Reusable OS?

[Arcapse]

If I completely format my hard drive (my build only has a single hard drive), will I be able to reuse my copy Windows and still have it licensed? Will there be any difference with the OS?

[Createinator]

If I completely format my hard drive (my build only has a single hard drive), will I be able to reuse my copy Windows and still have it licensed? Will there be any difference with the OS?

Yes it will work just fine, just register it using your CD Key.

What version of Windows are you using?

[GeneralBear]

you will have to call microsoft and get them to activate over the phone explane you formated ur hardrive

[Arcapse]

Yes it will work just fine, just register it using your CD Key.

What version of Windows are you using?

Windows 8.1

[qwertywarrior]

dont forget

recycle your old OSes

[squirrl]

Windows 8.1

There should be an option in windows 8 that allows you to do a clean reinstall of windows.

[Createinator]

Windows 8.1

Here is an easy to follow guide on how to uninstall a CD Key to reuse it again.

http://www.howtogeek.com/124286/how-to-uninstall-your-windows-product-key-before-you-sell-your-pc/

[GoodBytes]

Here is an easy to follow guide on how to uninstall a CD Key to reuse it again.

http://www.howtogeek.com/124286/how-to-uninstall-your-windows-product-key-before-you-sell-your-pc/

You don't need to do the uninstall product key part.

[GoodBytes]

If you have a license of Windows that came with your computer, you can't transfer the license to another computer.
To re-install Windows 8. Do Win+I, click on Change PC Settings.
Then go under Update and recovery > Recovery, and click on Remove everything and reinstall Windows.

This will format, re-install Windows and activate it. It will be ready to be sold or given with the computer to someone.

 

If you just want to re-install Windows. On the same location, click on Refresh your PC without affecting your files.

 

If you want to keep Windows 8, and it's a Retail license that you have, simply format the computer where it is installed.

Then go on the computer where you want Windows 8 to be, install it, and activate it. You are done.

If it does not work, you'll be asked to do a phone activation. You'll be given a toll free number on the screen. It's an automated system. You just have to say or enter a set of numbers that will show on the screen, and you'll given back a code to enter to activate Windows.

[Createinator]

If you have a license of Windows that came with your computer, you can't transfer the license to another computer.

To re-install Windows 8. Do Win+I, click on Change PC Settings.

Then go under Update and recovery > Recovery, and click on Remove everything and reinstall Windows.

This will format, re-install Windows and activate it. It will be ready to be sold or given with the computer to someone.

 

If you just want to re-install Windows. On the same location, click on Refresh your PC without affecting your files.

 

If you want to keep Windows 8, and it's a Retail license that you have, simply format the computer where it is installed.

Then go on the computer where you want Windows 8 to be, install it, and activate it. You are done.

If it does not work, you'll be asked to do a phone activation. You'll be given a toll free number on the screen. It's an automated system. You just have to say or enter a set of numbers that will show on the screen, and you'll given back a code to enter to activate Windows.

Thanks for the info @GoodBytes!