Backup and Restore on multiple devcies

Question

Hello everyone, Is the situation below fine legally and technically? Thank you in advance.

I have several devices with the same model and preinstalled OEM Windows 10 Pro. I need to set up these devices with the same apps and user profiles, etc. I've come up with a method by using Backup and Restore (mentioned here) to set up massively. The detail is:

• Setting up a master device
• Backup the master device into a external storage
• Recover other devices by restoring from the master data in the external storage.

It works fine and I've confirmed information below:

• Device ID: All same with the master
• Windows Product Key: All different

Seems to me:

• Device ID: All data recovered from the master so did the Device ID. Since all the devices ARE NOT going to join any domain, they should be fine with the same Device ID.
• Windows Product Key: It's still the OEM key at each device. Since it shows "Windows is activated" on all the devcies so it's fine to use.

Answer 1

My aim is not copying the OEM license form PC-A to PC-B, I just want the two PCs have the exact same files/apps/drivers/etc. The solution for this is Windows Backup and Restore feature. I have tired it, it works great and the two PCs have their own OEM license key activated.

But, my main question here: Does this Backup and Restore feature legally to use for my case. I would like to use backup from PC-A to restore multiple other devices.

Answer 2

Hi,

The OEM license is based on the motherboard serial number. So, it is not possible to replicate the hardware serial number with backup and restore.

The license is valid only for that motherboard so if you replace the motherboard the key becomes invalid.

The OEM license terms state that the key is valid for that motherboard only and will not activate any other device.

Answer 3

Found a great explanation here.

> What you cannot do is install Windows, make changes (add programs / drivers, etc.) and then capture that image and use that as your setup / install media. That's what modifying the OEM image means.

But, is "Backup and Restore on multiple devcies" the same meaning with above? Violates the OEM license agreement?

Answer 4

Hi Sabya, thank you for helping.

My colleague said creating a backup and using it to restore (image) on another device might violate the OEM license terms. Is this correct? Do you have any document I can refer for this?

Answer 5

Hi ,

Sabya here, Independent Windows Adviser. Hope you are doing well.

The method is valid technically. However, the backup and restore you are trying to use is remnant of the past Windows 7. It does not work all the time and there is a high probability of it not working as intended.

There are other third party applications which can help you to do the deployment.

This is an example - https://www.easeus.com/backup-utility/install-s...

My pleasure to assist you.

If you have other issues or concerns that I might help you with, don't hesitate to ask.

Give back to the Community.

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Regards,

Sabya

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