Is W10 free to multiple computers by one owner?


  1. lbeck
    Posts : 413
    Windows 10 home Version 22H2 (OS Build 19045) and Windows 11 on laptop
       New #1

    Is W10 free to multiple computers by one owner?


    I recently purchased a new laptop to replace my aging one that has slowed to a snails pace. Maybe also has a virus - I dunno. The new laptop has W10 installed. I also have 10 installed on a couple of desktops.

    I plan to move all of my data from the retired laptop to a large external HDD and then reformat it. Another problem with the older laptop is that it is bloated with many programs that are no longer needed. I'll reinstall only programs now needed.

    The first thing that I plan to do is to reinstall W10 on the retired laptop. Will I have a problem with too many copies of W10 already registered to me? Should I instead erase everything except the OS? I'm thinking that if my problem is basically too many bad programs or other malware then I'm okay. If my OS is infected then I'm defeating my objective of returning my older computer to its virgin state.

    Mostly I don't want to brick my old laptop w/o an OS or needing to purchase W10 because I'm only allowed e.g., 3 copies with my free personal license.

    Any advice is appreciated.
      My Computers
    Quote Quote

  3. Bree
    Posts : 31,675
    10 Home x64 (22H2) (10 Pro on 2nd pc)
       New #2

    lbeck said:
    Mostly I don't want to brick my old laptop w/o an OS or needing to purchase W10 because I'm only allowed e.g., 3 copies with my free personal license.
    No need to worry, Windows 10 licences don't work like that.

    When it was activated each machine had a digital license for the edition installed (Home or Pro) stored on the Microsoft activation severs and linked to the unique hardware ID of the PC.

    You are free to wipe the retired laptop and do a clean install of the same edition it had before (Home or Pro). If asked for a key click the 'I don't have one' link. It will activate automatically from its own digital license as soon as it can contact the activation servers. The drive is not part of the hardware ID, so if that needs replacing it won't affect the digital license for the PC.
      My Computers
    Quote Quote

  4. lbeck
    Posts : 413
    Windows 10 home Version 22H2 (OS Build 19045) and Windows 11 on laptop
    Thread Starter
       New #3

    Bree said:
    No need to worry, Windows 10 licences don't work like that.

    When it was activated each machine had a digital license for the edition installed (Home or Pro) stored on the Microsoft activation severs and linked to the unique hardware ID of the PC.

    You are free to wipe the retired laptop and do a clean install of the same edition it had before (Home or Pro). If asked for a key click the 'I don't have one' link. It will activate automatically from its own digital license as soon as it can contact the activation servers.
    Great! That's what I was hoping for.
    Thanks
      My Computers
    Quote Quote

  6. Berton
    Posts : 14,022
    Win10 Pro and Home, Win11 Pro and Home, Win7, Linux Mint
       New #4

    I'd add that Local Account or Microsoft Account shouldn't be a hindrance, I have 4 with the Microsoft Account and 6 without using Owner as the user [no E-Mail address used], just pay attention to the prompts. I set up the used computers as Owner as they have been rehabbed and are intended for future low-cost sale or give-away to a need.
      My Computers
    Quote Quote

  7. lbeck
    Posts : 413
    Windows 10 home Version 22H2 (OS Build 19045) and Windows 11 on laptop
    Thread Starter
       New #5

    Thanks - Still open to comments or advice even though I marked this as solved.
      My Computers
    Quote Quote

 

  Related Discussions
Hello I have 2 win 10 computers. One with a cd/dvd burner and one without. If I download Macrium Free to both - do I have to create rescue media for both - or can I create to usb only and use that for both if necessary? I recognize that both need...
Windows 10 updates on multiple computers.
in Windows Updates and Activation

I have 5 computers running Windows 10 1903, some updates show on 2 computers but not on the others, is it possible the ones without the updates don't need them?. The updates not showing on all are :- KB4505903, KB2538243 and KB4507453.
All of a sudden (perhaps since 1903 was installed) three of my computers are waking themselves up from sleep. I can put them back to sleep but invariably they will soon be back awake. AFAICT once they are awakened they will not go back to sleep. ...
Is it OK to have 2 or 3 computers with the same xxxx.outlook .com log in credentials? Would it confuse matters for example computer #1 runs on Windows 10 Home with Office 2013 Home and Business and computer #2 has Windows 10 Pro with Office...
How to get multiple win10's for multiple computers?
in Windows Updates and Activation

I have reserved my copy of win10 for my main computer, I have 3 other computers that I want to upgrade as well, do I have to download win10 four different times for the four computers? Thanks TC
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 10 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 10" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

 © Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:08.
Find Us




Windows 10 Forums