One of Windows 10’s nicest features is the ability to take the activation key with you. Suppose you decide to upgrade or switch computers. This is a fantastic effort on Microsoft’s side since it prevents you from shelling out a tone of cash. This post will explain how to move a Windows 10 license to another PC. We hope that these two straightforward strategies will make the transition to a new computer easier for you.
Moreover, we have detailed several specifics. That can assist you in determining if your license key is transferable. After this little preamble, let’s get right into the article.
Can You Share Your Windows 10 Installation?
The only way to give someone else access to your copy of Windows 10 is via a Retail key, which may be obtained from a shop or an online retailer (a digital copy). These procedures will show you how to identify the product key type. Simply hit the Windows & R keys simultaneously, and then type “cmd” to open a command prompt. Simply enter slmgr -dli at this prompt. The product key’s description will show up in a popup window. If it says “retail,” you should be OK. However, if OEM is shown, you will not be able to move the license to another device.
In addition, you should ensure both machines are running the same version of Windows 10 if you have Windows 10 Home and have activated it on a PC. You can only use that license on some other Windows 10 PC.
There is also no preparation required if you install a new hard disc on an older computer. Since Windows 10 licenses are hard-coded into the motherboard, a clean installation of the operating system will detect the product key immediately. Checkout https://perfectpcserver.com/ to analyze more in detail about sharing your windows 10 installation. The installation process will prompt you to select the appropriate edition. If you do not have a product key, and it asks for one during setup, choose “I don’t have a product key.” Sometime in the future, Windows 10 will activate itself after establishing a connection with Microsoft’s activation servers.
Those are a few considerations before handing over a Windows 10 license to a new user. If you meet these requirements, you can switch to a new computer without losing your license.
1: Share Your Windows 10 Product Key
- First, hit the “Start” button and type “cmd” into the search bar. Go ahead and select “Run as administrator” from the drop-down menu.
- Then, to remove the product key from the previous machine, use the following instruction and press Enter:
- To get rid of the product key from the Windows Registry, step 3 is to run another command.
Reinstall Windows 10 on a Different Computer’s Hard Drive
- First, congratulations on completing the uninstalling Windows 10 from your old machine. Now, proceed to your replacement machine. And launch Command Prompt in a manner analogous to that outlined previously.
- Run the following command, replacing “XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX” with your real product key. Your Windows 10 license has been successfully moved to a new computer.
- Alternatively, here’s how to set up your new computer: Under the “Start” menu. Select “Settings,” “Update & security”, “Activation”, and “Activate”. Modify the product’s key. The final step is to enter the license key here.
- If the new computer is still not enabled. You could call Customer Services to have the license key transferred manually. Simply hit the Windows & R keys to bring up the Run dialogue box. It will be located in the lower-left corner of the screen. Just input the following command and press enter to continue.
- A popup titled “Activation Wizard” will appear. Choose your nation from the drop-down menu and hit the “Next” button to proceed.
- Click on the link for Microsoft’s toll-free helpline. Dial the number displayed and give the representative the Installation ID displayed. After that, Microsoft Help and Support will issue you a confirmation ID.
- Enter your confirmation number by clicking the “Enter Confirmation ID” button. You may activate your new computer by clicking the “Activate Windows” button.
2. Use your Microsoft Account to move your Windows 10 license.
Even less work is required to switch operating systems. If you already own a Windows 10 license purchased through digital retail distribution. To get started with your new computer right now, just follow the instructions below.
- To switch to using your Microsoft account instead of the one on your old machine, enter Settings > Accounts > Your Info. Connect the computer to a Microsoft account and enter your login details.
- To double-check that “Windows is licensed with a digital license connected to your Microsoft account.” Head to Settings > Update & security > Activation. If so, you can start your journey.
- Return to the new machine and log in using the same Microsoft account you created. Then, activate your machine by going to Settings > Update & security > Activation.
You Can Avoid Losing Money by Selling Your Windows 10 Product Key
These are the two options for moving a Windows 10 installation to a new machine. Both options are quick and easy. Allowing you to obtain a legal duplicate with little to no additional cost. In case you run across any issues. I’ve also included several backup methods for re-activating Windows 10 on the new machine. However, if you still have trouble transferring your Windows 10 license, let us know why in the comments below. We promise to do everything we can to assist you.