Is installing Windows 8.1 OEM possible on multiple computers?

[Zuhayr378]

Title says it all. But speaking about the two versions of Windows 8.1, if I buy the OEM version separately from an installation disc, will I be able to install the OEM version on multiple computers? Or will it be locked to one motherboard as I've heard? If so, I'll spend an extra 5-10 dollars on the non-OEM version.

Thanks!

 

[potroasted1]

No you cannot install OEM on multiple computers. The OS will be tied to the motherboard.

 

[Zacherial]

I have purchased many Windows OEM products and i can say for 100% sure that there are two installs available. Once you install OEM Windows to a computer it is locked to that motherboard. You can do this twice and have two motherboards from the one purchase. Just know if your motherboard went bad and you had to replace it, windows would no longer work.

Thank you,
Zacherial

 

[USAFRet]

1 license, 1 PC. Whether OEM or Retail.

 

[USAFRet]

I have purchased many Windows OEM products and i can say for 100% sure that there are two installs available. Once you install OEM Windows to a computer it is locked to that motherboard. You can do this twice and have two motherboards from the one purchase. Just know if your motherboard went bad and you had to replace it, windows would no longer work.

Thank you,
Zacherial

This leads you to the MS licensing agreement:
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/legal/IntellectualProperty/UseTerms/Default.aspx

Please quote the line in there where it allows 2 simultaneous uses per license.

 

[Zuhayr378]

I have purchased many Windows OEM products and i can say for 100% sure that there are two installs available. Once you install OEM Windows to a computer it is locked to that motherboard. You can do this twice and have two motherboards from the one purchase. Just know if your motherboard went bad and you had to replace it, windows would no longer work.

Thank you,
Zacherial

No, I thank you! I will probably just go with the OEM version as long as it will always work on the same motherboard. I may come to the point where I will reformat my computer so having it always staying on one computer is awesome. Does that mean that if I reformat it, it will automatically boot to Windows 8.1? Or do I have to install it every time (I'm guessing it's that as long as it keeps on working).

Anyways, thanks a bunch!

 

[USAFRet]

I have purchased many Windows OEM products and i can say for 100% sure that there are two installs available. Once you install OEM Windows to a computer it is locked to that motherboard. You can do this twice and have two motherboards from the one purchase. Just know if your motherboard went bad and you had to replace it, windows would no longer work.

Thank you,
Zacherial

No, I thank you! I will probably just go with the OEM version as long as it will always work on the same motherboard. I may come to the point where I will reformat my computer so having it always staying on one computer is awesome. Does that mean that if I reformat it, it will automatically boot to Windows 8.1? Or do I have to install it every time (I'm guessing it's that as long as it keeps on working).

Anyways, thanks a bunch!

For Win 8/8.1, you can reinstall as many times as needed. 1 PC at a time. PC defined as 'the motherboard'.

If you buy Win 8.1 and install it, every time you reinstall it it will be again 8.1
If you buy Win 8, install it, and later upgrade to 8.1...if you reinstall it, it will again be Win 8. You have to do the 8.1 upgrade again.

 

[Zacherial]

If you reformat (meaning wipe the drive) you will have to re-install windows, but if on the same MOBO it will allow you to reestablish your registration.

 

[USAFRet]

If you reformat (meaning wipe the drive) you will have to re-install windows, but if on the same MOBO it will allow you to reestablish your registration.

With Windows 8/8.1, you can even change the motherboard and reactivate that license.