Keep the license for the windows version.
Keep the license for the windows version.
You can switch to another operating system without losing your license. Reinstalling Windows will restore your original setup, while switching to a different OS keeps your current license valid.
Usually with prebuilt items from the past decade, the product key is kept on the motherboard. For instance, my OptiPlex 7010 has a saved key for Windows 10 Pro that I rely on for clean installs. Still, it’s wise to locate software that retrieves your product key and stores it safely. Nirsoft Produkey is one such tool you might try.
The license needs to be connected to your M$ account. This allows you to reinstall if you used an M$ account. OEM machines (like HP or Dell) originally had the license printed on a sticker. Since it's OEM, it’s tied to your original device and won’t work on another machine unless it’s retail. To verify, right-click Start and select Windows Terminal Administrator (if not available), then type `slmgr /dli` and check the output for retail, OEM, or volume channel details.