Windows Vista Installation and Upgrading

What Are Windows Vista's Activation / Licensing Requirements?

SUMMARY: Must Windows Vista be activated to use it beyond a certain period of time? Can you transfer the license?

Windows Vista must normally be activated within 30 days of installation. Failing to do so will prevent you from using Windows, but you will be prompted with instructions for doing so. Activation can be done over the Internet or you can call Microsoft directly.

After activating Windows, you should be able to switch out certain hardware components without requiring reactivation. Also, with the full retail product, if you need to reformat your drive and start over, you should be able to reactivate the software. If Windows Vista does complain, which it may do if you reactivate the software several times, try contacting Microsoft by phone and explain the situation.

Notes:

* If necessary, Neowin.net has instructions for extending this requirement to 120 days. Note that this link is listed FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY!

* According to the license (which is subject to change), you can transfer your Vista license from one machine to another. However, if you purchase a new computer with Windows Vista pre-installed (or an OEM version), you may not move the license to another PC.

Return to the Windows Vista Installation and Upgrading page.

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