Windows 10: Activating windows 10 using a license being used on another pc

Hello. I recently bought a new laptop. I am using a windows 10 pro retail license on another machine. Is there any way that I can use that license on the new laptop?

:)

 

Use Windows 10 key on another pc if the pc with the license wont start

Hi Nikoss1,

There are certain factors that you need to consider if you want to transfer Windows 10 license to another computer. It may vary if the license is a retail (can be transferred) or OEM license (cannot be transferred).

You have a retail license if you bought the product key from a retail store. An OEM license is when you bought the computer with the Windows operating system preinstalled.

You also have to consider if the Windows 10 product key to be transferred will match the Windows 10 Edition to be transferred to (eg: Microsoft Education product key to Microsoft Education Edition).

A license can only be installed on one PC at a time. Thus, you have to uninstall the product key to the old PC before you can transfer it to another computer.

Uninstalling the product key to the old computer and transferring it to another device will require advanced troubleshooting steps. I suggest that you contact
AnswerDeskfor advanced assistance regarding your activation concern. They have the right tools to check your product key and
see if it is eligible for transfer.

Should you have other questions, let us know.

 

Can I activate a new PC using my digital license attached to my Microsoft Account?

Thanks for the reply! But I didn't purchase windows 10 pro, I did a free upgrade using the media creation tool in 2015 when windows 10 was free. Is it possible that I can transfer my license from my old laptop to another since i didn't buy it?

 

Can I activate a new PC using my digital license attached to my Microsoft Account?

That depends on what type of license you have of Windows 7/8/10.

If Windows 7 came preinstalled on the computer, that is called an OEM license. For an OEM license, the license dies as soon as Motherboard dies. So essentially it is non-transferable. If that is the case you need to get a new license.

However, this is not same for retail licenses i.e. you purchased the license through Microsoft store. That does carry transfer rights. If that is the case, please see the below steps:

What you need to do is to grab the key using any Software like Showkey Plus, uninstall that key from older PC and use it on another computer.

Download Showkey Plus:

ShowKeyPlus - Windows 10 Help Forums

Uninstall the key

How to deactivate Windows 10 and change the product key

Use the key by Showkey Plus on the newer computer.

Alternatively, there are two more options available other than this:

• Contact Microsoft at http://www.support.microsoft.com/contactus through chat support. They would take control of your PC and activate(might need a proof of purchase)
• Use the Activation troubleshooter on the new PC signed in with same MS account.
  
  Go to Settings>Update and security>Activation and run the troubleshooter.
  
  Select I recently changed hardware on this device.