How to Transfer a Windows License to a New PC

## How to Transfer Your Windows License to a New PC Upgrading to a new computer? You may be able to transfer your existing Windows license instead of buying a new one. Whether you can depends on the type of license you own. This guide explains everything. ## License Types and Transferability | License Type | Transferable? | How to Identify | |---|---|---| | **Retail** | Yes | Purchased separately as a boxed product or digital key | | **OEM** | No | Came pre-installed with your PC | | **Volume (MAK)** | No | Enterprise deployment | | **Digital License** | Depends | Free upgrade from Windows 7/8/10 | | **Microsoft Store** | Yes | Purchased from Microsoft Store | ### How to Check Your License Type Open Command Prompt as administrator and run: ``` slmgr /dli ``` Look for the "Description" line: - **RETAIL channel** — Transferable - **OEM_DM channel** — Not transferable (tied to original hardware) - **VOLUME_MAK channel** — Not transferable ## Transferring a Retail License ### Step 1: Deactivate on the Old PC Open Command Prompt as administrator: ``` slmgr /upk ``` This uninstalls the product key from the current machine. Then clear it from the registry: ``` slmgr /cpky ``` ### Step 2: Install Windows on the New PC 1. Create a bootable USB drive using the Windows Media Creation Tool 2. Install Windows on your new PC 3. When asked for a product key during setup, enter your retail key 4. Or skip and enter it after installation ### Step 3: Activate on the New PC 1. Go to **Settings > System > Activation** 2. Click **Change product key** 3. Enter your retail product key 4. Click **Activate** If online activation fails (because the key was recently used on another machine), use phone activation: 1. Open Command Prompt as administrator 2. Run `slui 4` 3. Select your country 4. Call the provided number 5. Follow the automated prompts to get a confirmation ID ### Step 4: Verify Activation Go to **Settings > System > Activation** and confirm it shows "Windows is activated." ## Transferring a Digital License (Microsoft Account) If your Windows license is linked to a Microsoft account: 1. On the **old PC**: Sign out of your Microsoft account (optional but recommended) 2. On the **new PC**: Install Windows and sign in with the **same Microsoft account** 3. Go to **Settings > System > Activation > Troubleshoot** 4. Select **I changed hardware on this device recently** 5. Choose your old PC from the list of devices 6. Click **Activate** This works even if you cannot access the old PC anymore. ## Can You Transfer an OEM License? OEM licenses are **legally tied to the original hardware**. They cannot be transferred to a new PC. This includes: - Windows that came pre-installed on a Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc. - Keys embedded in BIOS/UEFI firmware - Keys from OEM system builder packs If you are selling your old PC, the OEM license stays with it. For your new PC, you will need a new license. Distivo offers [Windows 11 Pro](/en/products/windows-11-professional-2) and [Windows 11 Home](/en/products/microsoft-windows-11-home) at wholesale prices. ## What About Upgrading Components? Changing components on the same PC sometimes triggers reactivation: | Change | Reactivation Required? | |---|---| | RAM upgrade | No | | Storage drive | No | | Graphics card | No | | Motherboard | Usually yes | | CPU + Motherboard | Almost always yes | If you replace the motherboard, Windows may consider it a "new PC." Use the Microsoft Account method above to reactivate. ## Transferring from Windows 10 to Windows 11 If your retail Windows 10 key is genuine, it activates Windows 11 as well: 1. Install Windows 11 on the new PC 2. Enter your Windows 10 retail key 3. Windows 11 activates using the Windows 10 key This works because Microsoft allows cross-version activation for retail licenses. ## Troubleshooting Transfer Issues ### "This product key is already in use" Wait 24–48 hours after deactivating on the old PC. Microsoft servers need time to update. Then try again. ### "We can't activate Windows on this device" Use phone activation (`slui 4`) or the Microsoft Account troubleshooter. ### "Your license has expired" This should not happen with perpetual licenses. Contact Microsoft support or your reseller. ## Tips for a Smooth Transfer 1. **Link your license to a Microsoft account** before transferring — it is the safest method 2. **Deactivate the old PC first** to avoid activation conflicts 3. **Save your product key** in a secure password manager 4. **Keep your purchase receipt** from Distivo or other reseller as proof of purchase 5. **Use the same Windows edition** — you cannot transfer a Home key to activate Pro ## Buy a New License If Needed If your license is OEM or cannot be transferred, getting a new key from [Distivo](/) is fast and affordable: - [Windows 11 Professional](/en/products/windows-11-professional-2) — Full retail license, transferable - [Windows 11 Home](/en/products/microsoft-windows-11-home) — For personal use - [Windows 10 Professional](/en/products/microsoft-windows-10-professional) — For older hardware All keys are genuine, delivered instantly, and fully transferable as retail licenses.

How to Transfer a Windows License to a New PC: Complete Guide

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