New build using old Windows key

[millermilla]

Hi,

Sorry in advance if this is a silly question. I'm just about to commission a new build and have downloaded the windows 10 installation files and loaded them onto a USB. I have a Windows 10 key for my existing PC. What happens with the old PC once I've installed and used the existing Windows 10 key on the new PC? I'm assuming you can't have 2 PC using the same Windows 10 key at the same time?

 

[The_Arbiter]

Officially i'm not sure, but i've been using Win Vista and 7 keys from retail builds that i've used with different motherboards for Win 10. Currently one of those keys is running Win 10 on two active computers. The licence type i think can make a difference, but mine have been fine.

Worst case scenario you can run without a key. Not sure how well it'll play with security updates however.

 

[Deleted member 77746]

If it’s an OEM you you will be breaking the EULA agreement but there’s nothing to say it won’t work without trying.

If it’s retail then it will be fine.

If you use the key from your previous install it may ask you to activate via phone. If it doesn’t it’s going to tell you to sod off and not activate.

Your old PC should deactivate when it calls home but it’s not always the case.

By all means take my post with a pinch of salt.