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[pxystus545]

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[SkixAces]

On 19/07/2015 at 7:12 PM, 41647269616e0d0a said:

Hi. I created a bootable USB drive for Windows 8.1 using this link which I found in the description of one of Linus' videos. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-CA/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media

 

If I wanted to boot from that drive, it would ask me for a Windows key from what I understand. Am I able to use the key that I am currently using right now? Thanks.

If you currently have a windows 8.1 key you are able to use that, yes.

[Senzelian]

On 19/07/2015 at 7:12 PM, 41647269616e0d0a said:

Hi. I created a bootable USB drive for Windows 8.1 using this link which I found in the description of one of Linus' videos. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-CA/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media

 

If I wanted to boot from that drive, it would ask me for a Windows key from what I understand. Am I able to use the key that I am currently using right now? Thanks.

Yes, but Windows will ask you for a new key that hasn't been used within 30 days.

Only one key per PC.

[Arty]

On 19/07/2015 at 7:12 PM, 41647269616e0d0a said:

Hi. I created a bootable USB drive for Windows 8.1 using this link which I found in the description of one of Linus' videos. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-CA/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media

 

If I wanted to boot from that drive, it would ask me for a Windows key from what I understand. Am I able to use the key that I am currently using right now? Thanks.

i have never had a windows install ask me for a key till after i booted into windows.

[pxystus545]

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[Senzelian]

On 19/07/2015 at 7:16 PM, 41647269616e0d0a said:

Does this mean I'll need to wait thirty days after wiping my hard drive to use my current key?

No no no.

If you try to install windows on a different computer, you'll need a different key.

If you try to install windows on your current computer, it won't be a problem at all. You won't need a new key.

I thought you would use that USB drive to install windows on different computers.

[pxystus545]

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[Senzelian]

On 19/07/2015 at 7:43 PM, 41647269616e0d0a said:

Thank you very much. I now have two questions:

 

1. Is there a method for me to ensure that my key will work? I'm using a copy from HP so while it's valid, with my luck it won't work when I try

2. This is totally out of curiosity, could I use the same key on another computer if I just didn't use it for 30 days?

I'm not sure if it actually works with a bootable USB drive.

I guess you'll need a new key.

Windows is really stupid and complicated when it comes to activation.

So, just to clear it up:

If you use a USB drive to install windows on your old PC, you don't need a new key and you can simply use your old key that has already been activated.

If you use a USB drive to install windows on a different PC, then you'll need a new key, cause otherwise you're only able to use Windows for 30 days.

If you use a USB drive to actually boot from it you'll most likely need a new key, cause Windows will think it's a new computer, whether it is your own PC or a new one.

But I'm not 100% sure about it. The only way to really know how it works is by trying it out or to ask directly Microsoft.