Quick Answer
The answer is an OEM license. This is correct because an Original Equipment Manufacturer license is permanently tied to the specific device it was first installed on, making it non-transferable to any other computer. The core technical concept is that the license is embedded in the system’s firmware or preinstalled by the manufacturer, so it cannot be moved or reactivated on different hardware. On the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam, this question tests your understanding of software licensing models, often contrasting OEM with retail or volume licenses. A common trap is confusing OEM with a full retail license, which can be transferred; remember that OEM stands for “Original Equipment Manufacturer” and is locked to the original machine. For a memory tip, think of the “O” in OEM as “One device only” — once it’s on that laptop, it stays there forever.
This FC0-U61 practice question tests your understanding of applications and software. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A technician is asked to install a software package on a company laptop. The licensing type requires the software to be installed on a single device and cannot be transferred. Which licensing model is being described?
Volume license.
Why wrong: Volume licenses apply to multiple devices and are transferable.
OEM license.
OEM licenses are tied to the device they are installed on and cannot be transferred.
Subscription license.
Why wrong: Subscription licenses are user-based and can be transferred between devices during the subscription period.
Perpetual license.
Why wrong: Perpetual licenses are typically transferable and not device-specific.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
OEM license.
An OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) license is tied to the specific device it was originally installed on and cannot be transferred to another computer. This matches the scenario where the software must be installed on a single device and cannot be moved, as OEM licenses are permanently bound to that hardware.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Volume license.
Why it's wrong here
Volume licenses apply to multiple devices and are transferable.
OEM license.
Why this is correct
OEM licenses are tied to the device they are installed on and cannot be transferred.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Subscription license.
Why it's wrong here
Subscription licenses are user-based and can be transferred between devices during the subscription period.
Perpetual license.
Why it's wrong here
Perpetual licenses are typically transferable and not device-specific.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse 'perpetual' (indefinite duration) with 'non-transferable' (locked to hardware), but OEM licenses are a specific subset of perpetual licenses that are permanently bound to the original device.
Detailed technical explanation
OEM licenses are typically pre-installed by the manufacturer and use a system-locked activation mechanism, often tied to the motherboard's serial number or a hardware hash. This means if the motherboard fails and is replaced, the license may become invalid, requiring a new license or a specific replacement policy from the OEM. In contrast, retail perpetual licenses use a product key that can be deactivated and reactivated on different hardware, subject to activation limits.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the FC0-U61 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
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FAQ
Applications and Software — This question tests Applications and Software — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: OEM license. — An OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) license is tied to the specific device it was originally installed on and cannot be transferred to another computer. This matches the scenario where the software must be installed on a single device and cannot be moved, as OEM licenses are permanently bound to that hardware.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
This FC0-U61 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the FC0-U61 exam.
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