Activating Windows 10 on a new motherboard

Sorry if this has been asked already, but I have a few questions.

I am upgrading my motherboard soon, and from what I understand, windows keys are tied to the motherboard and not the hard drive. Is this correct?

I have a windows 7 OEM copy; disc/key is with me. I upgraded to windows 10 when the free upgrade was released. I will notbe wiping any of my hard drives, so I am wondering the following:

Will I be able to activate windows 10 on my new motherboard with a Win7 OEM key?
If not, do I need to buy a Win10 OEM disc/key for the new motherboard because of this?

Upon changing motherboards and starting up my upgraded PC, will windows ask for an activation key? If not instantly, will it do it later on?

Thanks in advance.

OEM is good for installation on only one computer. Change the motherboard and you have changed the computer and it is illegal to use your OEM license (product key) on the new motherboard. Therefore, since you only had one OEM license for Windows, and you have already used that on the old motherboard, you are left with no license to legally run Windows on a new motherboard. When you change motherboards, Windows will deactivate itself and nag you at increasing intervals to activate it.

You will need to purchase a new license from Windows 7, 8, or 10 with a product key to activate the Windows 10 on the new motherboard. Also, you can upgrade with a new license (product key) - such as from Home to Pro - but you cannot downgrade from Pro to Home without doing a new, clean install.

Correct, however, I have seen instances of a similar mobo (but same CPU) accepted... but strictly speaking, a new one will require a new key.

I just wondered in an unlikely scenario where I had to use my vendor warranty and they diagnosed an issue with & replaced the motherboard (like for like). This means the unfortunate user has to shell out for a new license key?

I just wondered in an unlikely scenario where I had to use my vendor warranty and they diagnosed an issue with & replaced the motherboard (like for like). This means the unfortunate user has to shell out for a new license key?

Like for like replacements are permitted but you would have to call MS support and provide documentary evidence of change.

If the license is OEM, Microsoft is not obligated to transfer that license to a new motherboard. The "manufacturer" that used the OEM license for Windows is responsible for support and replacement of that installation of Windows.

If Microsoft grants transfer of that OEM license to a new motherboard, it is a gift from Microsoft, not an obligation. That's the whole reason why OEM licenses are cheaper than Retail licenses - Microsoft is under no obligation to support, replace or transfer the OEM installation of Windows.

Yup, OEM's are obliged to replace the licence under warranty - if it's a Windows 8/10 OEM PC, the new motherboard will not have an embedded key - instead make sure they supply one separately.

If the license is OEM, Microsoft is not obligated to transfer that license to a new motherboard. The "manufacturer" that used the OEM license for Windows is responsible for support and replacement of that installation of Windows.

If Microsoft grants transfer of that OEM license to a new motherboard, it is a gift from Microsoft, not an obligation. That's the whole reason why OEM licenses are cheaper than Retail licenses - Microsoft is under no obligation to support, replace or transfer the OEM installation of Windows.

Agreed but grey area is when the mobo is replaced outside warranty period. It seems MS are quite lenient on this if you have evidence to support a "like for like" claim. Of course lots of people "try it on" with varying degree of success.

Agreed but grey area is when the mobo is replaced outside warranty period.

It's not a grey area at all. Inside the warranty period, the "manufacturer" who installed the OEM Windows is responsible for replacement. Outside the warranty period, neither the manufacturer nor Microsoft is obligated to replace or transfer anything OEM for free. If they do, it is a bonus gift.

I had to replace my motherboard but Microsoft was great and reactivated my operating system.