[SOLVED] Licensed OEM key Win 10 transfer to new pc?

[3jackdaw]

Hello and good day.

I am going to upgrade my current Intel rig for an AMD rig. This will include of course the motherboard and processor.
When I bought this Windows 10 key it was only just the key and a sticker. I asked the store if I could use it again and unfortunately they said no. Now, I did some research myself and turns out I really cant since this key is registered to my current PC only. But then I also saw a couple of ways to work around it such as reformatting or deactivating my OS.

I would like some expert advice on the matter because I really can shelf out another $70-80 on a new OS, besides my old rig wont be used anymore.

Also, on a side note --- is it even possible to not reformat at all and just slap on the new hardware? Some people say its possible and some say its a bad idea. Mostly people do mention that the OS wont work because its already registered.

Anyway ty for your advice.

 

[Wolfshadw]

If your current Intel rig is a pre-built, then no. You likely cannot transfer it to a new system.
If your current Intel rig is one that you built and installed Windows 10 onto, then yes. You can transfer it to a new system

Reactivating Windows 10 After a Hardware Change

Additionally, I would never recommend simply transferring the old OS drive to the new system without a format and clean install. It may work, It may not work, or it may seem like it worked, but you're forever chasing down bugs until you do a format and clean install anyway.

-Wolf sends

 

[Alabalcho]

Nothing will stop you from trying to activate your new install with that existing key - the most which would happen is to be rejected.

You can't just move the drive between computers and hope it will boot

 

[Wolfshadw]

Oh and when you attempt to enter your old key for your new system activation. Do not be concerned about any error message you may receive. It could take a few days for the activation servers to catch up. In which case, you still won't have any issues running Windows 10 on your system. Aside from some customization limitations, you can run Windows 10 indefinitely (so far) without activation.

-Wolf sends

 

[3jackdaw]

Oh and when you attempt to enter your old key for your new system activation. Do not be concerned about any error message you may receive. It could take a few days for the activation servers to catch up. In which case, you still won't have any issues running Windows 10 on your system. Aside from some customization limitations, you can run Windows 10 indefinitely (so far) without activation.

-Wolf sends

This is good to hear, thank you!

This is not a pre-built system, I have built it myself. Its quite old too, i7-3770 and an old gigabyte board with just 2 ram slots which is the main reason why I need to upgrade. I'm stuck at 8gb ram and no m.2 slots. Plus my giant GPU is blocking 3 out of 4 Sata slots i have.

So, just to be clear... do I still need to deactivate my windows 10 from my pc? just to remind you this is not those $120 boxed OS versions, this is just a code I bought (they placed a sticker behind my case). Im worried that since its just an OEM it wont transfer to a new system.

 

[3jackdaw]

Nothing will stop you from trying to activate your new install with that existing key - the most which would happen is to be rejected.

You can't just move the drive between computers and hope it will boot

Yes, a full reinstall is most recommend I understand. But I really hope I can use my windows key again. I absolutely dont mind if I dont use my system at all so, removing windows there is no biggie.

 

[Wolfshadw]

So, just to be clear... do I still need to deactivate my windows 10 from my pc? just to remind you this is not those $120 boxed OS versions, this is just a code I bought (they placed a sticker behind my case). Im worried that since its just an OEM it wont transfer to a new system.

Running through the steps from the link I provided, I didn't see anything about deactivating your Windows license on your old system.

With Windows 10, "OEM" strictly means from a Pre-Built vendor like Dell or HP. If you purchased Windows 10 (even just the code) for you to install on your personal build computer, it's transferable.

-Wolf sends

 

[3jackdaw]

Running through the steps from the link I provided, I didn't see anything about deactivating your Windows license on your old system.

With Windows 10, "OEM" strictly means from a Pre-Built vendor like Dell or HP. If you purchased Windows 10 (even just the code) for you to install on your personal build computer, it's transferable.

-Wolf sends

Sorry my bad! I didn't see the link, I was on mobile and reading just via gmail. I gave it a read and understood it thank you very much! I will use the money I saved for another SDD or something useful.

 

[3jackdaw]

Running through the steps from the link I provided, I didn't see anything about deactivating your Windows license on your old system.

With Windows 10, "OEM" strictly means from a Pre-Built vendor like Dell or HP. If you purchased Windows 10 (even just the code) for you to install on your personal build computer, it's transferable.

-Wolf sends

Also on this note, about the Pre-built vendor. Im not 100% sure if its lined to Dell or HP. The store I bought it from is Legit but there is a chance that its just from one of those pre-built Pc's. But knowing them they wouldnt sell it like that. (hopefully) Chances are, if Microsoft does sell OEM keys as only OEM keys, then yes its not tied to any other brand.