Microsoft verifies OS keys through cryptographic validation and secure key management processes.
Microsoft verifies OS keys through cryptographic validation and secure key management processes.
If it's sold to consumers, you can move the license by using it on another device, attempting to turn it on (which won't work) then choosing phone activation, ringing the activation line and informing them you need to transfer it to a different motherboard. They'll re-activate the key for the new setup, provide a code for the activation process and shut down the old unit. After completion it becomes permanent and any future use on the new machine will work without contacting MS. OEM licenses cannot be transferred at all—they'll say no if you try.