Licensing Questions

[jrocks84]

I've been planning on installing Windows 7 Pro x64 in a virtual machine using the same key as the one the host operating system is using. Then I realized it may not be legal... So I went to check the EULA, and it appears it isn't legal, but I just wanted to be certain. Will I have to buy another license to install it in a VM?

 

[Devastator_uk]

I'm pretty sure the license simply states that you can install it on one computer for one person to use at a time, so nothing states how many instances can be installed on a single machine, therefore I would say that technically it is not in breach of the EULA. However, depending on why you want it in a VM, you would not be allowed to allow anyone else access your VM remotely whilst you are using the host, or another VM using that key.

Also the activation system was never designed for this usage so you probably can't really activate it in the VM without causing problems.

 

[sminlal]

Section 3(d) of the license terms for my copy of Windows 7 64-bit Ultimate
(which are found in: C:\Windows\System32\en-US\Licenses\_Default\Ultimate) read:

Instead of using the software directly on the licensed computer, you may install and use the software within only one virtual (or otherwise emulated) hardware system on the licensed computer.

(Emphasis on "instead" is mine.) So you will need a separate license to run a copy in a virtual machine.

 

[jrocks84]

Section 3(d) of the license terms for my copy of Windows 7 64-bit Ultimate
(which are found in: C:\Windows\System32\en-US\Licenses\_Default\Ultimate) read:

Instead of using the software directly on the licensed computer, you may install and use the software within only one virtual (or otherwise emulated) hardware system on the licensed computer.

(Emphasis on "instead" is mine.) So you will need a separate license to run a copy in a virtual machine.

Ah, I'd read that section, but missed "Instead". Thank you for checking. I guess I'll be getting a second copy then.

 

[jrocks84]

Best answer selected by jrocks84.

 

[rodney_ws]

Microsoft really does make licensing complicated. I wonder how much illegal use takes place by well-meaning, law-abiding folks who just honestly can't follow their licensing procedures/requirements.