Windows 8.1 System Builder OEM and Full Version?

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mrieg21

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Jun 13, 2013
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So, I'm building a new Gaming PC and I want to get Windows 8.1 for it. Is there a difference between the System Builder OEM and the Full Version of Windows 8.1?

System Builder OEM: http://www.amazon.com/Windows-8-1-System-Builder-64-Bit/dp/B00F3ZN2W0/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1390428790&sr=8-3&keywords=windows+8.1

Full Version: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EDSI7QO/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

This is probably a pretty stupid question, but I've been looking and couldn't find a straight forward answer on it. Thanks!
 
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dgingeri

dgingeri

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Two things:

1. retail licenses you for both 32-bit and 64-bit versions, OEM is either/or but not both.

2. The OEM license is locked into the motherboard once installed. The only way to move it to a new motherboard is if the motherboard goes bad and you need a replacement, and then, technically it is only for another motherboard of the same model. The retail version is allowed to move between systems a total of 4 times. (This is kind of a gray area, though, and through manual activation and a few lies you can get them to activate it more than that. However, the UELA is pretty clear on the matter as to what is strictly legal.)
 
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RealBeast

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The OEM license for Windows 8 is different than it was for Windows 7 -- you can change motherboards or even move it to a new system if you uninstall from the old system.

Read the answer under the third question on the Windows 8 OEM license HERE:

A. You may transfer the software to another computer that belongs to you. You may also transfer the software (together with the license) to a computer owned by someone else if a) you are the first licensed user of the software and b) the new user agrees to the terms of this agreement. To make that transfer, you must transfer the original media, the certificate of authenticity, the product key and the proof of purchase directly to that other person, without retaining any copies of the software. You may use the backup copy we allow you to make or the media that the software came on to transfer the software. Anytime you transfer the software to a new computer, you must remove the software from the prior computer. You may not transfer the software to share licenses between computers. You may transfer Get Genuine Windows software, Pro Pack or Media Center Pack software only together with the licensed computer.
 
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dgingeri

dgingeri

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Also, from MS's System Builder 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 those terms. The End User Software License Terms are a set of usage rights granted to the end user by the PC manufacturer, and relate 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.
 
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mrieg21

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So, what's the advantages to getting the OEM version of Windows 8 vs the Full Version. There must be some advantages/disadvantages to them, otherwise they wouldn't make an OEM version and a Full Version, right?
 
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guttsy

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And the Windows 8.1 license is different than Windows 8.0

From Microsoft's OEM website: "If you are building a system for your personal use or installing an additional operating system in a virtual machine, you will need to purchase Windows 8 software or a Microsoft retail version of Windows 8.1 software. Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 system builder software does not permit personal use, and is intended only for preinstallation on customer systems that will be sold to end users."

Source: http://www.microsoft.com/oem/en/licensing/sblicensing/Pages/windows-licensing-for-personal-use.aspx#fbid=qSkdVovONY9

You'll be breaking the rules, technically speaking. I have no experience with the transferability of this license either.
 
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Juan Valderrama Tolosa

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I have a windows 8.1 pro OEM license, I changed my motherboard yesterday to a completely different model, you cant activate it by internet but you can activate it by phone, there's no such thing as motherboard lock on windows 8.1 OEM ,maybe in previous versions but not this one, windows 8.1 oem understand that a oem license can be used as a personal use license,
 
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