I am confused about Windows license keys and how they are supposed to work on completely new machines.

[BoondockSaint080]

So I've seen something online that said you can uninstall and deactivate Windows on your PC in order to activate it on another. That seems really nice and would work out perfectly for me, except for the fact that in order to do so it seems like you'd need Windows. if you're thinking well shit bro sorry guess it's only for people with Windows....... Windows license keys are sold online on both Amazon and kinguin and appear to target new PC's. It's pretty clear that people are able to activate them on brand new pc's but how. It makes no sense whatsoever to me.

 

[basroil]

You CANNOT "deactivate" Windows. NEVER buy keys from kinguin (100% fake) or Amazon Marketplace (anything that doesn't say "Sold by Amazon")

What you can do is buy a retail license and transfer it to a new machine. If you bought a pre-built machine or got an OEM license, you are out of luck

 

[Metalmario66]

Well u are right about using a windows key from a different computer, deactivating it and then activating it on another computer, thing about it is whether or not the windows key (found I bottom of laptop or side of desktop on a sticker) is OEM or retail. Now here's the difference, OEM means original equipment manufacturer (I think) any in a nutshell it means u wouldn't be able to deactivate that OEM code and use it on a different computer. But if it's retail meaning u bought the windows key code then u should be able to deactive it and use activate it on a different computer. Now I don't remember exactly where this is located but on ur PC u can see whether or not ur code is OEM or retail if ur Windows ID says "OEM" in it. Sorry I don't remember where it's located at (the windows ID thing) but just search up where to find ur windows ID. Hope I helped

 

[USAFRet]

1. There is no "deactivation". You may see some posts relating to a command line function that purports to 'deactivate'. so you can use it on new hardware.
This actually does little. It tells this PC it no longer has an OS license. It does NOT phone home and tell the activation servers that this particular license is unused and available to use on a different PC.

For Windows 10, and the recent 1607 release, they have changed the licensing.
You can link a license to a MS account, rather than to specific hardware.

Read here:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change
Reactivating Windows 10 after a hardware change
"In Windows 10 (Version 1607 or later), you can link your Microsoft account to the Windows 10 digital license on your device. This can help you reactivate Windows using the Activation troubleshooter if you make a significant hardware change later, such as replacing the motherboard."

Previously, an OEM license was tied to a specific, original motherboard. The only way to use that specific license was to beg Microsoft. Sometimes yes, sometimes no.
A Retail license is usable on different hardware. Usually it activated no problem, sometimes you had to call and ask.

As always...1 license, 1 PC at a time.

Also as always...Kinguin is a no-go.