How does OS licensing work?

[Hikaru12]

I've never bought an OS in my life save from a laptop that had Windows XP already installed on it. How does licensing work for a copy of, let's say, Windows 8? If I change out hardware in my computer will I lose the license for the OS? Will I have to buy a new copy every time I change out something? Is there a way to have Microsoft deactivate the license and transfer it over to a new computer?  I'm asking this for both a copy of Windows 8.1 Pro and Office 2013. I'm assuming you would be able to do the same thing with both. Thanks in advance.

[Godlygamer23]

No, your license will likely remain intact depending on what you're changing out. Changing out a motherboard can cause it. No, you do not have to buy a license every time you change your hardware. If you call Microsoft, you can have your key(s) reset.

[twoscoops]

I've never bought an OS in my life save from a laptop that had Windows XP already installed on it. How does licensing work for a copy of, let's say, Windows 8? If I change out hardware in my computer will I lose the license for the OS? Will I have to buy a new copy every time I change out something? Is there a way to have Microsoft deactivate the license and transfer it over to a new computer?  I'm asking this for both a copy of Windows 8.1 Pro and Office 2013. I'm assuming you would be able to do the same thing with both. Thanks in advance.

 

I've had multiple reinstalls of Windows 8 on my system, always used the same key never had any problems. I have Office 360 basically just can have two active installs and you download from the website.

[bbrooking18]

The only license that expires when hardware is changed is an OEM license 

[Hikaru12]

No, your license will likely remain intact depending on what you're changing out. Changing out a motherboard can cause it. No, you do not have to buy a license every time you change your hardware. If you call Microsoft, you can have your key(s) reset.

I'm assuming if I swapped out the motherboard I would just have to provide them with a serial number or model number or something to identify it?

[Godlygamer23]

I'm assuming if I swapped out the motherboard I would just have to provide them with a serial number or model number or something to identify it?

It's an automated call. You just have them reset the key. That's it.

[,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,]

If the key is an OEM key, switching out your motherboard will cause it to become deactivated.

Here is a way to tell if its OEM:

 

"Assuming that your system is still working, right-click My Computer and select Properties.  Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and find the Product ID.  
The Product ID should be in the form xxxxx-xxx-xxxxxxx-xxxxx.  What are the 3 characters in the second group (if those 3 characters are OEM, then you have an OEM version)."

 

If you purchase a retail product key, changing out any part (besides the HDD) will not deactivate Windows.

You can also re-use a retail windows key.

[Hikaru12]

Thanks for all the help everyone.