Windows 10 Licensing

[Fishtails]

I've searched the forums put can't seem to find what I am looking for.

My current setup is a Dell Inspiron 5566 purchased a couple of years ago with Windows 10 pre-installed. I purchased (through the MS Store) the upgrade to Windows 10 Pro prior to 1803 update, so I do have a valid license. I currently have the laptop updated to 1809 re-release, accomplished a few weeks ago. My understanding is that Windows 10 is tied to my laptop, which is fine.

My goal is to:

• Replace the 1TB hd with a new 240 GB SSD
• Install Linux on the new SSD
• Use VirtualBox and install my currently licensed Windows 10 Pro in as a VM
• format and use my 1TB HD in a HD enclosure connected to Laptop via USB 3.0 to house my VMs

My question is - when I install my licensed OS in a VM, will the install detect the fact that I am running the VM on my original equipment, or will it treat it as a whole new computer?

Thanks

[towo2099]

will the install detect the fact that I am running the VM on my original equipment, or will it treat it as a whole new computer?

The latter.

[socratis]

The latter.

...but you could ask Microsoft what's happening in that case. They might not be happy that you're migrating to Linux, you might meet some resistance. Persist!

[Fishtails]

Thank you to both of you. Perhaps the fact that I subscribe to Office 365 annually I won't receive any grief about it from MS. I need Windows to run specific apps for work and remoting doesn't suit the bill, and there is also Linux box at work that I've been asked to maintain and it's easier for me to stay proficient if I am using Linux for my everyday tasks. In my case, Linux runs faster than W10Pro when booted up on a USB 2.0 external and have grown to really like it. I do have an older Dell with Mint on it, but due to the age (2007) it runs a little sluggish, hence my desire to install Linux on my newer laptop. Thanks again for the responses.

I suppose I can just go ahead and do it, and if I get grief just reinstall on the new SSD and get a new laptop some time in the future.