OEM windows product key onto new pc

[acm902]

Hello,

I am building a PC for the first time. I am moving from an off the shelf desktop. I want to move my Windows license from the desktop, to my new computer, in order to avoid purchasing it again. I was given an OEM product key from Asus. I called Microsoft, and they told me that it will work with my new computer. Do I only have to put the Windows ISO file on a USB, plug into my new PC and run the ISO file, then input my old product key, and I am all set? Or is there something I am missing? The Microsoft guy made it sound very straightforward, but my research suggests that this is sometimes impossible to do. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

 

[Alabalcho]

For Windows 7 and before, OEM keys in many cases are tied to the particular manufacturer, and it's ISO - that is, an OEM key from Dell would not work on retail ISO DVD.

For Windows 10, you will probably have to call Microsoft again after you install Windows and enter your key, in order to re-activate it on the new build.

 

[acm902]

Thank you so much!

 

[USAFRet]

Read and do this before you change any parts:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-3164428/windows-build-1607-activation.html

 

[Math Geek]

^^^^ what he said. beat me to the links but that's what you want to do BEFORE you do anything else.

 

[acm902]

Thank you so much for the help. Just read through both of those links and will do exactly that.

 

[USAFRet]

Thank you so much for the help. Just read through both of those links and will do exactly that.

Assuming that license links to your MS account, you should be fine.