Windows 10: How to either deactivate OEM key on old motherboard or change current PC product key.

Hi everyone,I have recently been building a pc for a friend using old parts, including an old CPU and motherboard which I have replaced in my new computer. When I originally made the upgrade I tied my license key to my microsoft account, so I was able to use my old key with my new motherboard.However, now when I put together the system for my friend using my old parts I was surprised to find that windows was already activated on the system. When I used notepad to find the product key I was able to see it is exactly the same as the one on my current system.I obviously don't want to use the lice

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Can I Transfer an OEM Product Key to New PC?


I built a new PC and want to install windows 8.1. For this I need to buy a product key. I was told that OEM product keys are "married" to the motherboard for life.

But lets say I install win 8.1 and use an OEM product key yo activate it. And lets say in the future I get rid of the old motherboard and install a new motherboard. Will I be able to transfer the product key to the new motherboard? Or would I need a retail product key to transfer the key to a new PC or motherboard?

 

Uninstall Product Key and Deactivate Windows 10  

Deactivating key does not deactivate Windows.


According to EULA, if you have an oem key, that cannot be transferred to new pc.

If key is retail, you either sell pc with windows and key, or you keep key and wipe windows.

 

Forgot to "deactivate" Windows 10 Home key from old PC and reactivated on new PC. Will there be issues if someone uses the old PC/motherboard?

Hi,

Yeah I didn't deactivate/uninstall the key at all from the old motherboard. I assumed that simply entering the same product key on the new one would transfer/deactivate it from the old motherboard.

I'm currently using my new PC with the same product key all activated and still linked to my Microsoft account.