Windows 10: I sell my PC and make a new one from parts. Can I keep my license ?

May I ask why some are assuming he`s talking about Windows 10 ?

If he`s running the TP, he doesn`t even have a license for 10 so........

I`m under the assumption he`s talking about a license for 7, 8 or 8.1 as he does not mention, and yes I know he`s using Tenforms.

 

I've been on the Insider program fast track for many months now. Originally were were all given a temporay activation key but a month or so ago all these were deleted by MS and our Win10 preview copies became activation via the MS Account login. This is compulsory for Insiders but retail consumers can opt out of the MS account requirement if they insist. But I wouldn't recommend it.

 

What ??????

 

Doesn't the Technical Preview have an expiry date ? Once it became activated by MS does it still stay the same or was their an update which may it a final version ?

 

But it is a myth that Windows 10 stores information to the BIOS. Manufacturers can load a product key in bios, but no version of Windows ever has. Windows 10 will read a Windows 10 product key from the bios - if the manufacturer has loaded one there.

 

Exactly.

The only time I know of when an OS auto activated to a certain manufacturer`s pc is when you used the oem disc that came with the PC, I beleieve XP did it, Vista, maybe 7.

8 is when they started putting the key in the bios, whether they gave you a disc I don`t know, I would never buy a Windows 8 or 8.1 machine, not no way, not no how.

Attachment 35000

 

Sorry you're right - OEMs load it into the bios, not MS. MS load it into the hidden system partition on the boot drive.



The technical preview scheme continues even though Win10 is released retail in order for Insiders to act as guinea pigs for updates and upgrades.

 

Wow, people seem so intent on gaming the system. Look, the free upgrade is a free UPGRADE, for your existing system. If you buy a new computer, it's going to have Windows 10 on it already. If you build a new system, perhaps you can get an inexpensive OEM license by buying a HD or something.

Though I've heard that if you change motherboards on the second Tuesday after a full moon, the activation will carry through *Wink

 

Although this is the stated public policy of Microsoft, it does not mean it is an accurate reflection of the contract between Microsoft and the End-User as this could be dependent on the type of license upgraded. I do agree that the policy would be correct in most instances though...

 

XP, Vista and Windows 7 can use OEM activation. I'm not sure what the first OS to use it was though? There is a SLIC table added to the BIOS by the OEM. You do need custom OEM install media to make use of it. There is OEM info in the BIOS but no actual Product Code. That all changed with Windows 8. Now an actual product code is embedded in the BIOS. It's a unique code for each PC. You also don't need special install media to use it. Any official Microsoft install media will read it and use it. I've verified it myself. Windows 7 uses OA 2.1, Windows 8/8.1 uses OA 3.0. OA being OEM Activation. Windows 10 likely uses it too. I don't have a PC with an embedded 10 Product code to test it with though.

 

Just because you can do something, doesn't make it morally or ethically correct. Microsoft is pretty understanding in most situations. Unfortunately, some will look for loop holes and take advantage. That comment is not directed at any body in particular, just stating a fact of life.

 

Exactly where did Microsoft mention that changing the cpu would invalidate activation? I thought that only changing the motherboard would do that, with the free upgrade.

 

Windows 10 FAQ Tips - Microsoft

A more important question would be where did Microsoft mention that they would not consider changing the CPU to be a "meaningful change to your hardware"?

 

I thought it had to be a new moon to get a new activation. Learn something new every day. *Smile

 

From the looks of things, a lot of people are "driving" Windows 10 on a learners permit. *Roflmao2