Windows 10: Activating Windows 11 after moving from an older computer

Hi all - Attempting to get support from Microsoft however no response thus far. I have windows 10 on my previous computer and just finished building my new one. I downloaded windows 10 on my new PC, a few days later the update to windows 11 occured, however it is not activating. I have tried numerous ways to activate but with no success. Looking for any ideas or updates that I may have not seen around activation. TIA!

:)

 

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Windows Activation Problem (Problem with degrading back to activated windows 11 home)

I can help you with that. Here are the steps on how to go back to Windows 11 Home Single Language edition:

1. Disconnect your computer from the internet.
   
2. Boot your computer into Safe Mode. To do this, follow these steps:
   
   • Press the power button to turn on your computer.
     
   • Immediately press and hold the Shift key.
     
   • Keep holding the Shift key until you see the Choose an option screen.
     
3. Click on Troubleshoot.
   
4. Click on Advanced options.
   
5. Click on Start-up Settings.
   
6. Click on the Restart button.
   
7. When your computer restarts, you will see a list of options. Press the 4 key to select Safe Mode with Networking.
   
8. Once your computer boots into Safe Mode, connect it to the internet.
   
9. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator. To do this, follow these steps:
   
   • Click on the Start button.
     
   • Type cmd in the search bar.
     
   • Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
     
10. In the Command Prompt window, run the following command:
    

Use code with caution.

1. Press Enter.
   
2. Close the Command Prompt window.
   
3. Restart your computer.
   

Your computer should now be back to Windows 11 Home Single Language edition.

If the above steps do not work, you can try using a different product key to activate Windows 11 Home Single Language. You can find a list of valid product keys on Microsoft's website.

If you still cannot activate Windows 11 Home Single Language, you can contact Microsoft support for assistance.

 

How do I move a Windows 10/11 license to a new computer?

Hi

Welcome to Microsoft community.

Moving a Windows 10/11 license and your system/apps to a new computer, especially in a data center environment, involves a few steps. This process is relatively straightforward if you have a retail version of Windows, as retail licenses are transferable between computers. Here's how to approach it:

Verify Your License Type

First, ensure your Windows license is a retail version. OEM licenses are not transferable. You can check your license type by:

• Opening Command Prompt as an administrator.
  
• Typing slmgr -dli and pressing Enter.
  
• A window will pop up showing your license information. Look for the "Description" line. If it mentions "Retail," you're good to go.
  

Deactivate the License on the Current PC

Before moving your license, you should deactivate it on your current PC:

• Open Command Prompt as an administrator on the PC where the license is currently activated.
  
• Type slmgr /upk to uninstall the product key. This will deactivate Windows but not completely remove the license from your Microsoft account.
  

Prepare for the Move

• System Backup: Use Macrium Reflect, which you mentioned you already have, to create a complete backup of your system drive. This backup can be used to restore your system to the new PC.
  
• Data Backup: Make sure all your data, including the contents of the 6TB HDD, is backed up securely, either through Macrium Reflect or another reliable backup method.
  

Activate License on the New PC

Once the new server is set up at the new data center:

• Install Windows: If Windows is not pre-installed on the new PC, install the same edition of Windows 10/11 that you had on your old PC.
  
• Activate Windows: To activate your Windows license on the new PC:
  
  • Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
    
  • Type slmgr /ipk <YourProductKey> where <YourProductKey> is your actual Windows product key, then press Enter to install the product key.
    
  • Then, type slmgr /ato to activate Windows online.
    
• If activation fails or if there are issues, you might need to use the automated phone system for activation or contact Microsoft Support for assistance.
  

Restore Your System and Apps

• Use the Macrium Reflect rescue media to boot the new PC.
  
• Restore the system image you created from your old PC to the new PC’s SSD.
  
• Ensure the restoration process completes successfully, and then boot into Windows to check if the system and apps are functioning as expected.
  

Data Restoration

• Restore your data backups to the new PC’s 6TB HDD or equivalent storage.
  

• Driver Compatibility: Moving a system image from one hardware configuration to another can sometimes lead to driver issues. Check Device Manager for any unknown devices or errors and install the necessary drivers from the hardware manufacturer’s website.
  
• Licensing for Other Software: Besides Windows, ensure that any other software licenses, like Macrium Reflect, are transferred or reactivated according to their respective policies.
  

Moving to a new data center with a new physical server involves careful planning, especially regarding licensing and data integrity. Following these steps should help ensure a smooth transition.

Please feel free to let me know how it goes.

Best regards

Derrick Qian | Microsoft Community Support Specialist