Can I Transfer an OEM Product Key to New PC?


  1. xlook
    Posts : 82
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       New #1

    Can I Transfer an OEM Product Key to New PC?


    I built a new PC and want to install windows 8.1. For this I need to buy a product key. I was told that OEM product keys are "married" to the motherboard for life.

    But lets say I install win 8.1 and use an OEM product key yo activate it. And lets say in the future I get rid of the old motherboard and install a new motherboard. Will I be able to transfer the product key to the new motherboard? Or would I need a retail product key to transfer the key to a new PC or motherboard?
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  3. Rocky
    Posts : 1,778
    Windows 10 Pro,
       New #2

    Microsoft tweaks activation rules for the Windows 10 Anniversary Update | ZDNet
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  4. alkaufmann
    Posts : 642
    Windows 10 PRO 64Bit
       New #3

    No, however if your motherboard is broken and you replace it with the exact same motherboard you have to talk to Microsoft and they may activate it. If that same motherboard is no longer available, buy a new license.
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  6. xlook
    Posts : 82
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    I see.. Do you know if microsoft still allows people to download win 7 from them with a product key?
    Last edited by xlook; 25 Jul 2016 at 08:43.
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  7. Rocky
    Posts : 1,778
    Windows 10 Pro,
       New #5

    Did you read the link provided?
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  8. xlook
    Posts : 82
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    Thread Starter
       New #6

    Rocky said:
    Did you read the link provided?
    I did. But they dont mention if you can download win 7 from microsoft. Did you read the link?
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  9. cereberus
    Posts : 15,866
    Windows10
       New #7

    Rocky said:
    Microsoft tweaks activation rules for the Windows 10 Anniversary Update | ZDNet

    You are assuming this can be used for any mobo upgrade, and works if digital licence was based on upgrading from an oem licence. We do not know if it will work for certain.


    The new EULA still does not permit it by the way.
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  10. cereberus
    Posts : 15,866
    Windows10
       New #8

    xlook said:
    I see.. Do you know if microsoft still allows people to download win 7 from them with a product key?

    Use this link (thanks to member KYHI) to download windows 7 iso from MS even if key is oem.

    https://www.heidoc.net/php/Windows%2...Downloader.exe
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  12. Rocky
    Posts : 1,778
    Windows 10 Pro,
       New #9

    xlook said:
    I did. But they dont mention if you can download win 7 from microsoft. Did you read the link?


    Ahh, you got me because the original post does not say one thing about Windows 7.
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  13. xlook
    Posts : 82
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    Thread Starter
       New #10

    cereberus said:
    Use this link (thanks to member KYHI) to download windows 7 iso from MS even if key is oem.

    https://www.heidoc.net/php/Windows%2...Downloader.exe
    Cool.. but I'll be using retail, not OEM.
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