Windows 7 - Able to be used on different systems?

[ickleNUKE]

I'm not sure if the title made total sense. My question is, can Windows 7 be installed to one computer, and another, and maybe another? Or when I buy it, will it only install to one computer and not any others?

Thanks

 

[ThatVietGuy]

You can only use one product key on one computer at a time.

 

[Wolfshadw]

In addition to what ThatVietGuy states, if the copy of Windows 7 you have is an OEM version, then, per the license agreement, that product key is tied to the first motherboard you install it on and it cannot be installed onto any other system.

I would note, however, that many people have reported success at installing and activating an OEM version of Windows 7 onto another system. You may need to contact Microsoft over the phone in order to have it activated successfully.

-Wolf sends

 

[ThatVietGuy]

I can confirm that I've been able to install a Windows 7 OEM copy on my computer several times after changing motherboards and all I've had to do was go through the phone activation with Microsoft.

 

[photonboy]

Technically it's SUPPOSED to be that you can replace with an identical board or one of the same SOCKET (supports same CPU) as this is considered a repair. A different socket would mean a new computer and not qualify.

I can't comment on any workarounds to that.

*It's worth nothing that Windows 8 is transferable (an OEM copy you bought yourself. you can't transfer the OS license on a pre-built computer).