Help - windows 10 license question and temporary SSD

[ojste]

My brother is having issues with his PC and is currently working his way through trouble shooting each component. One problem is he's failing to get through a windows 10 install on his machine.

His idea is to give me his SSD to install windows via my PC and then transplant back out to his machine.

My PC has a valid windows 10 license - I'm wondering whether this will cause any issues for either of us? I'm not sure how it all works under the hood but I've read that the windows key is tied to your motherboard. If the install is initiated on my PC, will my windows key automatically be assigned to it, or am I worrying about nothing?

 

[vwillcox]

The licence for Windows 10 is tied differently depending on the type
OEM: Tied to the hardware it was purchased with or first installed on
Non-OEM: This can be tied to your Microsoft account (if you have one).

I have a non-OEM version that was a free upgrade from Windows 8.1 pro.
When I reinstall Windows 10 - I skip the option for a license key and when I finish installing - login with my MS account and all is good.

However - I do have a Key if I need it.

The only difference is the "Enterprise" type editions
For these - the enterprise runs an activation server and can activate up to their limit of licenses.

Now - some of this may have changed as some of my knowledge is slightly old.

 

[Blue160]

Windows will work whether activated or not so for troubleshooting it’s not a problem. OEM is tied to the motherboard whereas retail you can install on anything.

I would say that if the machine won’t get through a windows install then there’s a hardware problem that forcing a windows install from another machine onto it won’t cure.

 

[ALD]

Just don’t connect the new install to the internet until moved back to his machine.