Building a (partially) new PC, can I take my Windows 10 licence with me?

Ksanti · 22 Jun 2016 at 19:18

I'm moving from my mini ITX setup to an ATX setup. I'm keeping the same CPU, but changing the motherboard and SSD's. If I clone what I've got on my 120Gb SSD OS drive to a 240Gb/480Gb SSD that would be the OS drive in my new rig, would that be enough to transfer my Windows 10 licence or would I need to go through some other process?

(The old SSD will be going to a friend but it will be formatted so it's not like I'm duplicating the license or anything).

BuToNz · 22 Jun 2016 at 19:24

Depends - do you have a retail copy or OEM?

Ksanti · 22 Jun 2016 at 19:40

It's an upgraded copy of 8.1, is there any way to check whether it's retail or OEM? I'm pretty sure it's a retail version but I'd need to check.

BuToNz · 22 Jun 2016 at 20:11

On the COA sticker it will stay OEM if it is OEM. Retail comes in a box and OEM comes in a piece of card.

Basically...

Retail - Yes you can transfer it legally.
OEM - Officially no but you can give it a go and if it fails to activate you can call Microsoft and force activation.

Ksanti · 22 Jun 2016 at 21:33

Pretty sure I just bought an 8.1 key online (from MS, not g2a or anything like that)

BuToNz · 22 Jun 2016 at 22:19

It'll be retail then, direct from Microsoft they only sell retail.

Ksanti · 23 Jun 2016 at 19:37

Alright so if I just clone the old drive onto the new one and then wipe the old one I should be good to go?

BuToNz · 23 Jun 2016 at 19:47

Yupp, you may need to reactivate though.

Should you need to insert a key then use your Windows 8.1 one as that will be accepted.

maklabouhlel · 24 Jun 2016 at 02:04

Ksanti said:
Alright so if I just clone the old drive onto the new one and then wipe the old one I should be good to go?

If you're changing motherboards then you are better doing a clean install. Install Windows 8.1 on your new ssd/motherboard then do a Windows 10 upgrade whilst it's free. Some people even say you can even install Windows 10 with a Windows 8.1 key.

BuToNz · 24 Jun 2016 at 13:53

You can.

Download latest ISO/build here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/software-download/windows10

IT Troll · 29 Jun 2016 at 00:52

Regardless of whether you clone or fresh install, Windows 10 will not automatically activate as the free upgrade entitlement you have is now locked to the old motherboard. You will need to contact MS Support once your new system is up and running.

maklabouhlel · 29 Jun 2016 at 02:10

IT Troll said:
Regardless of whether you clone or fresh install, Windows 10 will not automatically activate as the free upgrade entitlement you have is now locked to the old motherboard. You will need to contact MS Support once your new system is up and running.

If he installs Windows 8.1 first then can he do the free upgrade again?

IT Troll · 29 Jun 2016 at 08:34

Yes, but you still need to go through automated telephone activation for 8.1. Which is quicker than MS Support.