Solved Updating A Window 7 OEM License

[milesc3]

In preparation for the forthcoming Windows 10 release I want to update my version of Windows 7 on one of my devices. It is currently Windows 7 OEM Professional. I also have a retail license for Windows 7 Professional that is no longer in use. Can I simply update the key code on the OEM machine with the retail key or will I have to perform a clean install?

 

[whs]

Why would you want to do that. Your OEM license qualifies for a Windows 10 upgrade. I would not 'waste' that retail license.

 

[milesc3]

I had four computers at home, three of them have Windows 7 OEM Professional . I recently retired one of the devices that has a retail Windows 7 Professional license. I will upgrade one the remaining devices ro Windows 10, I will leave one as Windows OEM and I want to upgrade the remaining device to Windows 7 retail.

 

[whs]

I understand what you are saying. But I still do not understand why you would want to upgrade an OEM license to a retail license. As far as the upgrade to windows 10 is concerned, both are upgradable.

 

[milesc3]

I may change some parts like motherboard and etc. on the computer I want to upgrade. Besides that I have no other use for the retail license. I simply wanting to know if I can update the key code on the OEM machine with the retail key or will I have to perform a clean install

 

[SIW2]

@Wolfgang,

Perhaps miles mistakenly thinks he can't move the os ( or swap mobo ) if it is oem. MS will activate it when you call their free phone number they provide.Oem and retail are just marketing terms.

 

[whs]

Well, if you absolutely want to change the key, here is how:

• Click the Start button, right-click Computer, and then click Properties.
• Scroll down to the bottom of the window that appears, and then, under Windows activation, click Change product key.

 

[SIW2]

I have never tried it, because it is unnecessary. Probably will work if you do as Wolfie suggested.

 

[milesc3]

Thanks ... I will likely upgrade this device eventually to Windows 10 and without getting the retail upgrade I am stuck with a copy of Windows 10 that will only work on this device and can't be transferred.

 

[milesc3]

The license change took less than 2 mins including activation.

 

[whs]

Good news. I am glad you could sort it out.