For several years, OEMs have only used e-licensing for Microsoft Windows software. The components of electronic licenses are:
– product key installed in the BIOS at the stage of hardware production
– GML (Genuine Microsoft Label) looking, for example, like this:

The use of an electronic license does not result in changes to the license agreement and does not allow the installation of the software if it has not been properly transferred to the next user. I described this issue in more detail in the following article:

Hardware with COA – is software genuine or not?

Manufacturers no longer offer installation media in the form of DVDs, but it is possible to download tools for reinstalling the operating system directly from their websites. The use of such media to install the software on a blank hard disk by a subsequent user is not permitted by the terms of the license agreement and it is illegal to do so. Perhaps the activation will be correct and the software will be fully functional, but you should be aware that it was obtained in violation of the license agreement.

In short:
– key in BIOS and GML sticker
– erased hard disk
You need a new license for the Windows operating system.

Some problems may arise when installing Windows using media created by the Media Creation Tool. When the electronic license key is stored on the computer, the system can automatically activate a given version of the software after installation. Without interference with specialized software (available only to the manufacturer) or a programmer, it is not possible to remove the stored product key. To ensure proper device licensing, go to Settings / Update & Security / Activation / Change Product Key.

After changing the product key, the new license will be activated and tied to the hardware on which the software is installed.