Windows 7 Key on new PC

MrZen · 5 Oct 2015 at 10:03

Hello All!

I am going to be building a brand new PC to replace an old one.

Can I use the Product Key attached to that old PC on my new one when installing Windows 7?

As it wont be used any more on that PC.

Thanks.

BeeP · 5 Oct 2015 at 10:18

It depends on the license, if it is a retail version then you can install on any PC you want as long as it isnt still installed on another PC (like you are talking about) if it is an OEM license then I don't think you can, well you can but it isn't strictly an honest thing to do.
OEM is meant to be tied to a motherboard, I've heard some folk have said the old mobo is fried and have tied their OEM license to a new mobo but I've never tried.

teenwolf · 5 Oct 2015 at 10:21

MrZen said:
Hello All!

I am going to be building a brand new PC to replace an old one.

Can I use the Product Key attached to that old PC on my new one when installing Windows 7?

As it wont be used any more on that PC.

Thanks.

will be fine, you may have to do a telephone activation but it will work.

demonix · 5 Oct 2015 at 18:31

As long as it hasn't been activated (pre-build systems up to windows 7 normally had their OS installed from a generic pre-activated image) then you should be ok to use it (use a keyfinder programme and if the product codes don't match then you'll be good to go), but this is a little bit of a grey area so approach with caution.