Can I transfer a Windows 7 license to another computer?

07
2014-07
  • caliban

    Possible Duplicate:
    When reinstalling Windows 7, does the language, version, architecture (64-bit or 32-bit) or source (OEM, retail, or MSDN) matter?

    I was thinking of buying Windows 7 Ultimate to be installed on an old computer. In due time, I will be giving this old computer away.

    The question is:

    • Will I have trouble transferring the Windows 7 Ultimate license to another PC?
    • If yes, do I need to watch out for any issues?
    • What exactly is Microsoft's stance/policies towards license transfers?
    • How many times can I transfer before it becomes illegal?
    • Answers
  • Kez

    If you are purchasing a "retail copy" from a shop, you should not have any problems transferring it to another computer.

    If you do run into a problem activating (which occasionally does happen) simply calling the Microsoft activation line (number given during the activation wizard) will allow you to activate it with a special code that you type in.

  • Diago

    You can activate your license 2 or 3 times, so you should not have any issues. Worst case you will need to phone Microsoft to get the unlock key, but it is a fairly painless process, and I know in the States you can now even SMS them your code and they will send you back an unlock code.

  • Jaips

    If you are using a full retail license you will have no issues

    Note however:

    An OEM 'system builder' license must stay with the computer it is first installed on. (I believe it links with the motherboard).

    For a upgrade license, my understanding is that, if it is installed over an existing OEM install, you can't transfer the 'full' license to another computer - only the 'upgrade' part. However this shouldn't be a problem if the 'underlying' OS was a full retail copy to begin with.

  • Jonathan Rioux

    If you have a retail box of Windows 7, you can install it up to 3 times. After 3 times, your Windows 7 dvd turns into a frisbee.


    • Related Question

    Can I use my Windows 7 license in a dual-boot configuration?
  • Arnold Zokas

    Possible Duplicate:
    When installing Windows 7 or Vista, does the language, version, architecture (64-bit or 32-bit) or source (OEM, retail, or MSDN) matter?

    I've purchased a retail license of Windows 7 Ultimate for my machine at home.

    I'm thinking of creating a dual-boot install:

    • 64-bit install for work apps (need the RAM for virtual machines and RAMDisk)
    • 32-bit install for entertainment apps (Media Centre, games, etc)

    How does retail licensing work in such situations?
    Can I activate the same license on both installations?

    Edit:

    I would like to add that I want to have separate partitions for work and play.


    • Related Answers
  • Kez

    Who knows. The EULA which will determine this has not yet officially been published by Microsoft.

    Can I activate the same license on both installations?

    Looking at the EULA for Vista, yes and no.

    Technically, yes. Because the activation wizard will see that you are installing onto the same machine it should activate without question.

    Legally, no. You are only permitted to have one single copy installed at any given time.

    Really interesting article here for bedtime reading although it does only apply to Vista. Again, no official word on the 7 EULA yet.

    How does retail licensing work in such situations?

    Retail boxes will come with a single key that activates both the 32-bit and the 64-bit flavours. You simply select the 32-bit or 64-bit version during the installation process.

  • LRE

    I was once told by Microsoft support that what mattered was that Windows had a per-seat licensing model. This meant that a single copy of (consumer) Windows is only meant to be accessible to one person at a time.

    So by extrapolation, I read the situation thus:

    • Dual boot ought to be fine as you're not running both instances at the same time.
    • VM-style situations where you can have both running at the same time is naughty

    DISCLAIMERS:

    • IANAL
    • This conversation was held back in the early days of XP whilst setting up my parent's PC so Microsoft have had plenty of time to change the rules.
    • When the feds come to arrest you for denying Uncle Bill licensing revenue I will disavow all knowledge of ever having discussed this matter ;-)
  • Delameko

    I would like to add that I want to have separate partitions for work and play.

    Wouldn't it make more sense just to create two seperate user accounts, install all your work software on one at the user level (so its not accessible to the other) and install all your play software on the other. Then you'd have one copy of Windows, one license, any software you need on both accounts you could install as admin and you'd be making the most of your resources.