win8 Can you deactivate Windows 8 and install on another PC?

[johnporter29]

Simple question, can I de-activate a copy of WIndows 8 on a PC and then use the key to install it on another PC?

[xendrome]

Per terms of the license no, but technically, probably, especially using phone activation. You would be more or less not deactivating the key, but just re-activating it on another system.

[Anibal P]

Gonna say that if it's an OEM key, NO, if it's a retail key yes

[+InsaneNutter MVC]

I have with my Windows 8 upgrade key when i changed motherboard, which would basically be classed as a new system. I re installed Windows 8.1, it wouldn't activate so called the number displayed on screen and activated over the phone with no problems. You will be asked if Windows is installed on more than one PC, say no and you will get your activation code.

 

I had to call up again once i added my Windows Media Center key, however again that activated over the phone with no problems.

 

If you have an OEM key i don't think you will be able to, as the key is paired with some info stored in the Bios.

 

Also something worth mentioning is the number you call to activate Windows is free to call from Skype, at least here in the UK anyway.

[Arachno 1D]

The OEM install is as intimated is stored in the bios and may not even ask for the key during install as it self registers on OEM systems,this key is tied to the motherboard tattoo`d  bios and is not transferable.The only time you may need to enter the new key is if you upgrade the windows version from that which came with the system and for the Windows Media Centre.

[Torolol]

OEM key are stored somewhere in UEFI 'bios', if you can move that binary somehow, you theoretically able to move Windows 8 there.

Otherwise you might need to buy another non-OEM version of windows 8.