W10 licence transfer. What happens if I change/upgrade my PC later on?

Page 11 of 17 FirstFirst ... 910111213 ... LastLast

  1. Posts : 28,665
    Mint 21.3
       #101

    Delicieuxz said:
    How did you install Windows 8.1 on your SSD? Can't you access the same installation source? If not, and if you have a legit Win 8.1 license key, you can download the Windows 8.1 software from a torrent - it's the license that's legally requires to access and use the software, and it's legal to download software for which you own a license to use.

    You can also try contacting Microsoft support, and asking them to deactivate the previous hardware association for your license, and activating it with the new one.

    Support for Microsoft product activation problems

    Typically, changing the mobo will require you to re-install Windows 8.1, and then upgrade to Windows 10.
    That will only work for a year.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 162
    Windows 7 Ultimate 64
       #102

    Only if the license is OEM. For Retail, they will retain their upgrade capability on new systems beyond the free year. Odah mentioned they did a fresh install of Win 8.1 on a new SSD, so I presumed they have a retail license.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 1,557
    W10 32 bit, XUbuntu 18.xx 64 bit
       #103

    Delicieuxz said:
    Only if the license is OEM. For Retail, they will retain their upgrade capability on new systems beyond the free year. Odah mentioned they did a fresh install of Win 8.1 on a new SSD, so I presumed they have a retail license.

    You can always do an upgrade or clean install with an oem as long as it has been upgraded at least once to windows 10 and activated before the free offer expires.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 162
    Windows 7 Ultimate 64
       #104

    Yes, but I was referring to replacing a mobo and still upgrading from a Win 7 / 8 license. Once the year passes, an OEM system that replaces its mobo won't be able to access the upgrade - or at least technically shouldn't be able to, as far as I understand. Contacting MS support might allow some people to do it.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 633
    Win 10 Pro x64 1607 (Build 14393.953)
       #105

    W10 licence transfer. What happens if I change/upgrade my PC later on?


    On Mac OS X an easy install free upgrade remains an easy free upgrade!

    Reverting back to Windows 8.1 Pro to enjoy my Windows applications/games and not to be constantly frustrated with this upgrade/activation issues, to put it very MILD!

    I'll sit out the ride atm.

    Cheers
    Last edited by M4v3r1ck; 09 Aug 2015 at 18:47. Reason: typo
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 3,257
    Windows 10 Pro
       #106

    Delicieuxz said:
    I have a suspicion that Microsoft's chosen method for handling upgrade reinstallations will work against Microsoft in the long term, motivating many people to return to their original OS, and some people to even resent the Microsoft brand. Nobody wants to do a 2-step reinstallation, let alone a 3-step reinstallation, just for a clean OS.
    You're free to buy a full copy. This is free. If you'd paid for it, maybe you'd have an argument, but MS can put any restrictions they want on how you have to install it to get the free upgrade.

    I don't know, I'm more than happy to jump through a few extra hoops to save buying a new copy. Especially since you don't need to do multiple steps for reinstalling on the same machine. It's only in the rare case that you transfer a retail copy (1% of users or less in my estimation).
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 3,257
    Windows 10 Pro
       #107

    Delicieuxz said:
    Only if the license is OEM. For Retail, they will retain their upgrade capability on new systems beyond the free year. Odah mentioned they did a fresh install of Win 8.1 on a new SSD, so I presumed they have a retail license.
    You don't need a retail license to reinstall an OEM copy on the same computer.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 633
    Win 10 Pro x64 1607 (Build 14393.953)
       #108

    W10 licence transfer. What happens if I change/upgrade my PC later on?


    Mystere said:
    You're free to buy a full copy. This is free. If you'd paid for it, maybe you'd have an argument, but MS can put any restrictions they want on how you have to install it to get the free upgrade.

    I don't know, I'm more than happy to jump through a few extra hoops to save buying a new copy. Especially since you don't need to do multiple steps for reinstalling on the same machine. It's only in the rare case that you transfer a retail copy (1% of users or less in my estimation).
    On Mac OS I could simply update, no harm done to my users/apps/settings! Only make sure all apps are updated and perhaps some are still not compatible. Downloading a full installer then, takes just a few minutes!

    Clean install the new OS X, use Magration Assistance to port your stuff, reboot and get on with your work/play but most of all your life! This update thingy with MS is a real dealbraker for me atm!

    I hope for better times! [emoji41]

    Cheers
    Last edited by M4v3r1ck; 09 Aug 2015 at 19:33. Reason: typo
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 3,257
    Windows 10 Pro
       #109

    M4v3r1ck said:
    On Mac OS I could simply update, no harm done to my users/apps/settings! Only make sure all apps are updated and perhaps some are still not compatible. Downloading a full installer then, takes just a few minutes!

    Clean install the new OS X, use Magration Assistance to port your stuff, reboot and get on with your work/play but most of all your life! This update thingy with MS is a real dealbraker for me atm!
    You can't make a comparison. All macs are sold with a license for MacOS. The same is not true of PC's. Apple knows that nobody can install a copy of MacOS X on a Mac that doesn't already have a licensed OS.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 89
    Windows 10 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #110

    Whichever way you look at it, this whole upgrade/reinstallation procedure has caused confusion. This thread alone is good evidence of that! The more I think about it, the less inclined I am to take advatage of the free upgrade with the current hassles and restrictions. I've never done an upgrade installation of Windows in my life and don't wish to start now. I'd prefer to buy Windows 10 at a reduced price (as with Windows 8) and be done with it. If that option doesn't become available I'll probably stick with Windows 8.1 for the forseeable future.
      My Computer


 

  Related Discussions
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 03:49.
Find Us




Windows 10 Forums