OEM Windows 10 Pro - changing the motherboard and cpu

[Peterg]

If I change the motherboard and cpu do I need to buy another OEM version of Windows 10 Pro? Guessing so but wanted to make sure.

[OLDMAN🎅]

retail $300 version no

[Illusion of Progress]

Per the license, OEM is traditionally supposed to be tied to the initial PC it's first activated on and can't be moved (often defined by motherboard, but it's not that strict and simple in technicality and often comes down to a number of changes, but the motherboard changing typically involves triggering more than enough). Retail can be transferred.

However, if your license is tied to your Microsoft account, I'm not sure if this allows you to use it anyway? Someone else will have to answer that. I was one of those people who just bought the Microsoft home retail version so I could move it if I wanted, because I found it worth it. Through the life of years, the cost is cheap anyway, but if you want to buy a cheap Grey market key or just skip purchasing it entirely (you only get the watermark and inability to change themes, which I'm sure there's workarounds for) then go for it.

[shoopy]

You will most likely need to buy a new Windows. There's a chance you might slip by, but don't count on it.

[OLDMAN🎅]

depends on the motherboard
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change

[OLDMAN🎅]

Windows 10 is free
If you're looking for Windows 10 Home, or even Windows 10 Pro, it's possible to get Windows 10 for free onto your PC. If you already have a Windows 7, 8 or 8.1 a software/product key, you can upgrade to Windows 10 for free. You activate it by using the key from one of those older OSes.

[Set-115689]

Try it. It might work. I have heard of it working.

[Kobs]

https://www.buymicrosoftwindows.ca/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwt4X8BRCPARIsABmcnOpJzUHMqBp6UO6fee-xOm3e3XsLVZ9Qx03ZryM3MS6mSZwFmiUNjqoaAiyqEALw_wcB

[Bad 💀 Motha]

Changing hardware is not an issue.

Just login with the same ms account and it will auto re-activate once online for a while.

If have not already, before changing hardware then make a windows user login using your ms account. Then your key+activation will get tied to that account. Which will be allowed to stay activated should you change motherboard.

As long as it is oem system builder and not oem from Dell or pre build makers.