When is a new Windows operating system license required and when is one not required?
A new Windows license is not required for a refurbished PC that has:
1. The original Certificate of Authenticity (COA) for a Windows operating system affixed to the PC, and
2. The original recovery media or hard-disk based recovery image associated with the PC.
The operating system identified on the original COA indicates the edition of Windows that was originally licensed for that PC and the refurbisher can
use either:
1. The original recovery media or
2. The original hard-disk based recovery image to reinstall the operating system software specified on the COA.
The original recovery option (described above) used to reinstall the software on a refurbished PC must accompany any distribution of the
refurbished PC. Prior to relinquishing a PC for refurbishment, the end user can contact the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of the PC to
obtain the appropriate recovery media for a fee—subject to availability. Second-hand recovery media is sometimes offered for sale by individuals
in various forums and markets. Purchasing media from unknown sources is not recommended as it introduces the risks of copyright infringement,
improper licensing and infected/corrupted or incomplete software.
A new Windows license is required for a refurbished PC if:
1. The refurbisher did not obtain the original recovery media along with the system to be refurbished or
2. The PC does not have a hard-disk based recovery image.
The refurbisher must purchase a new Windows license in order to