Windows 10: Using an OEM version and want to upgrade to a retail version

There's a good chance that my computer will need major new parts and I'm afraid that it will not activate when fixes. I would like to use the operation system that I already configured to my liking. Can I buy a retail version of Windows 10 and just use that new key to re-activate my already installed OEM version and maintain its retail rating?

:)

 

new build

Either will do, the cheap option being OEM System Builder license. But if you want the ability to transfer to another motherboard or computer, then the full retail version is recommended.

Full version (Retail):

- Includes transfer rights to another computer.

- Doesn't require a previous qualifying version of Windows.

- Expensive

OEM :

OEM versions of Windows are identical to Full License Retail versions except for the following:

- OEM versions do not offer any free Microsoft direct support from Microsoft support personnel

- OEM licenses are tied to the very first computer you install and activate it on

- OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different model motherboard

- OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system

 

Upgrade key questions

If you upgrade from a retail version, it carries the rights of a retail version.

If you upgrade from a OEM version, it carries the rights of a OEM version.

Full version (Retail):

- Includes transfer rights to another computer.

- Doesn't require a previous qualifying version of Windows.

- Expensive

Upgrade version (Retail):

- Includes transfer rights to another computer.

- require a previous qualifying version of Windows.

- Expensive, but cheaper than full version

OEM :

OEM versions of Windows are identical to Full License Retail versions except for the following:

- OEM versions do not offer any free Microsoft direct support from Microsoft support personnel

- OEM licenses are tied to the very first computer you install and activate it on

- OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different model motherboard

- OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system

 

In which country are you located?

I am asking, because there are countries, e.g. n the European Union, in which hardware bundling is not allowed. Microsoft writes in their EULA that the software would be bundled anyway, obviously hoping that they could fool users or whatever, but this software in fact is not bundled and can be used on any other PC.

 

I'm in the USA.

Are you saying that my OEM version can be put into a new computer?

 

Yes, as long as it is for the same version (IE: Pro or home). If you end up with a Windows 10 that does not activate itself, on the activation screen will be a button to change product key - enter the retail key in there for the same version of Windows 10 and it should activate. In response to the other question you raised, in the US, the OEM license is for that one, specific computer only. Microsoft pretty much considers a new motherboard and/or new CPU to be the hardware change that makes a new computer.

 

A cpu upgrade or change has nothing to do with activation, it will not affect it at all.

A CPU change/upgrade is just like adding memory or installing a GPU.

The only ridiculus company I`ve ever seen make a claim like that is Dell.

 

You have done this and know this for a fact? Or only in theory?

 

Many times on many machines, it`s what I do.

The only hting that matters is the motherboard and/or when you put a system on a new drive, but all you have to do is make a phone call to MS and be nice.

 

And hundreds of people have upgraded their hard drives and have not required new activation.

 

Yep, that can be done too, probably millions of people *Wink I never said it couldn`t be done or wouldn`t activate, I only said it`s the only time it matters.

It`s hit or miss, you do a clone to a new drive it may activate it may not, you install a new system on a new drive, it may activate with the same oem key, it may not. In either case all you do is make a robo call or talk to someone nicely at MS and explain the situation.

With upgrades from an earlier OS to 10, that`s all different and may not work at all. Apparently the servers keep a record of what was upgraded from what etc. and on what hardware. ( Meaning what motherboard )