getting a new mobo. Do i need a new copy of windows 8.1?

[limitzvfxgoespc]

Hello guys,


I've decided that i need a new motherboard, as the one i have is cheap, and is basically a crap board that can't overclock. This is the asrock 970 extreme 3 r2.0.

If i get a new motherboard will i need a new copy of Windows 8.1 OEM 64 bit? (it wasn't preinstalled i installed it my self)

 

[Beezy]

no you dont need a new windows key for a new motherboard, the windows 8 license can only be active on one PC at a time though.

 

[limitzvfxgoespc]

no you dont need a new windows key for a new motherboard, the windows 8 license can only be active on one PC at a time though.

what does that mean?

 

[Beezy]

On windows 7 the original motherboard its installed to (OEM) it becomes tied to. New motherboard would technically mean new windows 7. But with windows 8 you can transfer the key from motherboard to motherboard, so long as it only being used on one motherboard at any given time.

 

[DonQuixoteMC]

You're fine. All you have to do is, before upgrading:

Go to "Elevated Command Prompt" (Windows Key + X, then hit A. Alternately, you can search for Command Prompt, right click and "Run as Administrator")

Once in command prompt, type: slmgr.vbs -upk

Hit enter, this will uninstall your product key, freeing your copy of windows for use on another motherboard/different hardware ID.

Note: There are other ways, this is just the most reliable.

As Beezy said, the licensing changed between W7 and W8. You can install a copy of Windows 8 on multiple machines, as long as it's only activated on one.

 

[limitzvfxgoespc]

You're fine. All you have to do is, before upgrading:

Go to "Elevated Command Prompt" (Windows Key + X, then hit A. Alternately, you can search for Command Prompt, right click and "Run as Administrator")

Once in command prompt, type: slmgr.vbs -upk

Hit enter, this will uninstall your product key, freeing your copy of windows for use on another motherboard/different hardware ID.

Note: There are other ways, this is just the most reliable.

As Beezy said, the licensing changed between W7 and W8. You can install a copy of Windows 8 on multiple machines, as long as it's only activated on one.

thanks so much!

 

[DonQuixoteMC]

I'm glad we could help!

 

[limitzvfxgoespc]

I'm glad we could help!

one quick question. should i reformat my harddrive before installing windows on my new mobo?

 

[swiftleeo]

No... Just run Windows 8 on your new mobo with all your old drivers that probably won't work. Sorry about that sarcasm. Whether or not you have to, it's probably a good idea to do format and do a clean install if you have a new motherboard.

 

[DonQuixoteMC]

Yeah, you may get lucky. However, it's a much better idea to do a clean install with a new motherboard. I've tried it, just for kicks and it ain't pretty.