Is it possible to upgrade from an OEM to a Retail copy of Windows 10?

[Ropuchy]

Hello.
I've seen this question asked before, but I couldn't find the proper answer I was looking for in the thread.

Is it possible to upgrade from an OEM copy of Windows 10 to a full Retail version, whilst retaining all of the data from the previous install.

So if I were to buy a proper Retail version of Windows 10 (On a disc), would I be able to potentially upgrade my current OEM version, whilst retaining all of my data?

 

[USAFRet]

Hello.
I've seen this question asked before, but I couldn't find the proper answer I was looking for in the thread.

Is it possible to upgrade from an OEM copy of Windows 10 to a full Retail version, whilst retaining all of the data from the previous install.

So if I were to buy a proper Retail version of Windows 10 (On a disc), would I be able to potentially upgrade my current OEM version, whilst retaining all of my data?

First question...where did this Win 10 OEM come from? Preinstalled on your device?
If so, then buying a Retail license will allow you to move that to different hardware if you choose in the future.

If it is a Win 10 OEM that you purchased and installed, or if it was Upgraded from a previous valid OEM...then you can still move that digital entitlement to different hardware.
You gain nothing by buying a whole new Win 10 Retail.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-3164428/windows-build-1607-activation.html

And if you want to do this solely to be able to move it to different hardware in the future...just wait until you build something new, then buy a new OS for that new PC.

 

[Ropuchy]

Response to USAFRet:

I purchased the Windows 8.1 OEM from Newegg and later upgraded it to the free version of Windows 10 that was offered.

Ok, thank you for your response. So just to be clear, I could potentially change my motherboard and still be able to transfer the OEM license. Correct? I'm sure there would be steps I'd have to take to do that, but I'd be able to, right?

Thank you for the links. I was mainly finding older posts that were predating the new implementation of the feature that would allow me to link my account to my OS license.

 

[USAFRet]

Response to USAFRet:

I purchased the Windows 8.1 OEM from Newegg and later upgraded it to the free version of Windows 10 that was offered.

Ok, thank you for your response. So just to be clear, I could potentially change my motherboard and still be able to transfer the OEM license. Correct? I'm sure there would be steps I'd have to take to do that, but I'd be able to, right?

Thank you for the links. I was mainly finding older posts that were predating the new implementation of the feature that would allow me to link my account to my OS license.

You're in the clear.
The Win 10 Anniversary release 1607 (last August) brought this function into being.

To be clear, you must link your OS license (digital entitlement) to your MS account before you change the hardware.
After the hardware change, activation will fail. This is when you go through the Activation Troubleshooter, and tell it "This is the PC I'm using now"

 

[Ropuchy]

Aye, I've linked my OS license to my Microsoft account. I actually did this yesterday, funnily enough.

Thank you for being very informative and useful, USAFRet!

 

[kyle.day.1996]

Is this still possible with the creators update? I bought a physical OEM copy a long time ago and used the free upgrade to windows 10 home. I'm currently switching out my motherboard, i was wondering if i can use the same troubleshoot technique on my new motherboard on a fresh install of windows 10 as long as i log into my Microsoft account. Stating that i have changed my hardware.

 

[USAFRet]

Is this still possible with the creators update? I bought a physical OEM copy a long time ago and used the free upgrade to windows 10 home. I'm currently switching out my motherboard, i was wondering if i can use the same troubleshoot technique on my new motherboard on a fresh install of windows 10 as long as i log into my Microsoft account. Stating that i have changed my hardware.

Yes it still works like this.

Read and do this before you change any parts:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-3164428/windows-build-1607-activation.html