New
#11
So basically you are saying that if I were to sell my motherboard as second hand, should I upgrade to a new computer then that person can activate Windows 10 or 11 using my motherboard as part of his/her upgrade with a blank CD Key?
Wouldn't that mean I lose my right to activate my new Windows 10/11 PC if they do so before me? Unless of-course after I upgrade my system I quickly activate my new PC with that Retail key first before selling off my existing motherboard, so they can't use it? If this is the case, this is quite a serious matter.
I don't want to have to destroy the mobo with a sledgehammer, if this can be useful to someone else.
I thought digital license keys are only unique to hardware systems under OEM.
This is where I am confused. So the product key is stored in the BIOS of the motherboard for both OEM and Retail licenses?!
I do not use a Microsoft Account. If I can activate my Windows with the Retail Key stored in the mobo and someone else can activate it. Then how can I prove to Microsoft that I am the original owner of the Windows 10 Retail key? I do not have any evidence that the key belongs to me, since a friend simply gave it (unused) to me for free as he had an extra key he didn't need.
This can potentially mean that the new user basically steals your license and you are left hopeless. Surely that can't be the case?