


How to transfer an OEM Windows license to a new motherboard
Jul 04, 2025 am 12:48 AMWhether you can continue to use the original Windows license after changing the motherboard depends on the license type. The retail version can be migrated, and the OEM version usually binds the motherboard and cannot be legally migrated; if the system is not activated after replacing the motherboard, you can try to automatically activate the network first, and some situations will be automatically restored based on account information; if it fails, you can contact Microsoft customer service to apply for reactivate, provide the key and explain the reason, which has a certain success rate; if it still cannot be solved, it is recommended to purchase a new license, choose the official website or a formal channel to obtain a digital license or key to ensure that the system is legally activated.
Windows system activation and license binding are headaches for many people when upgrading hardware, especially after you change the motherboard. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) licenses are usually bound to the original motherboard, and Microsoft generates a digital license fingerprint through motherboard information. Once the motherboard is replaced, the system may prompt that it is not activated, and it needs to be handled manually.

Here are some practical suggestions to help you transfer your OEM Windows license to your new motherboard as smoothly as possible.

1. Understand your Windows version and license type
Not all Windows licenses can be migrated, especially the OEM version. If you purchased Windows on a branded machine, such as Dell, HP or Lenovo, it is likely to be an OEM authorization, which usually does not allow you to continue using it after replacing the motherboard .
But if you assemble your own computer and purchase the retail version key from Microsoft or a regular retailer, you can freely migrate to the new motherboard.

Simply put:
- OEM license: Bind the motherboard, cannot be migrated legally
- Retail version license: You can replace the motherboard and reactivate it
2. Try to automatically reactivate
After changing the motherboard, the first step to enter the system is to not rush to make a phone call or reinstall the system. Let the system be connected to the Internet to see if it can be activated automatically.
The operation steps are as follows:
- Connect to the network
- Open Settings → System → Activate
- Check the current activation status
Sometimes, Microsoft will automatically activate the system based on your account association or other identifying information. If you have logged into this computer with a Microsoft account before, there is a certain chance that the activation status will be retained.
3. Contact Microsoft customer service manually to apply for transfer activation
If the system shows that it is not activated, you can try to contact Microsoft's official customer service to request the rebinding of the license. This is the most commonly used and relatively effective method at present.
The operation process is roughly as follows:
- Call Microsoft customer service number (different numbers in different regions)
- Provide your product key (if any)
- Explain the situation to customer service, for example, if the motherboard is broken, you need to replace it
- Customer service may help you reactivate remotely, or provide a one-time activation code
Some users reported that as long as the tone is sincere and the reasons are reasonable, customer service will generally assist in the handling. However, be aware that if it is an OEM version, the probability of success is relatively low.
4. Consider purchasing a new license to be more troublesome
If your Windows is an OEM version and the customer service cannot reactivate it for you, you may have to buy a new license again.
Although it sounds a bit a pity, considering the time cost and troubles, it is actually quite cost-effective to change to the genuine system. You can choose:
- Purchase a digital license directly on Microsoft's official website
- Purchase retail keys on a regular platform (pay attention to distinguish between true and false)
After buying, install the system and enter the key and activate it normally, clean and neatly.
Basically these are the methods. Whether you can continue to use the original Windows license after changing the motherboard depends on what type of authorization you use. The retail version is much more flexible, and OEM is more troublesome. Don’t panic when you encounter problems. Try to automatically activate it first. If it doesn’t work, then contact customer service. If it doesn’t work, buy a new system is not complicated. It’s just that it makes people feel distressed.
The above is the detailed content of How to transfer an OEM Windows license to a new motherboard. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

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