New
#11
Not repair, but just re-install. I am clear on this issue now.
Basically, if I want to re-install Win10 (I have an activated insider license), I can do, and it will re-install fine. I just can't transfer the license to a different computer.
If however, I change some key components, such as a motherboard, MS treats this as a new computer. If I phone them informing that I've upgraded my PC, they might sort me out, at their discretion, although they don't have to.
Fair enough.
Last edited by tengeezer; 10 Jun 2016 at 11:12.
Just to clarify - if I had a bought a retail version of Win10, e.g. on usb, I would be allowed to remove and then transfer the license to a different computer, correct?
There is no explicit de-activation of Windows on the old machine.
You may have to activate the installation on the new PC by telephone.
I don't know whether there would be any consequences if you connected the old machine to the internet while continuing to use the original license on it. In the old (Windows XP) days, you could get away with it, but I doubt that Microsoft still allows that to stand.
Basically, it boils down to... if you registered as an Insider before the deadline - you have digital entitlement - thus installing any version of the same edition subsequently, is cool - using an Insider account or not.
Subsequent to the deadline an activated 10240 with a Win 7/8 genuine licence is required for digital entitlement.
Last edited by Superfly; 10 Jun 2016 at 12:22. Reason: semantics, spelling and stuff...
Thanks, but it still doesn't answer my question:
Does a format of a drive remove the license?