Can I install Windows 8.1 OEM on another Computer without a Product Key?

ThePCElitist · Jun 26, 2014

Can I install Windows 8.1 OEM on another Computer without a Product Key if I buy a new Product Key later?

USAFRet · Jun 26, 2014

ThePCElitist :

No. Early in the install, Win 8/8.1 requires you to enter the license key.

Win 7 and earlier would allow you to bypass that for 30 days.

bigpinkdragon286 · Jun 26, 2014

Technically, even if it were possible, it is a violation of the terms of this website to help people in bypassing security measures in this manner.

Besides, how much time do you think Microsoft would allow you on a non-activated copy of Windows 8.1 before requiring activation to continue using it? You may end up getting a 3-day activation window and, shooting yourself in the foot here by making an otherwise useable machine go out of service.

Dark Lord of Tech · Jun 26, 2014

With windows 7 OEM the license is tied to the first motherboard it's installed on.With Windows 8.1 you can move it to another build when you are done with this one , but only one computer at a time.With Windows 8.1 you can change all the hardware you want including the motherboard.

OEM versions of Windows 7 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

Microsoft.com ^

OEM vs. Retail

OEM Windows 7 comes preinstalled on computers. This is the cheapest way to buy windows. Large PC manufacturers like Dell, HP etc. (collectively called royalty OEMs) install windows on millions of such PCs. The main characteristics of such systems are:

The license agreement and support agreement is between you and the PC maker, not MS.

Activation by the end user is not required. Windows is preactivated at the factory by the OEM using images and standard SLP keys.

Your copy of windows is locked to that PC. The license is not transferable.

OEM system builder is what you get when you buy from say Newegg or from a local "white box" vendor. It too has the characteristics of Royalty OEM windows. Although it is possible for an individual to buy a System Builder copy, the license requires that the software be installed using the OPK (OEM preinstall kit) and then resold.

Retail version is what you buy from a retailer like Amazon or Bestbuy. Its a full price version that comes packaged in a retail box with a retail product key. It has to be activated online via MS servers using the key on the box, it is not tied to the PC it was first installed on, though it can only be used on a single computer at a time. And, MS directly provides the support for it. It is also more expensive than OEM copies.

As far as functionality is concerned, theres no difference between any of the versions above, given any specific edition (i.e. between OEM pro and retail pro, or between OEM ultimate and retail ultimate).

sevenforums.com

Windows 8 is a whole different ballgame.

License agreement for the transfer of a Windows 8 license
http://personaluselicense.windows.com/en-US/default.aspx

ThePCElitist · Jun 26, 2014

USAFRet :

ThePCElitist :

No. Early in the install, Win 8/8.1 requires you to enter the license key.

Win 7 and earlier would allow you to bypass that for 30 days.

ThePCElitist · Jun 26, 2014

That's exactly what I was going to do. That sucks.

bigpinkdragon286 · Jun 26, 2014

Why not just live with the operating system that is already on the computer for now, as switching to 8.1 may not even foster any significant benefits, or were you planning to install Windows 8.1 onto a machine that has no operating system?

There are free operating systems available, such as Ubuntu, which you could easily run with for 30 days, unless you plan to do things that specifically require Windows.

ThePCElitist · Jun 26, 2014

USAFRet :

bigpinkdragon286 :

I want to upgrade to Windows 8.1 because I like the New Look, Start Menu, and Microsoft App Store.

ThePCElitist · Jun 26, 2014

With windows 7 OEM the license is tied to the first motherboard it's installed on.With Windows 8.1 you can move it to another build when you are done with this one , but only one computer at a time.With Windows 8.1 you can change all the hardware you want including the motherboard.

OEM versions of Windows 7 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

Microsoft.com ^

OEM vs. Retail

OEM Windows 7 comes preinstalled on computers. This is the cheapest way to buy windows. Large PC manufacturers like Dell, HP etc. (collectively called royalty OEMs) install windows on millions of such PCs. The main characteristics of such systems are:

The license agreement and support agreement is between you and the PC maker, not MS.

Activation by the end user is not required. Windows is preactivated at the factory by the OEM using images and standard SLP keys.

Your copy of windows is locked to that PC. The license is not transferable.

OEM system builder is what you get when you buy from say Newegg or from a local "white box" vendor. It too has the characteristics of Royalty OEM windows. Although it is possible for an individual to buy a System Builder copy, the license requires that the software be installed using the OPK (OEM preinstall kit) and then resold.

Retail version is what you buy from a retailer like Amazon or Bestbuy. Its a full price version that comes packaged in a retail box with a retail product key. It has to be activated online via MS servers using the key on the box, it is not tied to the PC it was first installed on, though it can only be used on a single computer at a time. And, MS directly provides the support for it. It is also more expensive than OEM copies.

As far as functionality is concerned, theres no difference between any of the versions above, given any specific edition (i.e. between OEM pro and retail pro, or between OEM ultimate and retail ultimate).

sevenforums.com

Windows 8 is a whole different ballgame.

License agreement for the transfer of a Windows 8 license
http://personaluselicense.windows.com/en-US/default.aspx

Thanks for the information. I'm defiantly going to buy the full version of Windows 8.1.

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Can I install Windows 8.1 OEM on another Computer without a Product Key?

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