Is it possible to use a Windows license key more than once?
For example, to use the license key from my PC to activate Windows on my laptop?
Nope since it is not a different motherboard ❌
You can do it as long as you don't use it to go online.
Thanks, but why exactly?
I do not think so
Because the key is only for 1 device. If you go online with the 2nd, Microsoft notices.
Depends on the license agreement.
Is it a key that is valid for multiple devices (usually for companies and authorities) or an OEM key?
This could also be avoided with a one-device license - but not legally.
The key can be used on exactly one device.
Even after changing the hardware or installing the system again, it may have to be re-registered.
Is an OEM key.
Then he is bound to the hardware.
But can be registered again.
Otherwise you could not sell used computers or upgrade your own computer (e.g. The mainboard).
Windows are in most cases so-called single-user licenses. Say a product key for an installation. Thanks to the digital authorization, the whole thing can also be linked to a Microsoft account. Nevertheless, the license may only be used on a PC.
In theory, you could activate a computer and permanently disconnect it from the Internet. Then activate another one with this key, which on the other hand has a connection to the Internet. However, this would violate the license terms. Therefore can only advise against it.
A Windows license doesn't cost the world. I would therefore rather spend the ~ 15-30 euro and license the software. Alternatively, install a free operating system instead of Windows. For example, some derivative from the Linux world like Debian, Ubuntu, Mint or similar.
What can always be done relatively easily is the transfer of licenses to other / newer hardware. Either it works directly without major detours or you use the telephone product activation. I have done it myself several times and my licenses have been used several times on other hardware.
When changing the hardware, you only need to reactivate it. No more, no less! A link to the hardware is also not legal.
Then he is bound to the hardware.
Thats not really correct. If it is a digital authorization that was introduced with Windows 10, the hardware itself is actually secondary. Precisely because the license is bound to a Microsoft account. No matter whether OEM or retail.
