Hi - If I remember correctly, Windows 10 Product Key (or license) is based on a hardware ID of some sort. If I have a working Windows 10 on a HDD (or SSD), and I'm ready to junk that computer and want to move that "licensed" version of Windows 10 and the HDD to a new machine, how does Microsoft deal with the hardware ID since the ID is based on the old hardware and not the new?
Thanks
It depends on how you got to Windows 10. If original licence was retail, or you have a retail 10 key, you can reinstall 10 on new pc and reactivate using 7/8 or 10 key as appropriate. If original licence was oem, or you have a 10 oem licence, you are not permitted to transfer licence to new mobo/pc. This is nothing new.
It is unclear if you can transfer an upgraded licence (even if original was retail) after initial free year, free of charge, even if originaloy upgraded in the free period. MS have yet to clarify this although EULA indicates it is allowed (Section 4b if interested).
Hi - it was a Windows 7 (OEM) upgraded to Windows 10 during the "free" upgrade period. So, the license (on the cabinet sticker) is for Windows 7 on the old/junked machine. So, I suspect that's where the hardware ID was obtained.
You are legally required to buy a new licence.Hi - it was a Windows 7 (OEM) upgraded to Windows 10 during the "free" upgrade period. So, the license (on the cabinet sticker) is for Windows 7 on the old/junked machine. So, I suspect that's where the hardware ID was obtained.
Not sure I understand - if I bought the license for Windows 7 (and have the original Microsoft disks, and the license key, which just happens to match the sticker on the old tower), are you saying that I could not have uninstalled from the old machine and reinstalled on the new machine and then upgraded to Windows 10?
I didn't think Windows 7 was tied to hardware but to the license and product key on the disk.
Not true - oem licences were only ever allowed to be installed on one pc only (special exception for Windows 8.0 taken away again at 8.1 when MS realised the implications). See section 4b.Not sure I understand - if I bought the license for Windows 7 (and have the original Microsoft disks, and the license key, which just happens to match the sticker on the old tower), are you saying that I could not have uninstalled from the old machine and reinstalled on the new machine and then upgraded to Windows 10?
I didn't think Windows 7 was tied to hardware but to the license and product key on the disk.
Run showkeyplus and it will say if your key is retail or oem. Usually oem if blue coa sticker but not always eg if you bought it separately and put sticker on pc yourself.
4. Transfer.The provisions of this section do not apply if you acquired the software as a consumer in Germany or in any of the countries listed on this site (aka.ms/transfer), in which case any transfer of the software to a third party, and the right to use it, must comply with applicable law.
a. Software preinstalled on device.If you acquired the software preinstalled on a device (and also if you upgraded from software preinstalled on a device), you may transfer the license to use the software directly to another user, only with the licensed device. The transfer must include the software and, if provided with the device, an authentic Windows label including the product key. Before any permitted transfer, the other party must agree that this agreement applies to the transfer and use of the software.
b. Stand-alone software.If you acquired the software as stand-alone software (and also if you upgraded from software you acquired as stand-alone software), you may transfer the software to another device that belongs to you. You may also transfer the software to a device owned by someone else if (i) you are the first licensed user of the software and (ii) the new user agrees to the terms of this agreement. You may use the backup copy we allow you to make or the media that the software came on to transfer the software. Every time you transfer the software to a new device, you must remove the software from the prior device. You may not transfer the software to share licenses between devices.
Thanks! Does "showkeyplus" still work on Windows 10? Is it run from the CMD line?
You got a no deal situation - OEM upgrade.
Showkey - Windows 10 blog
