Reusing an Operating system

[Hen_Ree]

Hello,

I am building a new pc and I already have a copy of windows 7 home from my old pc. Would I be able to reuse the product key and install it on my new pc as this would save me some money.

It is also a skylake 6700k build with the z170 FTW motherboard would this be a problem with windows 7 because it is a bit older.

Many thanks,

[MichaelLindman]

I am not sure about Windows 7 but in the personal use license for Windows 8 it states that:

Can I transfer the software to another computer or user? You may transfer the software to another computer that belongs to you. You may also transfer the software (together with the license) to a computer owned by someone else if a) you are the first licensed user of the software and b) the new user agrees to the terms of this agreement. To make that transfer, you must transfer the original media, the certificate of authenticity, the product key and the proof of purchase directly to that other person, without retaining any copies of the software. You may use the backup copy we allow you to make or the media that the software came on to transfer the software. Anytime you transfer the software to a new computer, you must remove the software from the prior computer. You may not transfer the software to share licenses between computers. You may transfer Get Genuine Windows software, Pro Pack or Media Center Pack software only together with the licensed computer.

The source can be found here: http://personaluselicense.windows.com/en-US/default.aspx

EDIT:

It seems that you cannot reuse Windows 7 on another computer:

Q. Can I use the Personal Use Licence for Windows 7 software?
A. No. The Personal Use Licence is for Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro software only. If you are building a computer for your personal use with Windows 7 software, you still need to purchase the full packaged retail version.

Source: https://www.microsoft.com/OEM/en-gb/licensing/sblicensing/Pages/personal-use-license.aspx#fbid=M0yM4olHBN7

[anon37371794]

If it's a retail version, you can use it again as long as you install the same version of Windows (ie a Home Premium key is ok as long as you install a new Home Premium).
If it's an OEM key on the other hand, you are only allowed to use it on the PC it came with.

[bjorn]

While I doubt it would have any issue on your hardware, I definitely have mixed feelings about using Windows 7 in a new build. On one hand, it's an OS that we know works. However, that's the same excuse that keeps the extremely insecure XP around in both the professional and personal worlds. However, my incessant ramblings shouldn't discourage you from using an OS you're comfortable with.

If the Windows 7 key used was OEM (For example, you bought the PC from Dell or custom built on an OEM license.), you cannot (legally) transfer it. If you purchased a retail license, you can transfer it. Of course, I've seen product keys from pre-built PCs work on new builds without issue, but I don't recommend it as you could experience issues in the future. However, worst case scenario, you'd have to buy a new key because your installation of Windows would be "not genuine".

You could always purchase a new Windows product key on reddit ($20-$35 USD) at microsoftsoftwareswap. As far as I can tell, it's a legal transaction. However, as the internet goes, caveat emptor. I've purchased several keys from varying vendors on reddit without issue... yet.

[marasm]

It depends on if it is a retail or OEM key.

I have used several OEM keys on several different computers with almost no problem. I say almost, because on a few occasions I had to call Microsoft to activate the key. It's really simple, though, and all automated. All of my OEM Windows 7 keys still work after many installs.

I've never used a retail key.

Also, Windows 7 will work just fine with skylake.