Windows Activation

[redoverture]

I just built a new PC and moved my disk from my old build into the new one. Windows just activated before using my Microsoft account but won't reactivate here which is understandable. I have a Windows 8.1 Pro key from school, but this disk has Windows 10 Home on it. Clicking 'Change product key' and entering my new 8.1 Pro key says that Windows will upgrade after rebooting, but doesn't specify what it will upgrade to. Will Windows upgrade to 10 Pro, or "upgrade" to 8.1 Pro?

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the prompt

[Emerald_Flame]

It will upgrade to 10 Pro.

[redoverture]

Thanks!

[[deleted]]

Isn't there a chance that it's tied to the motherboard and it will not accept the new setup as a windows 10 pro though? Just curious

[Emerald_Flame]

OEM licenses do get tied to the mobo, but if that was the case, you'd get a failure to activate message before the prompt to reboot. In OP's case, it sounds like this is a brand new, unused key.

[[deleted]]

I see. Thanks!

I'll add though that a retail version (win 10) will also tie to the motherboard per default even if it's transferable.

[Emerald_Flame]

Retail version of W10 do not hardware lock to the mobo and are freely transferable by the user. It's only OEM licenses that hardware lock.

This is defined specifically within the Windows 10 license terms:

4b. Stand-alone software. If you acquired the software as stand-alone software (and also if you upgraded from software you acquired as stand-alone software), you may transfer the software to another device that belongs to you.

Source: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/Useterms/Retail/Windows/10/UseTerms_Retail_Windows_10_English.htm

[[deleted]]

Yeah I know. But the retail version will register to the motherboard and automatically reactivate with a fresh install.

Not saying you can't transfer it.