Microsoft’s operating systems licenses is frequently returning topic, mainly because of the prices and the never ending loss to piracy. Now Microsoft has changed its license agreement in a way that will stir up a lot of feelings. It has always been considered that one Windows license is for one computer, which is of course quite sour if you have more than one computers. Then you might also ponder about what is a ”new” computer, and to make things clear Microsoft has now updated the license to state that a new motherboard means a new computer. So if you change your motherboard you will have to get a new Windows license.
“An upgrade of the motherboard is considered to result in a “new personal computer” to which Microsoft® OEM operating system software cannot be transferred from another computer. If the motherboard is upgraded or replaced for reasons other than a defect, then a new computer has been created and the license of new operating system software is required.”
The reason Microsoft gave for this term is that “Microsoft needed to have one base component “left standing” that would still define that original PC. Since the motherboard contains the CPU and is the “heart and soul” of the PC, when the motherboard is replaced (for reasons other than defect) a new PC is essentially created.”
The change in Microsoft’s license agreement has already been sent out to OEM partners pressuring them to introduce the new licensing system when they upgrade their customers computers. Many might think that this is just further punishment for the honest, which most likely makes this far from the last we will hear about this.
Source: Aviran’s Place
