Can I Transfer an OEM Product Key to New PC?


  1. xlook
    Posts : 82
    10
       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?
      My Computer
    Quote Quote

  3. Rocky
    Posts : 1,778
    Windows 10 Pro,
       New #2

    Microsoft tweaks activation rules for the Windows 10 Anniversary Update | ZDNet
      My Computer
    Quote Quote

  4. alkaufmann
    Posts : 636
    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.
      My Computer
    Quote Quote

  6. xlook
    Posts : 82
    10
    Thread Starter
       New #4

    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.
      My Computer
    Quote Quote

  7. Rocky
    Posts : 1,778
    Windows 10 Pro,
       New #5

    Did you read the link provided?
      My Computer
    Quote Quote

  8. xlook
    Posts : 82
    10
    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?
      My Computer
    Quote Quote

  9. cereberus
    Posts : 15,485
    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.
      My Computer
    Quote Quote

  10. cereberus
    Posts : 15,485
    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
      My Computer
    Quote Quote

  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.
      My Computer
    Quote Quote

  13. xlook
    Posts : 82
    10
    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.
      My Computer
    Quote Quote

 

  Related Discussions
Hello.. I did a windows 10 reinstall on my Thinkpad Laptop after upgrading it to Windows 10 Home 20H2 (Build 19042.685). I did it previously, and my windows got activated automatically, but this time its not.. I logged in with same Microsoft...
I need help with my product key
in Windows Updates and Activation

So, a couple months ago (2 months ago) I was warned that my product key would expire (I dont have any pictures of it but see the images from a different computer)... but guess what? when it hit the expiry date, nothing happened... it just stayed the...
I have setup a shared drive so I can access my files with my Android devices but the transfer speed is very slow around 500 KB - 1.5 MB per second. My QNAP NAS that also using SMB is transfering very fast up to 12 MB/s. Can i increase transfer speed...
need product key
in Windows Updates and Activation

Back in July of 2015 (I think that was the year) when you got windows 10 free of charge, I downloaded it and saved the file. I had to reinstall today and was asked for the product key. I did not get one. If I remember right there was one key for all...
Same product key on two PCs
in Windows Updates and Activation

Hi there. Within the last two days I upgraded a PC and a laptop to Windows 10 home as part of the free upgrade program. Just noticed tonight that Windows assigned the same product key to each PC. How is that possible? Why would Microsoft do that? I...
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 17:31.
Find Us




Windows 10 Forums