Changing CPU and motherboard on Windows 10 Pro OEM
Changing CPU and motherboard on Windows 10 Pro OEM
Since Windows 7, OEM systems automatically lock hardware to the motherboard.
It mentions the exact situation where changing the motherboard affects the OEM license. It explains that upgrading to Windows 10 would invalidate the previous license needed for a free upgrade. The user would then need to buy a new full retail license. If the original base license was a complete retail version, transferring it would be possible.
Above that section it states. Complete version (Retail): - Comes with transfer rights to another machine.----------------------------------------------------------------->>>>>>>>>>>>>>> You do not have this - Needs a prior approved Windows edition. - Premium upgrade path (Retail): - Comes with transfer rights to another machine. ----------------------------------------------------------------->>>>>>>> You do not have this - Demands an earlier approved Windows edition. - Costly, yet more affordable than the complete version OEM : OEM editions match Full License Retail editions except for these points: - OEM editions provide no complimentary Microsoft direct assistance from support staff - OEM licenses are linked to the initial machine you install and activate on ---------------------------------------------->>>>>>>>>>>>>>> You have this - OEM editions permit all hardware modifications except switching to a distinct motherboard model ------------------->>>>>>>>>>>>>> You have this - OEM editions are not permitted for immediate upgrade from an older Windows OS