Windows 8 for new PC

[LaserNinja11]

Hello i am a first time PC builder with a question about windows 8.
i have a laptop that has windows 8 installed on it. i am now building a new pc for gaming and was wondering if i could save some money by using the OS from my laptop. What i was thinking was that if I copied my windows files from my laptop onto a usb drive and then boot my new pc from the flash drive and transfer the windows 8 files onto the new pc harddrive then use the new HDD as the primary boot device? Would this work? Just though of the idea when i was think which OS i should install. Just wondering if i could do this as it would save me £80 (for a windows install disc) thanks

 

[USAFRet]

and was wondering if i could save some money by using the OS from my laptop.

For multiple reasons, no.

If you would like me to go into detail, I will.

 

[LaserNinja11]

yes please

 

[USAFRet]

yes please

1. 1 license, 1 PC
2. You can't simply 'copy the Windows files' to a new drive. It doesn't work like that
3. A laptop installation will not work in a new desktop. Even physically moving the drive...it will not boot.
4. That laptop OS is almost certainly an OEM version, and tied to that laptop motherboard.
5. Even if all of the above were not considerations, now you have a laptop with no OS. See #1.

This is no different than:
"I want to save £80 on my new desktop. Can I use the RAM from my laptop in the new desktop?"

Sounds silly, right? Obviously, that will not work. It won't fit. And if it did, then your laptop has no RAM.
The OS is exactly the same. Your desktop needs its own OS.

 

[LaserNinja11]

ok so right now im downloading an official windows 8 ISO and a tool that makes a flash drive bootable for the windows install. i was just on G2A.com and seen windows 8 product key. with the iso mounted to a usb stick will it work with the product key? in theory it should right?

 

[USAFRet]

ok so right now im downloading an official windows 8 ISO and a tool that makes a flash drive bootable for the windows install. i was just on G2A.com and seen windows 8 product key. with the iso mounted to a usb stick will it work with the product key? in theory it should right?

Oh my.
Do NOT buy a Windows OS from G2A. Ever.
Where are you 'downloading' this 'Windows 8 ISO' from?

Here is an article about game keys from there being revoked, but the same will happen with Windows OS keys.
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-01-26-it-looks-like-ubisoft-is-going-after-third-party-key-sellers

Do not do this.

Sorry, but the Windows OS costs what it costs. Currently, about $90 US. If you find it significantly cheaper, either it is on sale from one of the major resellers (Amazon/Newegg/Tigerdirect), or it is not legit.

 

[LaserNinja11]

ok then thanks 🙁