How to Transfer a Windows 10 License to Another PC
Are you planning to upgrade or sell your PC, but worried about losing your Windows 10 license? Transferring a Windows 10 license from one PC to another can be tricky, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the process. But don’t worry; we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll guide you through how to transfer a Windows 10 license to another PC. From checking if your license is transferrable to deactivating it on your current PC and activating it on the new one, we’ll cover everything you need to know. So let’s get started!
Verify Eligibility
You need to verify eligibility to transfer a Windows 10 license to another PC. First, check if your current PC has an OEM or retail license. OEM licenses are tied to the device they were sold with and cannot be transferred. On the other hand, retail licenses can be moved from one device to another.
Once you’ve confirmed that your current license is retail, ensure it is not in use on other devices. You can only activate a single copy of Windows with one product key at a time. If the license is already in use on another PC, you’ll need to deactivate it before transferring it.
Finally, note down the product key associated with your Windows 10 license as you will need this information when activating the operating system on your new device. This key should be either included in an email from Microsoft or found on a sticker attached to the original packaging of your computer or installation media.
By verifying eligibility and following these simple steps, you can transfer your Windows 10 license without any hassle and continue using it on a new device.
Is Your Windows 10 License Transferable?
Before transferring your Windows 10 license to another PC, checking if the license is transferable is important. Not all licenses are transferable, especially those that come pre-installed on a computer or are part of a volume licensing agreement. To check if your license can be transferred, go to the Microsoft website and look up their licensing terms and conditions.
If your license is transferable, you will need to follow certain steps to ensure the process goes smoothly. First, you will need to deactivate your current installation of Windows 10 on your old PC before activating it on your new one. This can be done through the settings menu by selecting “Update & Security,” then “Activation,” then clicking on “Change product key.”
Next, you’ll need to retrieve the product key associated with your Windows 10 license to activate it on your new PC. This key may be located in an email confirmation from when you first purchased or upgraded your operating system or stored within the system BIOS or UEFI firmware of your old computer. Once you have retrieved this key, you should be able to use it during activation on your new PC and complete the transfer process successfully.
First Verify Your Windows License
If you’re still unsure what kind of Windows 10 licence you have, you may use Command Prompt to find out.
Open Command Prompt (Right-click on it) and Run as Administrator. Type the following command:
slmgr -dli
If the Windows Script Host shows you have retail permission, you can transfer your Windows 10 licence to another PC. Whenever you have a volume or OEM licence, you will need to buy a new Windows 10 licence if you get a new PC.
Transferring Windows License Through Product Key
You must deactivate Windows on your original PC before transferring a Windows 10 licence using a product key. Then, using the same key, reactivate it on your new PC.
To deactivate Windows 10 on the original PC and transfer the licence to a new computer, follow these steps:
- By right-clicking This PC and choosing Properties, you may copy the existing product key. The Windows 10 product key should be found under the Windows activation area.
- In the Start menu, type Command Prompt, right-click on the best match and choose Run as administrator.
- To remove or deactivate the product key on the original PC, type the following command and press Enter.
slmgr.vbs /upk
- On your new PC, enter the product key during the Windows 10 installation process or activate Windows 10 through Settings.
- To activate Windows 10 through Settings—navigate to Update & security > Activation > Change the product key.
- Windows 10 will be enabled on the new PC immediately once you enter the product key. If you go to Settings > Update & security > Activation, you can see if Windows 10 is installed.
Using Microsoft Support To Activate Windows 10
You may also contact Microsoft support to activate Windows 10 on your new PC. Follow the steps below to do so:
- In the Start menu, type Command Prompt, right-click on the best match, and choose Run as administrator.
- Press Enter after typing the following command.
slui 4
- Select your nation or area in the pop-up window that appears, then click the Next button.
- When prompted, call Microsoft customer service at the toll-free number given and provide the Installation ID.
- Enter the confirmation ID supplied by the support people by clicking the Enter confirmation ID button and typing it in.
- Finally, to finish the activation procedure, click Activate Windows.
Transfer Windows 10 Licence through a Microsoft Account
If your Microsoft account is linked to your PC, you may quickly transfer a Windows 10 retail licence without needing the product key. Navigate to Settings > Update and security > Activation to see if your Windows 10 licence is connected to your Microsoft account. You’re set to go if you see the message “Windows is activated with a digital licence connected to your Microsoft account.”
Simply sign in to your Microsoft account on your new PC, and Windows 10 will activate your licence immediately through your Microsoft account.
Transfer Windows 10 License To Another PC
If you’re qualified, you may quickly transfer an existing Windows 10 licence to a new PC instead of buying a new one. This is a low-cost way to activate Windows 10 on a new computer.
Make sure your Windows 10 licence on the previous PC is transferred before deactivating it. You’ll have to buy a new Windows licence if the licence isn’t transferable. Always remember to get authentic Windows 10 licences rather than cracked or counterfeited ones.