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Windows 8 License Question

Warcony
By Warcony
in Operating Systems
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Go to solution Solved by GoodBytes,

Correct.

If you re-install your system, you don't need to install Windows 7 and then upgrade Windows 8. You can just install Windows 8 directly.

You can't transfer that license of Windows 7 to another system (even if it's a retail) as you upgraded to Windows 8, but you can downgrade just fine from Windows 8 down to 7.

Posted

Just a quick question.  I have been using an OEM copy of Windows 7 74bit Home premium for a number of years on my desktop.  A few months back did the online upgrade to Windows 8 (paid and downloaded it on the Microsoft Store).

 

My question is: If I want to reinstall my OS and I use the Windows 7 CD and the CD key associated with it to do so will my Windows 7 license still be valid, or will I be forced into installing Windows 8 via USB or disc?

| Currently no gaming rig | Dell XPS 13 (9343) |

| Samsung Galaxy Note5 | Gear VR | Nvidia Shield Tab | Xbox One |

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If you are using the same motherboard then you can re-use the win 7 key again.

Windows 7 OEM keys are bound to the motherboard If I'm not mistaken.

 

There are however ways to force the key to work regardless (a few legal and a few not so much), depends how much of a rebel you are :P

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^ +1

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  • Solution

Correct.

If you re-install your system, you don't need to install Windows 7 and then upgrade Windows 8. You can just install Windows 8 directly.

You can't transfer that license of Windows 7 to another system (even if it's a retail) as you upgraded to Windows 8, but you can downgrade just fine from Windows 8 down to 7.

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Correct.

If you re-install your system, you don't need to install Windows 7 and then upgrade Windows 8. You can just install Windows 8 directly.

You can't transfer that license of Windows 7 to another system (even if it's a retail) as you upgraded to Windows 8, but you can downgrade just fine from Windows 8 down to 7.

 

Excellent! Thanks for the clarification.

| Currently no gaming rig | Dell XPS 13 (9343) |

| Samsung Galaxy Note5 | Gear VR | Nvidia Shield Tab | Xbox One |

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