Transferring a Windows 10 license might sound complicated, but it’s actually pretty straightforward. You just need to deactivate the license on your old PC and then activate it on your new one. I’ll walk you through the steps and include some tips and answers to common questions along the way.
Step-by-Step Tutorial on How to Transfer Windows 10 License
Transferring your Windows 10 license allows you to legally move your operating system from one computer to another. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Check Your License Type
First, you need to find out if your license is transferable. Open Command Prompt, type slmgr -dli, and hit Enter.
If it says "Retail," you can transfer it. If it’s "OEM," you’re out of luck since OEM licenses are tied to the hardware they were originally installed on.
Step 2: Deactivate the License on the Old PC
Deactivate the license by opening Command Prompt as an administrator and typing slmgr /upk. Press Enter.
This step removes the product key from your old computer, making it available for use on the new one.
Step 3: Link Your License to a Microsoft Account
Make sure your license is linked to your Microsoft account. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation and look for "Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account."
If it’s not linked, sign in with your Microsoft account to ensure the transfer goes smoothly.
Step 4: Install Windows 10 on the New PC
Go ahead and install Windows 10 on the new computer. You can download the installation media from Microsoft’s website.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Step 5: Activate the License on the New PC
Finally, activate your Windows 10 license on the new computer. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation, and click "Change product key." Enter your Windows 10 product key.
If you linked your license to your Microsoft account, you might not need to enter the key manually. Just sign in to your Microsoft account, and Windows will automatically activate.
After completing these steps, your Windows 10 license will be transferred to your new PC. Your old computer will no longer have an active license, and your new one will be fully operational.
Tips for Transferring a Windows 10 License
- Always check your license type before attempting a transfer.
- Ensure your license is linked to a Microsoft account for a smoother process.
- Backup your data before deactivating the license on the old PC.
- Make sure your new PC meets the system requirements for Windows 10.
- If the license does not activate automatically, contact Microsoft Support for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an OEM license be transferred?
No, OEM licenses are tied to the original hardware and cannot be transferred.
Do I need to uninstall Windows 10 from the old computer?
Deactivating the license is sufficient. However, uninstalling it is a good practice to ensure compliance with Microsoft’s terms.
Will I lose my data during the transfer?
Transferring the license itself doesn’t affect your data, but always back up your data before making major changes.
What if the license won’t activate on the new PC?
If you encounter issues, contact Microsoft Support. They can help you resolve activation problems.
Can I use the same product key on multiple computers?
No, a Windows 10 license can only be active on one computer at a time.
Summary of Steps
- Check License Type: Ensure it’s a transferable retail license.
- Deactivate License: Use Command Prompt to deactivate on the old PC.
- Link to Microsoft Account: Ensure the license is linked to your Microsoft account.
- Install Windows 10: Download and install on the new PC.
- Activate License: Enter the product key or sign in to your Microsoft account.
Conclusion
Transferring a Windows 10 license might seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually pretty simple once you know the steps. Just make sure your license is transferable, deactivate it on your old computer, and activate it on the new one.
Always keep your data backed up and ensure your new PC meets the requirements. If you encounter any issues, Microsoft Support is there to help.
So, go ahead and make the switch efficiently and legally. With your new setup, you’ll be back up and running in no time! If you’re interested in learning more about Windows licenses or have other tech-related queries, keep exploring. There’s always something new to learn in the tech world!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.