Is It possible to de-arm/deactivate W7 so I can resell?

AOLCraig · 25 Jun 2014

Hi there

I'm thinking about going to Windows 8 and I'm wondering if It's possible to De-Arm/Deactivate my License for Windows 7. I hold full ownership of a genuine Windows 7 retail. Though I'm not sure where to begin as from what I've found out seems to be abit of a grey area. I'm In the UK. Whether or not that effects me, I'm not sure. Please help as I would like to know which route to take as If I do buy Windows 8 I would like my 7 to be sold to help fund It.

Please advise :)

BrightBlessings · 25 Jun 2014

Have a read here. Is it possible to sell a used windows 7 disk? I hope it clarifies things for you.

gregrocker · 25 Jun 2014

It's normally sufficient to just delete the OS partition. A retail Win7 license can move wherever you want. But the old hardware signature it was installed upon remains in MS Servers until you overwrite it with a new one. Just be sure during reactivation that if required to use the phone option you answer the question about how many devices it is installed upon with only "one."

To be extra sure you can follow Product Key Number - Uninstall and Deactivate in Windows - Windows 7 Help Forums before deleting the old Win7 partition, which is how an OS is properly uninstalled.

AddRAM · 25 Jun 2014

As soon as you format your windows 7 drive and install 8 on it, the 7 license and dvd is yours to do whatever you want with.

But I would seriously consider keeping it. In fact I would buy a new drive to put 8 on and just hang on to that 7 drive

You may just Thank Yourself later

Phone Man · 25 Jun 2014

It also depends on what version of Win 8. If you buy a full retail then no problem. If you buy an Update version then it replaces the Win 7 License and you can't use it again.

Jim

AOLCraig · 26 Jun 2014

Thanks for getting back to me everyone. I'll buy the Windows 8 and go from there. Will go with full not upgrade. :)

gregrocker · 26 Jun 2014

Phone Man said:

It also depends on what version of Win 8. If you buy a full retail then no problem. If you buy an Update version then it replaces the Win 7 License and you can't use it again.

Jim

An Upgrade version only supercedes the qualifying OS for as long as the Upgrade is being used. If Upgrade is deleted then the qualifying OS can be used again.