Do I need to re-buy windows 8?

[jetzofly]

I'm building a new PC but my current PC already has Windows 8, will I need to re buy it or is there a way to transfer it onto my new PC?

 

[pcgaming98]

You'll need to buy a new key. You can use the same CD to install but you"ll need a new key to validate.

 

[jetzofly]

I'm building a new PC but my current PC already has Windows 8, will I need to re buy it or is there a way to transfer it onto my new PC?

Does your current PC have an system builder OEM version (HP, Dell, Acer, etc) or did you buy the copy yourself?

I'm pretty sure it had windows 8 on it when I bought it

 

[bignastyid]

I'm building a new PC but my current PC already has Windows 8, will I need to re buy it or is there a way to transfer it onto my new PC?

Does your current PC have an system builder OEM version (HP, Dell, Acer, etc) or did you buy the copy yourself?

I'm pretty sure it had windows 8 on it when I bought it

The you will need to buy a new copy. The Retail and OEM system builder versions that you can buy can be moved to a new system. The pre-installed OEM versions(dell, hp, lenovo, etc) cannot, they are locked to the motherboard.

 

[WyomingKnott]

If it had it, you need to buy a copy. A new licensing model started with 8: if you buy a copy and install it yourself, you can activate it again on a new machine after permanently retiring the machine that it was on.

 

[delaro]

For just a Key you can pick them off Ebay or here redacted by moderator for under $50 otherwise you will need to unistall and reinstall on the new PC to avoid the "unethical" use of Microsuck software.

 

[Alabalcho]

For just a Key you can pick them off Ebay or here redacted by moderator for under $50 otherwise you will need to unistall and reinstall on the new PC to avoid the "unethical" use of Microsuck software.

eBay (or anybody else but Microsoft and it's authorized resellers) IS NOT a legitimate place to buy license keys.

 

[delaro]

The 2nd one "IS" a licensed reseller, did you not check that before dropping the ban hammer?

 

[WyomingKnott]

The 2nd one "IS" a licensed reseller, did you not check that before dropping the ban hammer?

?? You're not banned. ??

 

[bignastyid]

Get this Disk from ebay for only 6.99 free shipping redacted by moderator you can use it to install reinstall restore and repair

He needs a new license not just replacement media.

 

[WyomingKnott]

That's a spammer trying to sell crap; he posted over a dozen of that identical thing today. Now, that is a case for the banhammer. Going, going, gone....

 

[USAFRet]

If I were you, I would install the Windows 10 Tech Preview then use the free upgrade when it becomes available.

The 'free' upgrade to Win 10 is only for current Win 7/8/8.1 owners. If you only install Win 10, you'll actually have to buy it, probably mid-October.
You can install and Run Win 10 now, but you WILL have to actually buy it later.

 

[USAFRet]

I'm building a new PC but my current PC already has Windows 8, will I need to re buy it or is there a way to transfer it onto my new PC?

First - 1 license, 1 PC. You can't use it on two PC's.

Second - If that was an OEM instal....like Dell/HP/Alienware....that license is tied to that original motherboard

Third - Be very, very careful of where you purchase from. If it is significantly cheaper than Amazon/Newegg/TigerDirect...it is probably not legit. Most of the random 'key only' sites are like this.
Someone buys in bulk, with possibly a stolen credit card. Or buys academic/MSDN/TechNet licenses. And then provides these to a website for sale. None of which are valid for resale.
These have been known to become unauthorized.


Question: Where did the install on your current PC come from? Preinstalled, or something you bought and installed?

 

[Alabalcho]

If I were you, I would install the Windows 10 Tech Preview then use the free upgrade when it becomes available.

The "free upgrade" will be only for licensed versions of Windows 7, 8 and 8.1. There will be no "free upgrade" from TP version.

 

[delaro]

The 2nd one "IS" a licensed reseller, did you not check that before dropping the ban hammer?

?? You're not banned. ??

As in Banned my Links without verifying the Legitimacy.

Anyway if you check Ebay you will find "Keys" For Win7 and Win 8 and the sellers are Best Buy, Tiger Direct, Newegg and even Staples from time to time. Now how are you considering this a grey area? You are buying Surplus from large chains that are Licensed. You will find the options to buy just Keys or Keys with Media both of which can be bought cheaper than walking into the stores because it is localize surplus. Any questions here?

The 2nd link was a Microsoft Verified software retailer whom if you would have taken the time to look provided all the needed verification.

To the OP your question has been answered a few times now. Xfer from old PC using Same media means removing the key from the old PC and transferring it to the new. If you want 2 copies and have the media then follow my suggestion and save yourself $40+ dollars.

 

[Someone Somewhere]

Is this MS verified or MS "verified"? I've seen many sellers that claim to be MS verified without a shred of evidence, in the same way that they claim to be secure and don't have an SSL cert.

Feel free to PM me the link.

I also find it hard to believe that Newegg et al have ebay sites... again, link? I couldn't find any from big-name sellers.

 

[USAFRet]

Anyway if you check Ebay you will find "Keys" For Win7 and Win 8 and the sellers are Best Buy, Tiger Direct, Newegg and even Staples from time to time.

I did just check ebay.
"windows 7" and any combination of the above stores = "0 Results"

Since the release of Windows 8, Microsoft no longer allows valid resellers to sell 'only the key' for Windows 7.

 

[USAFRet]

If I were you, I would install the Windows 10 Tech Preview then use the free upgrade when it becomes available.

The 'free' upgrade to Win 10 is only for current Win 7/8/8.1 owners. If you only install Win 10, you'll actually have to buy it, probably mid-October.
You can install and Run Win 10 now, but you WILL have to actually buy it later.

Yes and no. We don't have all the details yet and it isn't totally clear as to what pricing model Windows 10 will have for home use. It is looking like Windows 10 will be either very cheap or free, hence my suggestion. Even if it isn't free, there is no sense in paying $80-100 for Windows 8 when Windows 10 may cost $49 or less in a few months.

It may be $49, it may be $80, it may be $110. It may be free. We do not know.

And as Win 10 is still not quite done yet, I wouldn't recommend it for a primary OS on a primary PC.
It's close, but not quite there yet.