Windows 10: Motherboard upgrade and OEM License

I plan on upgrading my motherboard but worried that I have to buy Windows 10 again due to my license being an OEM. Is there a way to transfer that license to a new motherboard?

:)

 

Is still OEM license legal after motherboard exchange?

Hi TomitaSERBAN-

I'm Kevin B. Independent advisor and a Windows user like you, let me help you sort things out.

Activation depends on what type of license you have:

If it came preinstalled with the computer, that is called an OEM version. For an OEM license, the license remove as soon as Motherboard is not working. So basically,it is non-transferable. If that is the case you need to get a new license.

If its the free upgrade from a retail store,it is transferable to a new computer or motherboard.

If its the free upgrade from a OEM preinstalled Windows license, it is NOT transferable to a new computer or motherboard.

However, this is not same for retail licenses.

Example: You purchased the license through Microsoft store. That does carry transfer rights.

To activate your Windows:

Run the activation troubleshooter on the new device using the below steps:

Go to Settings>Update and security>Activation and run the troubleshooter. and select I recently changed hardware on this device.

You may also refer on this link about Activation process of your Windows:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/12440/...

Hope this will help and have a bless day!

Thanks.

Kevin B.

Independent advisor

 

Question about OEM licenses

Quoted from Microsoft Web site:Licensing FAQ

"Q. Can a PC with an OEM Windows operating system have its motherboard upgraded and keep the same license? What if it was replaced because it was defective?"

"A. Generally, an end user can upgrade or replace all of the hardware components on a computer—except the motherboard—and still retain the license for the original Microsoft OEM operating system software. If the motherboard is upgraded or replaced for reasons other than a defect, then a new computer has been created. Microsoft OEM operating system software cannot be transferred to the new computer, and the license of new operating system software is required. If the motherboard is replaced because it is defective, you do not need to acquire a new operating system license for the PC as long as the replacement motherboard is the same make/model or the same manufacturer's replacement/equivalent, as defined by the manufacturer's warranty.

The reason for this licensing rule primarily relates to the End User Software License Terms and the support of the software covered by that End User Software License Terms. The End User Software License Terms is a set of usage rights granted to the end user by the PC manufacturer and relates only to rights for that software as installed on that particular PC. The system builder is required to support the software on the original PC. Understanding that end users, over time, upgrade their PCs with different components, Microsoft needed to have one base component "left standing" that would still define the original PC. Since the motherboard contains the CPU and is the "heart and soul" of the PC, when the motherboard is replaced (for reasons other than defect) a new PC is essentially created. The original system builder did not manufacture this new PC, and therefore cannot be expected to support it."

 

upgrade to windows 10 home oem version

Based on how OEM licensing works, changing the motherboard invalidates the licensing. Recent communications suggest that Microsoft might be forgiving to such circumstance, so you could reinstall Windows 10 Home, then use chat support to reactivate:

• Activate Your Windows 10 License via Microsoft Chat Support