- Dec 19, 2015
- 56
- 1
- 4,535
Can I reinstall windows 8.1 using the same key used on my Hard Drive for my new SSD?
- Thread starter NautilusOctopus
- Start date
Solution
techgeek
Splendid
- Apr 11, 2004
- 5,297
- 9
- 29,965
Yes, as long as the rest of the hardware is the same (especially the motherboard) it will activate just fine. When Windows activates, it makes a hash (unique identification number) based on the hardware it finds. This hash is sent to the activation server along with your product key. This is how MicroSoft tracks the activation of hardware to make sure that a product key isn't transferred to another PC (if it's OEM) or that it's not being used on more than one PC at a time.
guanyu210379
Illustrious
- Mar 30, 2007
- 7,684
- 25
- 38,115
If you are trying to re-install Win8.1 on the same PC (same proc, mobo, etc.) but on a different SSD/HDD, your old key should still work.
unreal9400
Distinguished
- Aug 4, 2012
- 1,913
- 0
- 20,460
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