Can Windows 8 OEM transfer to another computer?

[Regank]

I originally bought a Windows 8 OEM disc when I built my first computer but I really want to build a new computer, is there a way to transfer my key/deactivate it so I can use it on my new computer?

 

Thanks!

[zlolslavez]

An OEM copy can't be transferred, you can, however, simply use the SSD with the OS on the new build.

[Mao_Zedong]

An OEM copy can't be transferred, you can, however, simply use the SSD with the OS on the new build.

Doesn't it need to have the same motherboard for that to work?

[Oshino Shinobu]

An OEM copy can't be transferred, you can, however, simply use the SSD with the OS on the new build.

 

 

Doesn't it need to have the same motherboard for that to work?

It's kind of luck of the draw. 

 

It can work, but it's not certain that it will. 

[Regank]

If I bought the non OEM version of windows, I can transfer that key, correct?

[a_block_of_wood]

I may be wrong, but if it's OEM Windows 8 (NOT 8.1):

 

http://www.microsoft.com/oem/en/licensing/sblicensing/Pages/windows-licensing-for-personal-use.aspx

 

http://personaluselicense.windows.com/en-US/default.aspx

 

Yes, you can move it into another PC you own, provided you remove it from the old one.

 

Apparently MS removed the personal use license from 8.1. I've been digging for info for the past few days and this is so far what I understand.

 

Edit: Retail version should entitled you to move it to new PC.

[Andrewf]

I originally bought a Windows 8 OEM disc when I built my first computer but I really want to build a new computer, is there a way to transfer my key/deactivate it so I can use it on my new computer?

 

Thanks!

It doesn't matter. In 2-3 months Windows 10 will be free, even for people with cracked/pirated versions of Windows 7 & 8(.1) so there's nothing to worry about.

[Mao_Zedong]

It doesn't matter. In 2-3 months Windows 10 will be free, even for people with cracked/pirated versions of Windows 7 & 8(.1) so there's nothing to worry about.

Nope, that was a misinterpretation. 

[Yamikotai]

Officially you can't. I have inadvertently re-used keys before without issue, but as said above it's pot luck whether it'll work.

[Miguel Sensacion]

It doesn't matter. In 2-3 months Windows 10 will be free, even for people with cracked/pirated versions of Windows 7 & 8(.1) so there's nothing to worry about.

 

Check this statement made to Ars Technica from Microsoft...

 

If a device was considered non-genuine or mislicensed prior to the upgrade, that device will continue to be considered non-genuine or mislicensed after the upgrade." This story has been updated to reflect that you don't get a legitimate copy of Windows 10.

 

http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/03/windows-10-will-be-a-free-upgrade-for-genuine-and-non-genuine-users/