If I upgrade my motherboard/CPU will my digital license be valid?

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  1. Posts : 16
    Windows 10
       #1

    If I upgrade my motherboard/CPU will my digital license be valid?


    Just as the title states, I'm going to upgrade my CPU/Motherboard. I'm wondering if my windows 10 pro digital license will be able to be transferred over?

    In case it matters, but I'm sure it doesn't, it will be from a core2quad to an i5 8th gen, I know MS had rules/issues with upgrading hardware back in the day, not sure how it works now.

    Thanks in advance!
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 68,966
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #2

    Hello codebeastmode,

    If this is for a retail license, then yes you could use the "Activation troubleshooter" to activate your linked digital license to your Microsoft account with the new motherboard/cpu.

    Use Activation Troubleshooter in Windows 10 | Windows 10 Tutorials

    Be sure you link your license to your Microsoft account before changing the motherboard/CPU.

    Link Microsoft Account to Windows 10 Digital License | Windows 10 Tutorials
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 16
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Yes, the digital license is linked, I haven't upgraded yet, I'm waiting for the parts in the mail. It is for a retail license. So I should be good then?

    Thank you!
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 68,966
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #4

    You should be good to go.

    If all else fails, you can activate by phone, and tell them your situation.

    Activate Windows 10 | Windows 10 Tutorials
      My Computers


  5. Posts : 179
    Windows 11 Pro
       #5

    I have the OEM Windows 10 PRO and I did the same thing you are doing. I had to a new Mobo and CPU. My copy wouldn't activate via internet. I used the activate by phone. And it wasn't a problem.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 7,607
    Windows 10 Home 20H2
       #6

    @ern88,

    Right-click on the Start button and then press "A". Run "slmgr -dli" without quotes on PowerShell.
    Does it say "RETAIL" or "OEM"?
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 179
    Windows 11 Pro
       #7

    Matthew Wai said:
    @ern88,

    Right-click on the Start button and then press "A". Run "slmgr -dli" without quotes on PowerShell.
    Does it say "RETAIL" or "OEM"?
    OEM copy.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 7,607
    Windows 10 Home 20H2
       #8

    Can anyone explain why OEM Windows 10 can be re-activated after a motherboard change?
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 68,966
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #9

    Technically, you are not suppose to be able to activate an OEM license on another computer since it's non-transferable.

    However, Microsoft may sometimes let it slide and allow you to active by phone. Just don't rely on it since a new motherboard is technically a different computer.
      My Computers


  10. Posts : 3,453
       #10

    Matthew Wai said:
    Can anyone explain why OEM Windows 10 can be re-activated after a motherboard change?
    Yup, laziness at Redmond - they are more interested in Skippy than getting the base product complete.
      My Computer


 

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