Inquiry about multiple accounts on a single computer
Inquiry about multiple accounts on a single computer
It doesn't necessitate two Windows licenses.
How do you suppose cloning operates? Do you believe each cloned Windows requires a separate license?
The license is tied to the motherboard.
If the source Windows and cloned Windows operate on the same hardware, they both get activated by the same license.
Reference that I consulted:
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us...-m...1c46e95665
From the link:
"Every Windows installation is regarded as an individual setup, so to have two installations, you require two licenses. This is applicable to dual booting as well as if you run Windows in a virtual machine even on an activated Windows. "
And further down:
"All of these responses center around one major point. How was the Windows on that device acquired?
Windows are essentially of two types: retail license and OEM license.
OEM licenses cannot be transferred between devices and are bound to the one that Windows came with (usually, Windows pre-installed on laptops is OEM licensed). Retail licenses (the ones you purchase separately) are transferable between devices by first disconnecting the current device and then activating it on another device. "
I had not considered license type or clones and have also since realized that I was thinking about Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Reference:
https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/...indows-11/
From the link:
"Dual booting is an enjoyable method to try
Windows 11
without erasing Windows 10. You do need a separate license and account for both Windows operating systems to dual-boot legally without violating Microsoft’s terms of service. "
My mistake then - apologies.
Fortunately, the original poster has alternative options.
Well - that is entirely inaccurate. I personally run Windows 10 and Windows 11 on the same computer (as a dual boot).
Both are activated using the same license.
Windows 10 serves as a backup copy; if I do not prefer Windows 11 and want to revert to Windows 10, I just haven't deleted it yet.
However, you are permitted to have a backup copy of your Windows. This is stated in the license agreement.
Running Windows in a virtual machine is a completely different matter. That does require a separate license.
Fascinating.
The first source is Microsoft, and the second source is Digital Trends, which appears to be a credible link.
There is no issue with backups, as I have always understood that to be permitted.
Strange and somewhat contradictory in certain aspects is that a VM requires a separate license.
This would also imply that VirtualBox would require a separate license.
My understanding is that VirtualBox does not need a license.
Perhaps because Microsoft provides a solution:
https://www.maketecheasier.com/legally-d...l-machine/
Which includes VirtualBox.
= = = =
As for Windows 10 and Windows 11 activating and functioning in dual boot via the same license and working - fair enough.
I just did not see that license usage listed as being allowed.
However, from the MakeTech link above and at the conclusion of the link:
"If you want to use Windows 10 or 11 on a virtual machine, you have another option than downloading a pre-made VM like the ones we encountered above. Although technically both Windows 10 and Windows 11 require activation with a license key to function, in practice, this isn’t actually the case....
Anyone can download installation media for Windows 10 and 11 directly from Microsoft. You can then install Windows on a computer or virtual machine, install software, and use it normally. While you cannot utilize personalization options, and you’ll receive occasional reminders to activate Windows, nothing actually prevents you from running your application. So as long as you’re content with the minor limitations of an unactivated Windows installation, you can create your own VM and use it for as long as you wish."
Mind-boggling.
😵
Operating within a VM instance, whether VB or another hypervisor, does necessitate its own license to be fully activated.
Rationale:
You are operating two distinct instances simultaneously.
Microsoft perceives a VM as a discrete system.
Otherwise, I could operate an entire server farm of a dozen "systems" using one single license.
Running unactivated in a VM is no different than running unactivated on native hardware.
The same minor restrictions apply.
Thank you everyone; that is some really valuable information there.
I have one final question,
I wish to add an additional SSD to my computer because I am already running low on space, and if I install all this software twice (the second copy on the VirtualBox Windows), then I will certainly run out of space.
So, is it feasible to install VirtualBox on the second SSD and have all the software that I want to test also installed on the second SSD where VirtualBox resides?
The VirtualBox client can be/should be installed along with your OS and all your other applications.
The VHD (Virtual Hard Drive) that contains this new OS can reside on any drive.
After two years, I'm back with some inquiries.
I have finally installed the second SSD on my computer. Before I proceed with installing the VM, I would like to know which is the optimal format for the SSD to run Windows on the new VM?
Not entirely certain what your question is, but it generally does not matter.
GPT partitioning, NTFS formatting, completed.