Transferring windows from one computer to another

[aSpoink]

My brother is soon going to be building a new PC. We've got all the parts figured out the only problem im having is getting him a copy of windows. His old computer was a pre-built that had windows 8 on it. So I was hoping that we could move that copy of windows to his new PC. We are re-using his HDD and SSD to save some money. AFAIK, the windows key is tied to your motherboard, but I also heard that you can call Microsoft and they will give you a new key if you say that your old computer died or something. Any help is appreciated.

[kirashi]

2 hours ago, aSpoink said:

My brother is soon going to be building a new PC. We've got all the parts figured out the only problem im having is getting him a copy of windows. His old computer was a pre-built that had windows 8 on it. So I was hoping that we could move that copy of windows to his new PC. We are re-using his HDD and SSD to save some money. AFAIK, the windows key is tied to your motherboard, but I also heard that you can call Microsoft and they will give you a new key if you say that your old computer died or something. Any help is appreciated.

If his old computer came with Windows, and it was a pre-built system, it has an OEM license.

This means that license is only valid for the Original Equipment the Manufacturer installed it on.

Microsoft won't transfer the license since it's against the terms of an OEM license.

The reason these licenses are only valid on the Original Equipment is because the Manufacturer buys them at a steep discount.