Kharzack :
USAFRet :
OEM license is tied to that original motherboard.
There was a short period of time when the Win 8 OEM license stated you move that to different hardware, but that went away quickly.
Now, it specifically states the OEM license is for the original hardware.
If it came with the computer, you might be out of luck. You can't download the install ISO from Microsoft, because they expect you to get that from the manufacturer.
And what you get from the manufacturer probably will not install on completely different hardware.
Thanks for clearing that up, so my option really is to just buy a copy of Windows 8 and just use that on the new hardware? One thing that is coming to mind is Windows 10, is the free upgrade (which is still eagerly waiting for me to install it) hardware locked? For example; if I were to install Win10 now, before my new upgrade, will it also work on the new motherboard? Sorry if this is confusing, this is a real head-scratcher for me.
Change the hardware first, then Upgrade to Win 10. That Upgrade is similarly locked to the hardware.
But, if you're buying, just buy a Retail license of Win 10. That is NOT locked to the hardware as is the OEM, or Win 10 Upgrade is.
You can change the hardware all you want with that Retail license. Obviously, only one PC at a time.