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OEM License

Anonymous
2016-03-10T11:33:20+00:00

I'm planning to upgrade my computer, that I built and bought a license, but it will require me to reinstall the OS. Will I be able to use the same license or should I buy a new one? I looked online but couldn't find a straightforward answer.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Licensing and activation

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  1. Anonymous
    2016-03-10T11:45:33+00:00

    Hi,

    You can reinstall the OEM License, depending on what Hardware you alter during the Hardware Upgrade.

    Leave the Motherboard as it is>

    You have to follow the directives or you void your OEM License.

    http://www.microsoft.com/oem/en-gb/licensing/sblicensing/pages/licensing\_faq.aspx#fbid=iePP5a9JaWJ

    Q. If my customer asks me to upgrade a PC with new hardware components, when is a new operating system needed? When would the PC be considered "new"?

    A. Generally, an end user can upgrade or replace all of the hardware components on a computer—except the motherboard—and still retain the licence for the original Microsoft OEM operating system software. If the motherboard is upgraded or replaced for reasons other than a defect, then a new computer has been created. Microsoft OEM operating system software cannot be transferred to the new computer, and the licence of new operating system software is required.

    If the motherboard is replaced because it is defective, you do not need to acquire a new operating system license for the PC as long as the replacement motherboard is the same make/model or the same manufacturer's replacement/equivalent, as defined by the manufacturer's warranty.

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    If you had bought and installed your own Retail Windows License, you can change Motherboards.

    Cheers.

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