Windows License

Question

Dear All, 
 
 I am about to install SDL Studio on Mac, but I am still not sure whether to use Bootcamp, Parallels or VMware. 
 
 I already talked to Windows and they said Windows 10 is only valid for one user / one computer, meaning I won't be able to transfer the licence in case I will buy a new computer (Windows or Mac). 
 
 My question is: if I start using, say, Parallels, and then decide to switch to VMware or Bootcamp, do I need to buy yet another Windows license or, since we are talking about the same machine, I will be able to use the same licence, regardless of which virtual machine I am using? 
 
 Windows team are not able to answer this question, I hope you will. 
 
 Thank you all! 
 
 Alessio

Oana Nagy · Answer

Hello Alessio Cappelli , 
 Please take a look at the official SDL site regarding MAC installation- 
 This provides clear information and the pro's and cons of Bootcamp/Parallels/VM 
 https://www.sdltrados.com/support/how-to-run-sdl-trados-studio-on-an-apple-mac.html 
 If you install on BootCamp- you are basically reformatting part of the hard drive to become a PC and will still need Windows for Windows (Windows for MAC will NOT work!. This is the same scenario if you decide to install on Parallels/VM- dont forget you will MS Office as well. 
 On the topic of Windows licensing- 
 Microsoft will always tell you its one licence - one machine rule :-) 
 Please take a look at the follow- How To Geeks- lots of useful information here. 
 https://www.howtogeek.com/261053/when-can-you-move-a-windows-license-to-a-new-pc/

Oana Nagy · Answer

Hello Alessio Cappelli , 
 I cant confirm what MS will allow you to do (only provide info on what is possible). 
 But in my experience, if you have a licence and need to change machine, MS will be able to help (as long as its not the motherboard that needs replacing (which is quite rare).

Former Member · Answer

Summarizing the other posts, this is the rule of thumb: for each PC or virtual machine, you require its corresponding Windows license. A virtual machine counts as another machine, i.e. a PC. In addition, go for Windows 10 Pro, not Windows 10 Home. Furthermore, although it depends on your needs, I would recommend for a Mac using the built-in virtualization tool BootCamp. Built-in tools are usually the best choice, and they are free. See for example Hyper-V in Windows which is a great built-in tool. Of course VMWare and other commercial software may be more sophisticated, but then, again, it depends on whether you are a 'power user' or not. Finally, regarding your Windows product license you can transfer it to another computer or virtual machine, but you have to contact Microsoft directly.

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Windows License

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