Can I reuse my 8.1 OEM Product Key a reinstall of windows?

[SlightlyEdible]

So I built a PC and want to upgrade the motherboard. I purchased an OEM copy of Win 8.1. When I upgrade my motherboard and perform a reinstall of 8.1, will I be able to use the same product key?

 

[combinebasic]

Yes of course, no problem if you change your mobo for upgrade, use the own product key provide by Microsoft of your win 8.1. If there are important files in your computer backup first including the driver and program but if your secure here you can install now your OS with that product key and activate it after the installation including the drivers.

 

[basroil]

So I built a PC and want to upgrade the motherboard. I purchased an OEM copy of Win 8.1. When I upgrade my motherboard and perform a reinstall of 8.1, will I be able to use the same product key?

No, you will NOT be able to use that key in most cases. You can try activating it by asking a microsoft representative directly, based on your issue, but since this is a simple upgrade most likely they will refuse and have you buy a new key.

 

[ccampy]

All you can do is try it it may or may not activate automatically you can allways try to call them if they don't

If it dosnt work you can buy a copy of window's and use the install key from that

 

[SlightlyEdible]

So I built a PC and want to upgrade the motherboard. I purchased an OEM copy of Win 8.1. When I upgrade my motherboard and perform a reinstall of 8.1, will I be able to use the same product key?

No, you will NOT be able to use that key in most cases. You can try activating it by asking a microsoft representative directly, based on your issue, but since this is a simple upgrade most likely they will refuse and have you buy a new key.

I purchased the key. It didn't come preinstalled

 

[JLAB15]

So I built a PC and want to upgrade the motherboard. I purchased an OEM copy of Win 8.1. When I upgrade my motherboard and perform a reinstall of 8.1, will I be able to use the same product key?

No, you will NOT be able to use that key in most cases. You can try activating it by asking a microsoft representative directly, based on your issue, but since this is a simple upgrade most likely they will refuse and have you buy a new key.

I purchased the key. It didn't come preinstalled

If you purchased the key, you should be able to reinstall it. Its worth a try either way.

 

[basroil]

I purchased the key. It didn't come preinstalled

That doesn't matter, if you change motherboards for OEM, you will likely need to repurchase the OS.

This is exactly why I always recommend retail over OEM, it doesn't cost much more after all.