Share via

is it possible to upgrade windows from 10 pro OEM to 10 pro retail

Anonymous
2020-05-02T03:24:15+00:00

Hi, I just bought a new PC yesterday with windows 10 pro OEM. Is it possible to upgrade it to windows 10 pro retail? (OEM to retail is the only change I want to do). Since it's a new PC which did not arrive from the store yet, I don't care if data will be lost. 

I DON'T have a copy of windows 10 pro retail, I was wondering if I can just pay Microsoft the difference between pro OEM and pro retail. 

The reason I want to upgrade, is because I found out that if I change motherboard or whole computer etc. in the future, I will have to re purchase windows. I guess my question is not really upgrading windows, it's more like upgrading the license, since in both cases it's windows 10 pro. 

I have already emailed the store I bought my PC to ask them about it, but did not get a straight answer yet. So I wanted to know from you in general if this kind of upgrade is possible. 

Thank you.

Tal

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Licensing and activation

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

9 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2020-05-02T17:15:04+00:00

    I don't want to buy a new OEM license each time I buy a new computer and\or motherboard ...

    Why would you have to buy a new OEM license?

    Also, keep this in mind: Whether OEM or Retail, a Windows license can only be installed on one computer at a time. Aside from the difference in support, the only difference between an OEM license and a Retail license, is that an OEM must stay with the computer on which it was originally installed, while a Retail license can be moved from one PC to another PC. Even so, it can only activate 1 computer at a time.

    It's OK with me that I can have the retail version only on one computer at a time. lets say a steam roller accidentally rides on my PC. In OEM license the steam roller destroys my windows as well. but in the retail license, the steam roller destroys only my PC because I can re install my windows on a new PC, so I buy new PC without buying windows again.

    I know it's not logic that a steam roller will ride on my PC, but just for the example (-:

    Was this answer helpful?

    9 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2020-05-02T03:39:27+00:00

    Hi talshachar,

    Thank you for letting us know about your inquiry

    I am glad to work with you and help you find an answer for your question.

    I see that you have some question with upgrading Windows 10 pro OEM to 10 pro retail.

    Yes we can upgrade windows from 10 pro OEM to 10 pro retail.

    If you purchased a Windows 10 Pro retail license, you can update the product key license and convert your computer to OEM install to retail, which will allow you to have transfer rights and ability to make major modifications on your computer such as the motherboard.

    To update the product key:

    Click Start >then go Settings > Update & security > Activation > Change the product key

    Please let me know on how I can provide further assistance to you.

    Thank you again for letting us know about your question talshachar,

    May you have a safe and good day.

    Best Regards,

    Anthony De Jesus

    Independent Advisor

    Was this answer helpful?

    5 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2020-05-02T11:43:25+00:00

    Hi BulldogXX, 

    thank you for your answer

    I don't want to buy a new OEM license each time I buy a new computer and\or motherboard because it's more money then to just buy one time a retail license. I know it's the same software, that's why I wrote in my question:

    " I guess my question is not really upgrading windows, it's more like upgrading the license, since in both cases it's windows 10 pro."

    Was this answer helpful?

    3 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2020-05-02T15:58:18+00:00

    I don't want to buy a new OEM license each time I buy a new computer and\or motherboard ...

    Why would you have to buy a new OEM license?

    Also, keep this in mind: Whether OEM or Retail, a Windows license can only be installed on one computer at a time. Aside from the difference in support, the only difference between an OEM license and a Retail license, is that an OEM must stay with the computer on which it was originally installed, while a Retail license can be moved from one PC to another PC. Even so, it can only activate 1 computer at a time.

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  5. Anonymous
    2020-05-02T03:30:43+00:00

    That's not an upgrade. You get exactly the same software - only the licensing terms are different.

    If you think you might want to upgrade your motherboard, why not wait until then to buy your new license?

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments