Moving Windows 8 licence from old computer to fresh, blank computer

straga27 · Apr 4, 2016

I need a straight answer to this, I have been reading around looking for a way to reuse my Windows 8 Pro key on a brand new blank system but there is lots of conflicting info.

I understand that MS don't care if you reuse the key but you need to deactivate it first and I have no idea how to do that.
I also heard it's as simple as reformating the drive with the install on it then reinstalling it on the other system.
So which is true?

jimmysmitty · Apr 4, 2016

Depends on the kind of license. There are two, retail and OEM.

Retail allows you to reinstall your copy onto any PC you build so long as it abides by your licensing, i.e. you have two keys you can do it to two total PCs.

OEM allows you to install your copy onto one PC only and it cannot be transferred. It is designed for system builders and large OEM companies which is why it is cheaper than retail by quite a bit.

If yours is OEM then your only option would be to call Microsoft technical support and see if they are willing to let the license be transfered to a new system.

USAFRet · Apr 4, 2016

straga27 :

If it is an OEM license, either something you bought or preinstalled, MS is the only entity that can authorize this.
And they are under no obligation to do so.

Just reinstalling, it will almost certainly say "This is still in use". At that point, you have to call MS.

There is no 'deactivation'. You might see a commandline procedure around, but in reality, that does nothing useful.

straga27 · Apr 4, 2016

I have an OEM licence and I'm not sure that's true. It applies to Windows 7 OEM licences certainly but Windows 8 allows the key to be moved.

straga27 · Apr 4, 2016

The OEM was not preinstalled I bought a physical disk from Amazon.co.uk in fact it was the only version around at the time.

USAFRet · Apr 4, 2016

straga27 :

Is this 8, or 8.1?
7 & 8.1, OEM is indeed tied to that original motherboard.
Win 8 OEM, possibly.

There is a difference in the licensing.

straga27 · Apr 4, 2016

It was an 8 Pro key.
8.1 didn't exist at the time.

jimmysmitty · Apr 4, 2016

http://personaluselicense.windows.com/en-US/default.aspx

I would read that and see if it agrees.

I would still suggest contacting Microsoft to verify that you can move it. There is nothing solid but their word is what is final.

USAFRet · Apr 4, 2016

ADditionally, read here:
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/legal/IntellectualProperty/UseTerms/Default.aspx

straga27 · Apr 4, 2016

Got my old clunker started finally and found this Windows System builder for personal use
The third column applies to me. Looks like its as simple as wiping the old drive as I planned to do anyway and then reinstalling it on the other system.

jimmysmitty · Apr 4, 2016

Then hopefully it works. I have never dealt with that personally as I tend to get retail copies which are known to be transferable while OEM has in the past been non transferable.

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