Win 8.1 OEM Install Questions

BackspaceFTW

Commendable
Mar 20, 2016
3
0
1,510
Hello, my first post on here, sorry if i'm phrasing it badly. 😛

My PC currently has Windows 8.1 Pro (with no activation). The pop-up is annoying so I'm looking to buy Windows.
I am looking at a Windows 8.1 Pro OEM Key on Amazon, and I had a few questions about it. I've heard a few thing about OEM.
Firstly, I've heard that in order to use an OEM key, you need to have a freshly built PC that has never had a Windows key tied to the Motherboard. Secondly, I've heard that you need a specific Windows ISO file for each and every OEM key. If that's true, how do I know which ISO I need to boot off of. Lastly, if I decide to upgrade my motherboard or any part of my system, what is the process of activating Windows? Do I just fresh-install and use the same key, or is the key completely useless?

Thanks for answering my questions! Bit of a newb to the whole software side of things.
 
Solution
No just letting you know i believe you are safe here. Just make sure to get it activated a secure way, through Microsoft or buying a key. Getting it a secure way will not create any issues here.
Quick! Just buy one form the windows store or from the Microsoft website. It is much more reliable that way, or you can just buy a copy of Windows in your local computer store. And then activate with that code. Toms hardware does not countenance discussion of pirated software as a side note :)
 


I was unaware I was trying to condone pirated software. Sorry if this thread offends that.