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[Ronski]

I always used to use OEM versions on my own built hardware.

[j0hn]

If you have a custom built PC then you'd need your own key. I don't think OEM's will activate on non OEM kit.

Best tell that to the millions with working Windows OEM keys on their custom built PC's.

AFAIK they only started linking keys to hardware with Windows 10.
The OP should have no issue on Windows 7.

[Chrysalis]

OEM keys dont need to be tied to specific hardware to activate for the first time, there is two types of OEM licenses, the key variants will activate on any PC.

[Ronski]

AFAIK they only started linking keys to hardware with Windows 10.

W7 keys can be linked to specific manufactures though, I tried to download a copy of W7 from MS once and was told the key was linked to  Dell/HP or whoever it was. Whether they activate on non Dell/HP etc hardware I don't know.

[Bowdon]

I remember when I upgraded my W7 to W10 it give me a different W10 key for the machine.

[parkdale]

In the past couple of months, I have Built and upgraded 2 PC's, Both are windows 10 pro and were activated with Windows 7 pro OEM keys... I bought for £10.
I think MS is just trying to get rid of all Windows 7/8/8.1 pc's out there, so are still ok with trading Old Win 7 keys for new.
My own Win 8.1 retail key was upgraded to Win 10 pro and they gave me a new retail version

[pxr5]

In the past couple of months, I have Built and upgraded 2 PC's, Both are windows 10 pro and were activated with Windows 7 pro OEM keys... I bought for £10.
I think MS is just trying to get rid of all Windows 7/8/8.1 pc's out there, so are still ok with trading Old Win 7 keys for new.
My own Win 8.1 retail key was upgraded to Win 10 pro and they gave me a new retail version

That's useful for me, thanks. My son is building his own PC and was about to purchase a Win 10 licence. However I've got an unused Win 7 retail that I can give him to activate 10? This is news to me as I thought the WIn7 ->10 was all done now.

[broadstairs]

All this is very interesting for some however I will never update from W7 for what this pc is used for it buys me absolutely nothing. My next move will be to Linux when I can solve moving one last program over.

Stuart

[chenks]

All this is very interesting for some however I will never update from W7 for what this pc is used for it buys me absolutely nothing.

regardless, you should still keep it up to date in terms of windows updates and security updates.
you have this system connected to the internet.

[Ronski]

This is news to me as I thought the WIn7 ->10 was all done now.

You can use Windows 7, 8 and 8.1 to activate the same version of Windows 10, have been able to for a long time.