LEECHIPTURNER
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Bootable Win8.1 USB activation piracy questions
I created a bootable Win8.1 USB drive. I inserted it into my laptop, booted from the USB drive, and entered an off-the-shelf (never been installed) 8.1 Pro license key to activate. I then carry that drive with me and use it on any computer I want in the field without having to lug a laptop, tablet, etc. I just use whatever PC is available. Someone asked me if what I was doing was legal, and why I didn't get activation issues when booted from different hardware. So, my question is two-fold:
1. Since I entered an off-the-shelf 8.1 Pro license key that has never been installed, then my portable USB is legal, even if used on different hardware, right? If not, show me MSFT EULA that says otherwise.
2. As far as I know, MSFT only started using motherboard registering technology with Win10. So if I installed a copy of Win10 on a laptop, Win10 is forever married to that motherboard; the mobo serial number is in MSFT's cloud activation database. But that tech wasn't used in Win8.1, right?
Thanks for any insight. I want to be legal; I think I am. But, this is darn convenient. And the Win8.1 Pro USB drive is only used on one pc at a time, even though on multiple hardware.
1. Since I entered an off-the-shelf 8.1 Pro license key that has never been installed, then my portable USB is legal, even if used on different hardware, right? If not, show me MSFT EULA that says otherwise.
2. As far as I know, MSFT only started using motherboard registering technology with Win10. So if I installed a copy of Win10 on a laptop, Win10 is forever married to that motherboard; the mobo serial number is in MSFT's cloud activation database. But that tech wasn't used in Win8.1, right?
Thanks for any insight. I want to be legal; I think I am. But, this is darn convenient. And the Win8.1 Pro USB drive is only used on one pc at a time, even though on multiple hardware.
ASKER
Thanks for the reply. Let me re-phrase. If I install Win8.1Pro on a hard-drive, activate it, pull that hard-drive, and put it in another machine, is that legal? Will cloud activation see different hardware and de-activate the installation (from my experience, no)? Basically, what I am doing is moving the hard drive from machine to machine.
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You can move a retail license (LEECHIPTURNER - is that what you have), but not, of course an OEM license as I noted in an earlier post of mine.
ASKER
Yes, this is off the shelf, retail Windows 8.1 Pro. Not OEM. So is there anything in the EULA that says this is illegal?
Windows To Go is an enterprise feature of Windows® 8and Windows 8.1 that enables the creation of a Windows To Go workspace that can be booted from a USB-connected external drive on PCs that meet the Windows 7 or later certification requirements, regardless of the operating system running on the PC. Windows To Go workspaces can use the same image enterprises use for their desktops and laptops and can be managed the same way. Windows To Go is not intended to replace desktops, laptops or supplant other mobility offerings. Rather, it provides support for efficient use of resources for alternative workplace scenarios. There are some additional considerations that you should keep in mind before you start to use Windows To Gohttps://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh831833.aspx
Is it illegal, no it is not a criminal offense but a violation of the Terms of Service. If your version of Windows can be used with windows to go you will find the windows to go control panel applet. This is one of the added features of the enterprise edition.
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I am a little confused by your first post.
If you want to take one license and set up one different machine, you can do that so far as I know with a retail license. The new machine gets the license and your license is now gone.
If you want to keep the license and set up multiple machines, no. You need to use the Microsoft approach for distribution.
If you want to take one license and set up one different machine, you can do that so far as I know with a retail license. The new machine gets the license and your license is now gone.
If you want to keep the license and set up multiple machines, no. You need to use the Microsoft approach for distribution.
John, this is a usb based installation, only legal with enterprise.
I am under an impression from Microsoft licensing that you can move (not copy) a retail license from one machine to another. Only OEM cannot be moved.
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Why not make a WinPE disc/flash drive based on Windows 8.1? http://reboot.pro/
WinPE won't have the same licensing restrictions as the full OS...it's free for everyone to download and use.
WinPE won't have the same licensing restrictions as the full OS...it's free for everyone to download and use.
@LEECHIPTURNER - Thanks and I was happy to assist.
2. No. UEFI BIOS contains Windows 8 keys. But I think you can override this with a paid Windows 8 license.