If you have recently purchased a new device, there’s a high probability that it might come with a copy of Windows pre-installed. However, if you’ve built a custom PC or are upgrading from the previous pre-installed copy of Windows to another version, you may need a Windows 11/10 license to activate. Nonetheless, a user can have his license transferred depending on how the key was purchased. This post will guide you on how to Transfer a Windows License to another Computer (Windows 11/10)
How to Transfer a Windows License to another Computer (Windows 11/10)
Essentially one could obtain a Windows 11/10 license only through two channels, comprising a Retail and an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). If one has purchased a retail license of Windows 11/10, then one can transfer the product key to another device. However, if you have a pre-installed device with a copy of Windows, that’s an OEM license and cannot be transferred.
Usually, there’s no limit on the number of times one can transfer a license to the other computer until it is activated properly. However, if you find some error, we’d recommend you contact Microsoft support for help.
Note: You can only use a product key of the version specified to activate; that is, you cannot use a Windows 11/10 Home product key to activate a version of Windows 11/10 Pro or vice versa.
Transferring a Windows 11/10 license from one computer to another involves two steps; deactivating the older PC’s license and activating it on the newer one. Here’s how:
Deactivate License on Older Computer
If you have a retail copy of Windows, here’s how to remove the product key from your computer:
- Open an Elevated Command Prompt window by searching for Command Prompt or CMD in the Start Search Box. Next, right-click the main listed result and choose Run as Administrator.
- Type or copy and paste the below-mentioned command and press Enter to execute the query.
slmgr /upk
- Next, to remove the key from the Windows Registry, type in the below-mentioned command:
slmgr /cpky
Once done, you’ll find a pop-up window stating the Product Key has been uninstalled and one for it has been cleared from the registry.
Install Windows 11/10 License Key on New Computer
Now, to activate your Windows 11/10 computer with the old product key, follow the below-mentioned steps:
- Open an Elevated Command Prompt window by searching for Command Prompt or CMD in the Start Search Box. Next, right-click the main listed result and choose Run as Administrator.
- Type or copy and paste the below-mentioned command and press Enter to execute the query. (Replace the key with your product key)
slmgr /ipk <Windows Key>
- Now, to verify the activation of the product key on your computer, execute the below-mentioned query.
slmgr /dlv
- In the new window that pops up, under License Status, you should find the text Licensed, meaning; it has been successfully activated.
Next up, instead of using Command Prompt for activation, one could also use Microsoft Support to activate. Here’s how to do so:
- Open an Elevated Command Prompt window by searching for Command Prompt or CMD in the Start Search Box. Next, right-click the main listed result and choose Run as Administrator.
- Next, type in the below command and press Enter to run.
slui 4
- Now, in the wizard, select your region and press Next.
- Call the toll-free number provided by Microsoft.
- Check and Confirm the Installation ID and click on the Enter Confirmation ID button.
- On this page, enter the Confirmation ID provided to you by Microsoft Support overcall.
- Finally, now click on the Activate Windows button to complete the installation.
With that said, how often do you shift product keys from one PC to another? Do let us know by dropping a comment down below.