Well that is kinda my question, is there a way to tell windows that a hardware change is going to happen so they should remove the current configuration from their database.
Not that I know of. And "my guess" is there isn't a way because it is likely some unscrupulous bad guys, sadly, would abuse that.
It should not be a problem for you anyway. Note I was referring to removing Windows from other computers so the same license is not in use on two different computers at the same time. Worse case scenario would require you to call Microsoft, explain your situation, and they will give you another key. I have done this many times and never had a problem.
They just don't want you to use the same, single use license, on multiple computers at the same time.
of my current win 10 install i did change mobo/CPU/PSU without a hitch and when i swapped my GPU no issues either.
No doubt. But note I never said it cannot technically be done, or that it will cause issues.
I specifically said that license cannot "legally" be transferred to a new computer (or
***new/upgraded motherboard).
For an analogy, you can run a red light and most likely these days, get away with it. Or you can shoplift a candy bar and probably get away with it too. That does not make it legal - and that is the issue. Microsoft does not have the time or resources to "police" every one of the 1.6+ billion Windows licenses in use today.
So it is just a matter of personal ethics.
And that is why everyone needs to understand
when we use a "new" Windows license for the first time, we agree to abide by the terms of the license. We consensually entered a
legal contract. And that's what makes these terms
"legally binding".
Is Microsoft going to chase us down and have us arrested? Of course not! Not unless we are pirating multiple copies for profit - that will likely get their, and the FBI's and/or Interpol's attention.
The problem is there may come a time, perhaps through some Windows Update, a purchase at the Microsoft Store or some other time when the system hits the Microsoft network and it is determined the Windows license key does not match the current "
o"riginal "
e"quipment it was assigned to. When that happens, Microsoft has been known to render that license "unauthorized". A simple phone call may fix it, or it may be necessary to buy a new, legitimate license.
*** I said above "
new/upgraded motherboard". We are allowed to replace a motherboard
as part of a repair action should the first motherboard fail. However, it needs to be the same brand and model number, or a suggested replacement by the same maker if the original board is no longer available. In other words, we cannot "upgrade" the board from, for example, an entry level board to a top tier board.
Again, if we attempt to transfer, it will probably work just fine. But that does not mean it is "right" or "contractually legal" to do so.
Again, I am just the messenger here. So please don't argue with me about it. Take it up with Microsoft (or their shysters... err... lawyers) if there is a disagreement. But note when it comes to OEM software in general, this is pretty much an industry standard policy. It is just when it comes to Windows, there are some unique differences simply because Windows is an operating system and not a simple application.
