How many computers can you install Windows 7 on?
Posted on November 18, 2009 at 5:54 am
One common question that I get all the time is “How many computers can I install Windows 7 on?”. If you read around, you’ll hear everything from 3 copies on 3 different computers to nothing!
Well, it all depends on what version on Windows 7 you have! You can either have a pre-installed copy that came with your computer, you can buy a retail version, or you can buy a Family Pack.
Here’s the lowdown on the whole licensing thing. Firstly, it doesn’t matter which edition of Windows 7 you have, Ultimate, Home Premium, Starter, etc. The number of computers you can install the OS on is the same.
Here is the official text from the End User License Agreement for Windows 7:
INSTALLATION AND USE RIGHTS.
a. One Copy per Computer. You may install one copy of the software on one computer. 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.
d. Alternative Versions. The software may include more than one version, such as 32-bit and 64-bit. You may install and use only one version at one time.
So that pretty much states how many computers you can install Windows 7 on! ONE! Now if you have the Family Pack, you can clean install or upgrade up to 3 PCs.
Note that in Windows 7, you can also uninstall Windows 7 from one PC and install it on another.
The one caveat that is pretty neat is the fact that you can install one more copy of Windows 7 on the same licensed machine in a virtual machine. However, it has to be on the same computer. Here is the official text:
d. Use with Virtualization Technologies. Instead of using the software directly on the licensed computer, you may install and use the software within only one virtual (or otherwise emulated) hardware system on the licensed computer. When used in a virtualized environment, content protected by digital rights management technology, BitLocker or any full volume disk drive encryption technology may not be as secure as protected content not in a virtualized environment. You should comply with all domestic and international laws that apply to such protected content.
So that means you can install VirtualBox or Virtual PC and pop in your Windows 7 DVD and install another copy there for free! This is the only part of the license agreement that is different than previous versions of Windows and it’s a welcome change!
If you want to read the end user license agreements yourself, you can actually find them all the Microsoft website here:
http://www.microsoft.com/about/legal/useterms/default.aspx
If you have any other questions about installing Windows 7 and licensing, post a comment here and I’ll try to help. Enjoy!
» Filed Under Windows 7
Related Posts
- How Windows Vista Works – Windows Vista Cool New Features & API’s – Part II – You can run Vista in a Virtual PC on the same computer for free!
- How to Mount a Virtual Hard Disk in Windows 7
- Convert your Windows computer into a virtual machine
- How to understand End User License Agreements (EULA)
- Create and install a virtual machine using Sun openxVM
Thanks for the info! I totally love the fact that I can install Windows 7 in a virtual machine and do anything the he** I want to it! I’m always downloading crap and this is a great way to test software without runing my fresh install of Windows 7…!
Question: I have 2 computers…..a laptop and a PC. Considering the cost of the full version, which I purchased, I think I should have had the option of at least upgrading 2 computers. A laptop and a PC is not uncommon in today’s market. Is there any way I can use this program to accomodate both computers without having to go out and buy a second program for $229.00. That is a total cost of 458.00 plus tax of $68.70 for two copies. Time to relent a little Microsoft.
Note that the provision cited above says “instead of using the software directly on the licensed computer”, not “as well as”. This suggests that it has to be either one or the other, but not both.
I know with Windows XP I could use my licensed copy again, on as many computers as I wanted, as long as I waited 120 days between each install. Does anyone know if this works with Windows 7
Beste redacteur, Ik heb een nieuwe laptop met Windows7 home premium, maar krijg oudere programma’s daardoor niet geinstalleerd. Ik wil nu Windows7 professional kopen maar die wil ik ook prive op een desktop thuis installeren. Gaat dit of moet ik meerdere licenties aanschaffen. Welke versie is dat en wat kost deze.
Graag bericht.
Pieter Verberkt.
Good afternoon, I would like to install Windows 7 on several computers that have Windows Vista. What should I buy and where can I? thanks
As Richard said, you can’t use the software in both normal AND virtual environments. You need to use it in only one of it. You’ll screw your activation if you do it like described above, i.e., using it in both environments. Take care.
I have two desktop home PCs and have rebuilt and upgraded them a number of times mainly for home video, sometimes I get problems and have to do another reinstall of XP OEM until I get the PC to run OK. Do’es this create a problem and how many computers can I use with one copy of OEM XP
I was told on the phone when I purchased Win7 that I could install it on my desktop and laptop. I was told it was good for 2 licenses.
Interesting article, question for Jeremy:
“# Jeremy said on : May 5th, 2010 at 2:33 am
I was told on the phone when I purchased Win7 that I could install it on my desktop and laptop. I was told it was good for 2 licenses.”
Was this for retail or OEM?
Thanks, but i would like to know how long it would take to install Windows 7 on a 100 PCs?
I had a Sony Vaio notebook with Win 7 PRO stolen. Can I use the Windows 7 Pro OEM key on another computer? I do own the software!
The major difference between the retail and the OEM versions of Windows is this: The OEM version is licensed to a specific computer, while the retail version is licensed to a specific user. Also, you do not own the software in either case, only a license to use the software. In the case of the stolen computer, the license still belongs with the computer. The OS license was part of the cost of the computer, and still represents part of its value, if, for example, you were to file an insurance claim. So—the “legal” answer to your question is no, it cannot be used on another computer. As to the technical answer, I would expect that it will work, since most manufacturers install pre-activated versions, and it is likely that the key has never been activated via the internet. Hope this answers your question.
Get a Mac.
Because Apple does not charge ridiculous prices for their software and hardware, and impose over-restrictive limits on their customers?
I’m sorry, when it comes to these kinds of issues, there are no difference at all between Apple and Microsoft.
I’m getting Win 7 Ultimate retail full. Can it be installed on different partitions or drives of the same PC with one key?
Hi.
I’ve got windows 7 the OEM version. However, I no longer need it. and want to give it as a present. Would it be possible to reinstall it on another machine even though it already has been installed and registered on another machine? The computer it was first installed on has had a full system format since.
Thank you.
Macs rule, PC’s drool. Yes, hence another reason to get a Mac. Windows 7 is too expensive to buy for every computer I have.
I have an OEM Pack for Windows 7 Professional. Can I install it on my mac and also install it again on a virtual machine on a different computer?
Why is it so hard to understand this? If you have an OEM version, it is only legal to install it on the computer that it came with. When you sell the computer, the OEM software goes with it. You cannot legally install it on any other computer, real or virtual.
Now, what you can do illegally is up to you….
I have Win7 Pro. I have cloned (Acronis) my C: drive to a second drive in the same machine, booted to that drive and gone on line.
Question: will that drive deactivate after thirty days? Or will it still be there to use if my current C: drive dies?
My main computer has packed up and I have an upgrade disc for Windows 7, which I now want to install on my laptop, which will now be my only computer. How can I do this without breaching license rules?
Regards
Frank
If the upgrade disc you have is the retail version, it qualifies as an upgrade for any earlier version of XP or Vista. If the older machine is truly defunct, then it could be said that the OS has been “uninstalled” since it is no longer there, so to speak. If this is true, and the laptop has either XP or Vista, you should be good-to-go
“# Jeremy said on : May 5th, 2010 at 2:33 am
I was told on the phone when I purchased Win7 that I could install it on my desktop and laptop. I was told it was good for 2 licenses.”
Who told you that? It is the first time I hear this. Microsoft on their forum always says “One PC per license”.