Same Windows 7 license key on a laptop and a desktop -- legal?
I would like to know if it is legal to use the same Windows 7 Home Premium license key on my laptop and on my desktop? Someone told me that I could because MS allows you to use the same key on a laptop and a desktop. I have searched but cannot seem to find an answer that satisfies me.
Thoughts?
Solution 1:
I tried to do it and it fails when you install on the 2nd box. I think "Activation" is there for that purpose. However you can purchase a family pack that can be used to upgrade up to 3 computers in the same household:
Solution 2:
According to the EULA, it's pretty black and white. This is for the retail copy, I'm betting the OEM copy is even more restrictive.
a. One Copy per Computer. The software license is permanently assigned to the computer with which the software is distributed. That computer is the “licensed computer.”
b. Licensed Computer. You may use the software on up to two processors on the licensed computer at one time. Unless otherwise provided in these license terms, you may not use the software on any other computer.
c. Number of Users. Unless otherwise provided in these license terms, only one user may use the software at a time on the licensed computer.
d. Alternative Versions. The software may include more than one version, such as 32-bit and 64-bit. You may use only one version at one time. If the manufacturer or installer provides you with a one-time selection between language versions, you may use only the one language version you select.
Also worth noting that, having a single processor with multiple cores still counts as one processor according to the EULA. While, a single die with four cores might offer similar performance (sort of) to four dies with single cores -- only the former would fly with this license.
http://download.microsoft.com/Documents/UseTerms/Windows%207_Home%20Premium_English_f3fcb9dc-3b69-4a18-ae3c-7d7bede82812.pdf
Solution 3:
No, it's not legal to use the same operating system license key on more than one machine.
You might be confusing the situation with licensed software like perhaps Word and Visual Studio that might allow you to install and run on more than one machine as long as you only run one copy at a time.