[SOLVED] Do i need to buy a new windows 10?

[Hoofy_101]

im going to build a new pc when i can get the money. im confused on windows 10 as i bought my current pc from a guy off of ebay so i dont have the activation key for my current pc's windows 10 home. do i need to buy a new windows 10 home product key and if so can i get the cheaper one from amazon? also will my windows account transfer over?

this is my first pc build and i want to get it right, thanks

 

[Eximo]

If you log into your microsoft account online you should be able to see your listed devices and any OS licenses you might have. If not, the license is likely tied to the hardware in the form of an OEM license. These are one use.

So if it is still useful with Windows 10 on it, for any purpose, I highly recommend just getting a new OS license. That way you can register it to your MS account and be able to move it from device to device from that point forward. You can always turn an old system into someone's web or email machine, donate it to a charity, or simply give it to someone.

As for your account, depends on how you did it. Local accounts no, your MS account lives in the cloud and some settings will transfer over. However, your applications and things will need to be reinstalled on the new system.

 

[NightHawkRMX]

Usually, if you swap your motherboard, you will have to purchase a new key.

If you bought this key off of eBay I bet it is an OEM key that cannot be transferred to another system.

 

[USAFRet]

im going to build a new pc when i can get the money. im confused on windows 10 as i bought my current pc from a guy off of ebay so i dont have the activation key for my current pc's windows 10 home. do i need to buy a new windows 10 home product key and if so can i get the cheaper one from amazon? also will my windows account transfer over?

this is my first pc build and i want to get it right, thanks

What is the actual activation status of your Windows license?

I know you did not do this, but this is one of the reasons a clean install is strongly recommended for any used PC.

Is this license currently linked to your MS account? Have you looked and verified this?


If you need to buy a new one, you can't go cheap. A Windows license costs what it costs...around $100.