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Thread: Win 10 on 2 different PCs and possible options

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    Win 10 on 2 different PCs and possible options

    Hi there,


    I have pretty old PC with Win10 on it. I got it as a free upgrade from Win7. It's installed on HDD, not SSD.
    Now, my plan is to get a new PC soon and even though I don't like it at all, 10 is basically the only option at the moment. Speaking of which, I really hope so that soon there'll be some new OS, because this mobile based crap is just awful on a couple of levels.

    I've read somewhere that those upgraded versions (sort of free gifts) aren't transferable, and are basically tied to a machine they were installed on. No idea if this is true or not.

    My idea was to either transfer this 10 from old PC to new one, or if that's not possible then to format old PC and reinstall the same 10 on it in order to sell it with OS on.

    So my question is - is it possible to transfer it? If I put SSD in old PC, install 10 on it and put it in new PC - is it gonna work? I'm afraid not, but not sure.

    If that's not possible, how can I format my old PC's HDD and reinstall the same OS on it again? I definitely do not want to sell HDD without format.
    Since it's not regular copy with disc and serial information - how can I reinstall it and keep it a genuine copy?


    Any suggestions and possible other solutions are welcome. Thanks in advance.

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    Re: Win 10 on 2 different PCs and possible options

    I had Windows 8 on my old motherboard / cpu and upgraded to windows 10.

    When I upgraded to Ryzen, windows 10 deactivated, even though I was logging in with my MSN account and it was previously activated.

    So my experience would be no, you need a new key, unless you bought full version of Win before and/or you can call up MS and convince them your license is still valid (I think).
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    Re: Win 10 on 2 different PCs and possible options

    Quote Originally Posted by DennyCrane View Post
    Hi there,


    Now, my plan is to get a new PC soon and even though I don't like it at all, 10 is basically the only option at the moment. Speaking of which, I really hope so that soon there'll be some new OS




    Any suggestions and possible other solutions are welcome. Thanks in advance.
    Have you thought about Linux?
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    Re: Win 10 on 2 different PCs and possible options

    I have, but it's not really an option.

    Thanks though.

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    Re: Win 10 on 2 different PCs and possible options

    The same license from win 7 transfers - so if you have a retail license you can reinstall win 10 on a new computer. If you have an OEM license you theoretically can't. In terms of reinstalling after a format that should all work fine - MS have a database of your hardware so it should activate fine, and if not, support will help.

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    Re: Win 10 on 2 different PCs and possible options

    Yeah, boxed copies should transfer. Copies that came with the computer won't.

    Windows 10 includes a built in reset option that includes the ability to wipe your data. There's no need to mess around with discs anymore.

    Microsoft also offers the Windows 10 installer for download should you ever need to reinstall due to hard drive failure etc. It's all much more civilised than the Windows 7 days.

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    Re: Win 10 on 2 different PCs and possible options

    You’ll need a new copy, what you had was an OEM licence that is tied to the hardware for life, retail copies can be transferred to another pc and linked to your Microsoft account.

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    Re: Win 10 on 2 different PCs and possible options

    Hi Microsoft will allow you to move your license from one machine to the other as long as you are removing the copy from the original computer. This is what I do if I upgrade the motherboard and CPU on my PC, as it then becomes in all but name a new PC.
    You have to load the Windows 10 on the new PC boot it up then phone Microsoft and explain you have upgraded your systemboard and CPU and now Windows 10 is saying your license is not valid. They will check details ask you to enter certain codes and your computer is licensed again.

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