Can you re-use operating system disks?

kazary2424

Reputable
May 4, 2014
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Alright so my components for my build come in the mail tomorrow..A guy I know has a windows 7 operating system that he already used but I was wondering if you could re-use the product key? I also have my old store bought computer that has windows 7 and another that has windows 8. Is it possible to get windows off of that?? I probably sound like an idiot but whatever I need help! Thanks :)
 
Solution
Not legally. If it does work, your friend's copy may get automatically deactivated by Microsoft. You might be able to get Microsoft to deactivate the key from one of your old computers and reactivate on your new one, but you'll need to call in and do that over the phone. Otherwise, you'll need to buy a new OS.
Not legally. If it does work, your friend's copy may get automatically deactivated by Microsoft. You might be able to get Microsoft to deactivate the key from one of your old computers and reactivate on your new one, but you'll need to call in and do that over the phone. Otherwise, you'll need to buy a new OS.
 
Solution
In order to reuse an OS on Win 7 the code can not be an OEM code. other than this the code can be transferred from PC to PC.

In order to use a windows 8 code again you need to contact Microsoft and tell them that you want to transfer the code to a different machine and many times they will let you as long as it was not on a store bought machine when you first got it which is an OEM code