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I just managed to boot the same Windows 10 installation both natively and from Arch Linux in a VM.

I'm currently running it natively and just got it activated with my digital license. This is Windows 10 Pro version 1703.

According to an answer here (and also from other sources), I should now expect activation problems when booting it from the VM. I'm worried if this would somehow render my digital license permanently invalid.

So, is there a hard limit on the number of times Windows can be reactivated with the license tied to a Microsoft account?

Update Forgot to mention something of importance: My Windows 10 was first activated with a Windows 7 Pro license from a previous computer. I still have it - the old computer, the license key and probably the documents from the purchase as well. The activation is now tied to my Microsoft account, as said.

Marc.2377
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1 Answers1

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In this case, the answer lies in the License. I have an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) license, as indicated in the question. This means that this license is only valid for one specific hardware setup.

I just got lucky the license worked on what is really a different computer (this Windows 10 installation), since the original PC that came with Windows 7 is retired.

When booting the VM, Windows becomes deactivated and I can't activate it no matter what.

When booting natively, it reactivates at the click of a button.

So, the answer is: If it's an OEM License, not once. If it's a "Retail License", as many times as you need.

Marc.2377
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