅ Verifiable customer reviews on independent platforms (e.g., Trustpilot)
  • ✅ Activation guarantee + clear return policy
  • ✅ Secure payment page (HTTPS, accepted payment methods)

Warning signs of an unreliable provider:

  • ❌ No contact information or only an email address
  • ❌ Prices that are way too low (e.g., Office for €2)
  • ❌ No explanation of the origin of the licenses
  • ❌ Only positive reviews, with no room for nuance
  • ❌ No warranty or refund policy


Is LicentiePromo safe?

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

✅ LicentiePromo by the numbers: 14,000+ verified customer reviews · Activation guarantee · Fast digital delivery · Belgian company

  • 14,000+ verified customer reviews — check them out for yourself
  • Activation Guarantee: If your key doesn't work, we'll replace it 
  • Fast digital delivery: You will receive your license via email immediately after payment
  • Belgian company, active and available via email and chat
  • Full range: from Office 2024 and Windows 11 to Microsoft 365 Family and Microsoft Project


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Frequently asked questions

Is it legal to buy a cheap Microsoft license?

Yes. Under European law (Art. 4(2) of the Software Directive 2009/24/EC), the resale of software is entirely legal, provided that 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 individual and is no longer in use. Under the EU principle of exhaustion of distribution rights, these licenses may be resold. The software functions exactly the same as a new license.

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

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

Can Microsoft deactivate my license?

Licenses from reputable providers such as LicentiePromo are obtained legally and will not be blocked. Licenses from dubious providers that use generated or stolen keys do run that risk. Therefore, always choose a provider with transparent origins and an activation guarantee.