Changing motherboards

Special Agent 星雨 · March 5, 2017

I am currently using a motherboard that has Windows activated via an OEM key, so to my understanding the activation is tied to my motherboard.

My question is, if I decide to upgrade my CPU/MOBO/RAM in the future, will I need to buy another OEM key? Also does the answer to the previous question remain the same for both new/used motherboards.

Apologies if post is in the wrong section.

Acorn Eyes · March 5, 2017

13 minutes ago, Special Agent 星雨 said:

I am currently using a motherboard that has Windows activated via an OEM key, so to my understanding the activation is tied to my motherboard.

My question is, if I decide to upgrade my CPU/MOBO/RAM in the future, will I need to buy another OEM key? Also does the answer to the previous question remain the same for both new/used motherboards.

Apologies if post is in the wrong section.

If you keep the same storage its fine.

At least that's what happened when I changed from an LGA1155 mobo and CPU to a LGA1150 mobo and CPU

BlueChinchillaEatingDorito · March 5, 2017

Simple answer is yes you'll need to buy a new key as Microsoft sees it as another computer. You can try to call Microsoft support and let them know you had to replace the motherboard and they can activate it for you. If you do a complete platform upgrade, I'm not sure if they'll be as lenient.

BlueChinchillaEatingDorito · March 5, 2017

2 minutes ago, Acorn Eyes said:

If you keep the same storage its fine.

At least that's what happened when I changed from an LGA1155 mobo and CPU to a LGA1150 mobo and CPU

That is true with retail keys. But with OEM keys, you cannot simply transfer licenses yourself. You'll need to contact Microsoft and they'll decide whether or not they'll do it for you.