windows - Is it legal to migrate my operating system to another machine?

08
2014-07
  • Tom B

    Possible Duplicate:
    Can I transfer a Windows 7 license to another computer?

    If I have a computer which is physically damaged beyond practical repair, can I legally take the Product Key from that computer and use it to install the same Operating System on a new machine?

    • Answers
  • Kyle

    That depends, if you have retail version of the OS then you can reinstall it on another system. If it is an OEM version that came with the computer then it is not okay to install it on another PC.

    This FAQ page from Microsoft provides an extensive amount of information on OEM licensing.

    EDIT: Per Johns request below I'll add that OSX can only be installed on Apple hardware, regardless of whether the OS came with the PC or was purchased retail.

  • Merstzik

    You can have two types of licenses on your OS (and other software/hardware), that is:

    1. OEM

      An original equipment manufacturer, or OEM, manufactures products or components that are purchased by a company and retailed under that purchasing company's brand name.[ref 1] OEM refers to the company that originally manufactured the product. When referring to automotive parts, OEM designates a replacement part made by the manufacturer of the original part. source - wikipedia

      basicly it means that OEMs are always sold with computers bought in supermarekts - ready bundles and it can't be transfered anywhere. You can only change some parts - not entire pc

    2. BOX or Full

      This one gives you a free hand at changing destination computer as many times as you want.

  • Hyppy

    Generally, no. The license that comes with most computers is non-transferrable.


    • Related Question

    Can I transfer a Windows 7 license to another computer?
  • 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?

    • Related 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.