HI all,
OK, I don't understand.
I've got a full boxed retail version of Windows 10. Therefore, I'm allowed to transfer it to a new PC.
My old PC, which was running my copy of Win 10 was still working, just time for an upgrade, so I built myself a new PC, As the parts are still working, I'd like to part it out and sell them - including the Mobo.
What I'm confused about is the Windows 10 activation. I want to sell my MoBo, but don't want to inadvertently give away my Win 10 license. My old PC was connected to a MS account, so first off, I used the slmgr /upk command to deactivate that copy of windows, which worked fine - the windows was now not activated, apparently.
To make sure, I then formatted the HD, and reinstalled Windows 10 to check, assuming that it would install and NOT be activated. I said I didn't have a product key during the install, and not logging in with my MS account, so the only thing the activation server had to go on was the MobO ID which I hoped I'd removed by the command line, but behold - Windows Activated with a digital license! Before, It was just activated (without mentioning a digital license - maybe a subtle but important point!
As a side note, My new PC has a second hand Mobo in it. Yesterday I installed Win 10, ready, and it also "Activated with a digital license" without me putting my MS account or actual key in yet. I'm guessing I can over-ride this my changing the product key to my own, but in theory, could I be hi-jacking someone else key here if I was dishonest. I want to make sure the exact thing doesn't happen to me with my old Mobo!
My question is: Is MS just digitally activating all MoBo's that might of seen Win 10 at some point, as that is the easiest safest option, and just leaving the customers to decide whether they are going to actually be legally licensed or not?
I just want to make sure when I sell my MoBo, someone doesn't put Win 10 on, and happily find it auto-activated with my License - as might of happened with my new Mobo?
Or is activated with a digital license (even if it was a product key activation before), not actually linked to the origianl product key, so my legit retail Win 10 is safe????
CONFUSED! Any help appreciated before I sell My Mobo! Cheers!