What happens to my Windows 10 license if i change my hardware?

[SensitiveBro]

So i am kinda confused right now, i uprgaded to windows 10 from windows 7 and now i have this "digital entitlement" thing that is tied to my hardware. But what if i upgrade some components like the motherboard or the CPU and i'll have to perform a clean install of windows 10 on a new Drive after July 29? Will i be force to buy a product key? I've read that you can use a windows 7 product key to activate windows 10, is this going to work after July 29?

And what if i go to "Change Product Key" in windows 10 settings right now and type my windows 7 key, will i be able to use that key to activate a copy a windows 10 when i perform a clean install on a new PC?

 

[wildcard1978]

Good question usually ties into your CPU and mainboard for the digital entitle mentioned . Saw on some official Microsoft sites that they allowing some upgrading and contacting me to activate Windows but will only allow it so many times

 

[sizzling]

Was your Windows 7 an OEM copy? You will have the same upgrade options in 10 that you had in 7. Your Win7 key can be used in Win10 but the question about motherboard depends if its an OEM copy.

 

[SensitiveBro]

Was your Windows 7 an OEM copy? You will have the same upgrade options in 10 that you had in 7. Your Win7 key can be used in Win10 but the question about motherboard depends if its an OEM copy.

No it was not an OEM copy.

 

[sizzling]

Then you can change anything you want, if you had a full copy of 7 you have a full copy of 10. If you want to reinstall 10 just use your 7 licence key.

 

[Wolfshadw]

When you upgraded your system to Windows 10, your Windows 7 license became a Windows 10 license. You no longer have a Windows 7 license. OEM licenses are tied to the motherboard. You can change out any other component without issue, but a new motherboard will mean you will need to purchase a new Windows license (product key).

Not 100% sure, but what I've read states that Windows 10 Retail will act just the same as Windows 7 Retail. You should be able to change motherboards and reinstall without issues.

-Wolf sends

Edit: ...And just to clear up some nomenclature. OEM and Retail are BOTH "full" copies. The only difference between OEM and Retail are the license agreements. The only other option besides a "full" copy is the "upgrade" for which you need a licensed previous version of Windows.

 

[wildcard1978]

they changed this the now tied the digital entitlement to your Microsoft account .