I sell my PC and make a new one from parts. Can I keep my license ?

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  1. Posts : 1,248
    Windows 10 Pro (Build 19043.1110)
       #21

    Wow, people seem so intent on gaming the system. Look, the free upgrade is a free UPGRADE, for your existing system. If you buy a new computer, it's going to have Windows 10 on it already. If you build a new system, perhaps you can get an inexpensive OEM license by buying a HD or something.

    Though I've heard that if you change motherboards on the second Tuesday after a full moon, the activation will carry through
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 703
    Windows 10 Pro x64
       #22

    brianwall said:
    ...The free version is free for the lifetime of the machine. The operating system is considered part of the hardware.... Any change to major components such as the motherboard or CPU will require you to buy a new retail Win10...
    Although this is the stated public policy of Microsoft, it does not mean it is an accurate reflection of the contract between Microsoft and the End-User as this could be dependent on the type of license upgraded. I do agree that the policy would be correct in most instances though...
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 15,027
    Windows 10 IoT
       #23

    AddRAM said:
    Exactly.

    The only time I know of when an OS auto activated to a certain manufacturer`s pc is when you used the oem disc that came with the PC, I beleieve XP did it, Vista, maybe 7.

    8 is when they started putting the key in the bios, whether they gave you a disc I don`t know, I would never buy a Windows 8 or 8.1 machine, not no way, not no how.

    Attachment 35000
    XP, Vista and Windows 7 can use OEM activation. I'm not sure what the first OS to use it was though? There is a SLIC table added to the BIOS by the OEM. You do need custom OEM install media to make use of it. There is OEM info in the BIOS but no actual Product Code. That all changed with Windows 8. Now an actual product code is embedded in the BIOS. It's a unique code for each PC. You also don't need special install media to use it. Any official Microsoft install media will read it and use it. I've verified it myself. Windows 7 uses OA 2.1, Windows 8/8.1 uses OA 3.0. OA being OEM Activation. Windows 10 likely uses it too. I don't have a PC with an embedded 10 Product code to test it with though.
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  4. Posts : 15,027
    Windows 10 IoT
       #24

    Just because you can do something, doesn't make it morally or ethically correct. Microsoft is pretty understanding in most situations. Unfortunately, some will look for loop holes and take advantage. That comment is not directed at any body in particular, just stating a fact of life.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 823
    W11 pro 64 beta channel
       #25

    Exactly where did Microsoft mention that changing the cpu would invalidate activation? I thought that only changing the motherboard would do that, with the free upgrade.
      My Computers


  6. Posts : 18,424
    Windows 11 Pro
       #26

    tinmar49 said:
    Exactly where did Microsoft mention that changing the cpu would invalidate activation? I thought that only changing the motherboard would do that, with the free upgrade.
    Windows 10 FAQ Tips - Microsoft

    Can I reinstall Windows 10 on my computer after upgrading?

    Yes. Once you’ve upgraded to Windows 10 using the free upgrade offer, you will be able to reinstall, including a clean install, on the same device. You won’t need a product key for re-activations on the same hardware. If you make a meaningful change to your hardware, you may need to contact customer support to help with activation. You’ll also be able to create your own installation media, like a USB drive or DVD, and use that to upgrade your device or reinstall after you’ve upgraded. To learn more, click here.
    A more important question would be where did Microsoft mention that they would not consider changing the CPU to be a "meaningful change to your hardware"?
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 757
    Host W8.0 x64 Guest W10 x86
       #27

    sgage said:
    Wow, people seem so intent on gaming the system. Look, the free upgrade is a free UPGRADE, for your existing system. If you buy a new computer, it's going to have Windows 10 on it already. If you build a new system, perhaps you can get an inexpensive OEM license by buying a HD or something.

    Though I've heard that if you change motherboards on the second Tuesday after a full moon, the activation will carry through
    I thought it had to be a new moon to get a new activation. Learn something new every day. :)
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 360
    Windows 10 Pro x64
       #28

    MilesAhead said:
    Device driver's license.
    From the looks of things, a lot of people are "driving" Windows 10 on a learners permit.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 203
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #29

    Man ... That's what happens when you post a question before going to sleep ... 3 pages of responses. It wasn't even close to that during the Technical Preview period. It was mainly Brick who answered everything. But here it goes, to clear all stuff.

    First of all, it's not a driver's license, it's a windows 10 license.

    I've been using TP from February until the moment it got upgraded to Win10 PRO. And it's not exactly a 'upgrade' to my PC, it's a new PC and I'm selling the old one (all parts are different). I will format the hard drive of the PC before selling, so in the end I still will have only 1 PC, so I thought it should be possible to keep my license.

    Sorry if the question wasn't clear. This forum used to be populated with only insiders ...
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 4,594
    Windows 10 Pro
       #30

    Your question has been answered, if you sell the PC with your key, then no you can`t keep it and use it again.

    But if it were a retail Windows 7 key, you would be a fool to let it go.

    Tell us exactly what type of license it is, and we`ll let you know if you can keep it, simple as that :)

    Refer back to post #3

    And if the PC you are selling has been upgraded to Windows 10, then guess what, there is no more key to keep.

    You loose it when you upgrade to 10, someone correct me if I`m wrong.

    It`s all about what type of key is on the PC you are going to sell, that determines whether you can keep it and use it again.

    There is no such thing as a Windows 10 license, unless you bought retail, which you didn`t. Someone correct me if I`m wrong.
      My Computers


 

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