Windows 10: I have a licensed Windows 10 Pro system on an old computer that I would like to move to a...

I have a licensed Windows 10 Pro system on an old computer that I would like to move to a new computer. I thought that I had the proper code. however, my new computer will not accept it. Is there a way to activate this. Is there a way to have my new computer use my non OEM old Windows 10 Pro?

:)

 

Upgrade Windows 10 Family to Pro with license from old computer

You could try:

1. Disconnect the computer from all sources of internet.
2. On the Windows Activation Screen in Settings, change the product key to Windows 10 Pro generic key VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T.
3. After it upgrades to Pro, reconnect to the internet.
4. Then try the activation troubleshooter to transfer license from old computer.

There is absolutely no guarantee step 4 will work and be WARNED, once you upgrade to Pro it will be very difficult to downgrade back to Home version.

 

Upgrade Windows 10 Family to Pro with license from old computer

My Windows is in French and "Famille" is the "Home" Version I assume, sorry for the confusion.

By "not activated", I mean I bought the PC with Windows Home preinstalled and it asks for an activation code. I didn't buy a new Windows license along with the PC, since I had in mind to recover the one from the older PC, so this doesn't seem abnormal to me.

NavyLCDR, thanks for the suggestion. I was able to upgrade to Windows Pro. Unfortunately, I confirm that step 4 didn't work. I can select my other PC in the Troubleshooter, but now the reactivation on the new PC fails with the message (translated from French): "Impossible to activate Windows - We can't reactivate Windows on this computer. Try again later." I have no idea why it would work better at a later time.

I completely removed the license from the older PC by the way before running the troubleshooter (i.e. it also asks for a Windows activation code on the old PC now). I made sure that the old PC had an internet connection while doing that so that Microsoft could register the license removal (I assume it does?).

That being said, at some point both PC's were running and were connected to the internet at the same time. Could that be the issue? The troubleshooter implies that it is meant to be used when you replace some hardware in your PC. Maybe it doesn't like that the old hardware is a completely standalone PC that can still run on its own?

 

New computer - transfer old key

Hi,

The Windows 10 Pro upgrade would be tied to the old computer and is not transferable. I believe it will be necessary to purchase Windows 10 Pro.

Try the following steps:

To upgrade, select the Start button, then select Settings >
Update & security > Activation.

• If you have a digital license for Windows 10 Pro, and Windows 10 Home is currently activated on your device, select
  Go to Store and you'll be prompted to upgrade to Windows 10 Pro for free.
• If you have a digital license for Windows 10 Pro, but Windows 10 Home isn't activated on your device, select
  Troubleshoot, and then follow the steps to upgrade to Windows 10 Pro.
• If you don't have a digital license for Windows 10 Pro, Windows 10 Pro is available for purchase from the Store.

Upgrade Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Pro