Building a new computer and want to recycle my OS

[Thrylon]

Hi All,

I purchased a retail version of Windows 8 Pro a few years ago and later upgraded it to Windows 10. I am now looking to build a new computer and I want to use the same Windows 10 License so I do not have to go out a buy a new one. How do I deactivate the license on my old computer and add it to my new build?

Thanks!

 

[GreyCatz]

I think it's going to be a bit tricky. Thing is, your Windows 8 Pro licence came pre-installed on the HDD on your old system. You then upgraded to Windows 10. This Windows 10 licence requires the original OS in order to activate. You can't use this Windows 10 version as a 'separate' OS.

In other words, you will need to re-install Windows 8 Pro on your new computer, and then 're-upgrade' to Windows 10. Problem is that some manufacturers, e.g. Lenovo and Dell, typically lock the pre-installed OS either on the original motherboard or on the original HDD.

But: If it turns out that you can in fact re-install Windows 8 Pro on your new computer, then your upgraded Windows 10 licence should activate normally, even if it might take some time and a couple of tries. And if you have a Microsoft Account, you may also have to remove your old computer from the list of registered systems.

Best of luck,
GreyCatz.

 

[Thrylon]

I think it's going to be a bit tricky. Thing is, your Windows 8 Pro licence came pre-installed on the HDD on your old system. You then upgraded to Windows 10. This Windows 10 licence requires the original OS in order to activate. You can't use this Windows 10 version as a 'separate' OS.

In other words, you will need to re-install Windows 8 Pro on your new computer, and then 're-upgrade' to Windows 10. Problem is that some manufacturers, e.g. Lenovo and Dell, typically lock the pre-installed OS either on the original motherboard or on the original HDD.

But: If it turns out that you can in fact re-install Windows 8 Pro on your new computer, then your upgraded Windows 10 licence should activate normally, even if it might take some time and a couple of tries. And if you have a Microsoft Account, you may also have to remove your old computer from the list of registered systems.

Best of luck,
GreyCatz.

Thanks for the response. I didn't buy an OEM, my previous computer was built by me and I purchased windows 8 then got a free upgrade to windows 10.

 

[GreyCatz]

Well, in that case things just got rather less tricky.

Install Windows 8 Pro on your new system and await successful activation. This may require you to enter your Win8 PK.

Then upgrade to Windows 10 using a bootable USB.

 

[Rocky Bennett]

https://www.howtogeek.com/226510/how-to-use-your-free-windows-10-license-after-changing-your-pc%E2%80%99s-hardware/