Solved How can I find out if my Win 8.1 is OEM?

Hi Guys

I was on Windows 7, then upgraded to Win 8 then to Win 8.1.

Right now I am on Win 8.1 and I plan on upgrading my PC.

Would I be able to re-use my product key? I hear that OEM ones do no allow this.

So how can I find out if my Win 8.1 is an OEM?

Thank You.

Hello Ciwan,

An OEM Windows 8 would have came preinstalled on a purchased computer, or labeled as OEM on a retail version.
You are correct that an OEM product key cannot be used to activate on another computer. It is permanently tied to the motherboard it was first activated on.

Yes, you could activate a non OEM product key on another computer so long as it's not currently activated on any other computer. A product key can only be legally activated on one computer at the same time, and must be removed from all others. Sometimes you may need to activate by phone if it will not activate online on the new computer.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

Thanks Shawn

That info is helpful and clarifies the whole process a bit, but it is still missing the information about how I can find out if the currently installed Win 8.1 is OEM or not.

Let's say the PC I currently have dropped out of the sky, pre-installed with Win 8.1 ... how can I know if that Win 8.1 is OEM or not?

Thanks

Usually an OEM PC will have name branding (ex: their logo) and support information in the System window like below.

System Support Information - Windows 7 Help Forums

OEM manufacturer name would be on the case (Dell, HP, Sony) & a COA.

Running mgadiag would likely tell you. http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&sqi=2&ved=0CCkQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgo.microsoft.com%2Ffwlink%2F%3Flinkid%3D52012&ei=vFbMUvmJEIXGqgGrt4HoAQ&usg=AFQjCNH5Zcs6VID448dqfDkoyf9nzmkx7w&bvm=bv.58187178,d.aWM What you are now depends on what version your Windows 8 upgrade was, I would think it was retail.

Thanks guys, so I have the Retail version. Is there any genuine way I can get a Win 8.1 install DVD? I do not fancy starting at Win 7 then upgrading all over again

Take a look at those posts for more info.

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/18309-windows-8-windows-8-1-iso-download-create.html

How to download Windows 8.1 ISO with a Windows 8 key.
http://www.eightforums.com/installation-setup/33164-how-download-windows-8-1-iso.html

http://www.eightforums.com/installa...retail-windows-8-1-windows-8-product-key.html

Thanks all. You've been a great help

Glad we could help.

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