Windows 8.1 OEM Motherboard Swap

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ASheepOnAShip

Reputable
Apr 20, 2014
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Hey Guys-
I've been wanting to swap out my motherboard for a couple months now. I have Windows 8.1 OEM installed on it, which got me concerned, as I know that Windows 7 OEM restricted the swapping of motherboards over the same OS- The OS is tied to the motherboard forever.

I did some poking around, and found mixed answers, some saying you can't swap the motherboard without buying another license key, and others saying that you are now able to do it in Windows 8/8.1.

I would like to know if it is true that you can swap the motherboard (only) without having to repurchase Windows, and if so the steps involved to reinstall it onto the new board.

Appreciate the help
 
Solution
M
Hi

If you purchased windows 8 OEM DVD and installed it your self
You are allowed to transfer to a new system as long as you remove it from the old system

(Or move hard drive if similar chipset on motherboard )

If you purchase a PC with win 8 pre installed the licence does not allow transfer
Read conditions on Ms website or on DVD

Not sure about downloaded ISO from Ms or digital river

Regards
Mike Barnes
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anti-duck

anti-duck

Honorable
Feb 18, 2014
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It is tied to the motherboard but doesn't have the same restrictions as previous OEM versions of Windows. All you need to do is install it as per usual and then Windows will eventually prompt you to enter your key, enter your key and It will tell you that it's already in use, then you follow some steps to disassociate your key with your old hardware and associate it with your new hardware (which can be done as many times as you want with Windows 8) which is calling a free phone number that leads to an automated service where you enter a (ridiculously long) number (you'll be given this number in Windows) and then the automated voice will read another (ridiculously long) number for you to enter in Windows.
 
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mbarnes86

Splendid
Sep 16, 2010
3,839
7
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Hi

If you purchased windows 8 OEM DVD and installed it your self
You are allowed to transfer to a new system as long as you remove it from the old system

(Or move hard drive if similar chipset on motherboard )

If you purchase a PC with win 8 pre installed the licence does not allow transfer
Read conditions on Ms website or on DVD

Not sure about downloaded ISO from Ms or digital river

Regards
Mike Barnes
 
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