how does oem versions of windows work?

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
C

chunkie

Reputable
Mar 19, 2015
38
0
4,530
hi,

i was just wondering about the oem versions of windows 8 and 8.1. i know that oems are tied to the mother boards, but what happens if my mother board fails? can i replace it with the same model and reuse the same licence key? what about having 2 computers, can i use both licence key to 2 computers with the same mother board?
 
Solution
Wolfshadw


No. That's not correct.

With Windows 7 OEM, the license was tied to the motherboard, but if that motherboard failed, you were able to have the motherboard replaced with an identical motherboard and Microsoft would OK the transfer to the new motherboard.

With Windows 8 OEM, that restriction is no longer in place. You can now upgrade any component in your system to include the motherboard and Microsoft will all the license to be transferred.

As with all versions of Windows, you can only have one...
Sort by date Sort by votes
Littlesackninja

Littlesackninja

Reputable
Jun 15, 2014
841
0
5,160
No, OEM Windows installs once and only once, yes it is tied to your motherboard so if that fails you need another motherboard and windows. It is tied to the specific motherboard I think so even getting the same motherboard will not work.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
bignastyid

bignastyid

Titan
Moderator
Jun 19, 2011
33,479
1,613
159,590
The OEM system builder versions of windows 8 and 8.1 are no longer tied to the motherboard like the older versions of windows. They can be moved to another system aslong as it is removed from the old one. However, the preinstalled OEM versions(Dell, HP, etc) are still tied to the motherboard. Even with th eold versions of windows if the motherboard failed and you replace it with the same or similar board Microsoft would usually allow you to reuse the key.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Wolfshadw

Wolfshadw

Titan
Moderator
Aug 3, 2006
28,220
1,513
133,290


No. That's not correct.

With Windows 7 OEM, the license was tied to the motherboard, but if that motherboard failed, you were able to have the motherboard replaced with an identical motherboard and Microsoft would OK the transfer to the new motherboard.

With Windows 8 OEM, that restriction is no longer in place. You can now upgrade any component in your system to include the motherboard and Microsoft will all the license to be transferred.

As with all versions of Windows, you can only have one license installed on one computer at any given time.

-Wolf sends
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Solution
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom