Windows 10: After hardware upgrade can't transfer windows 10 license. Not an OEM key.

Discus and support After hardware upgrade can't transfer windows 10 license. Not an OEM key. in Windows 10 Updates and Activation to solve the problem; Hi I upgraded a desktop I built a few years ago with a new mainboard/processor and ram. Its been running windows 10 pro for years, I don't remember... Discussion in 'Windows 10 Updates and Activation' started by CORE_I7, Oct 16, 2019.

  1. CORE_I7 Win User

    After hardware upgrade can't transfer windows 10 license. Not an OEM key.


    Hi



    I upgraded a desktop I built a few years ago with a new mainboard/processor and ram. Its been running windows 10 pro for years, I don't remember where I bought the key from. Possibly Newegg, TigerDirect, Fry's, BestBuy ect ect. I thought the upgrade would be simple as I purchased a full retail license (I don't remember really) because how else would windows be running on a machine I built with no included OS?


    Anyways. I used a keyfinder program on my machine before I upgraded. Ran a command to deregister my license with my computer. Installed my new system and attempted to activate with the key. Nadda.


    It just says I don't have a valid key. I then click on troubleshoot and it asks what system did I upgrade/change from. I select it and it says error try again or purchase a key.


    I don't buy keys from random people on the internet. No ebay. No behind Walmart. Its a valid key I've been running for years. I even remember the packaging it came in. But since I've moved nearly half a dozen times since I left California I have no idea where it is and likely don't have it anymore anyways.


    Called Microsoft they are asking for proof of purchase. I said, I don't have it. Can't you see my key that I've been using for years? They said no.


    What do I do? This is frustrating as I can pay for the license again but I feel that Microsoft is intentionally making this difficult to squeeze their loyal customers for more cash. I may be wrong but that's what it appears like to me. And I fight those business practices as hard as I can.


    help would be GREAT

    :)
     
    CORE_I7, Oct 16, 2019
    #1
  2. trparky Win User

    Potential upgrade to AMD Ryzen

    There are two types of Windows licenses...
    • Retail
    • OEM
    Retail licenses of Windows can be legally transferred between hardware because it's a retail license. Upgrade licenses if it was an upgrade from a retail license maintains the same license freedoms that the original license held, Windows 10 upgrade licenses are the only exception to that rule. OEM licenses however cannot be transferred from hardware to hardware. Upgrades from OEM licenses of course have the same restrictions that the original OEM license had.

    However, right now Microsoft is still accepting old licenses of Windows as an upgrade to Windows 10. All you have to do is type in your old key and it will accept it. Why Microsoft is still allowing this I have no idea but my thoughts are is that Windows 10 adoption numbers are so damn low that they need all the help they can get. *Laugh :laugh:
     
    trparky, Oct 16, 2019
    #2
  3. krimetal Win User
    Windows 10 upgrade license

    Hello guys,

    I have 1 license of WIndows 8.1 FPP/retail license. I want to upgrade to WIndows 10, but I one thing is unclear to me.
    If I upgrade, will WIndows 10 license be retail or it will "turn" into some sort of OEM license?

    I ask this because I upgrade my PC, you know, more memory, replace HDD, and I intend to upgrade the MB and CPU to Kaby Lake platform sometime in the future, (and of course sell the replaced hardware)
    This thing is not clearly mentioned anywhere.

    Thank you.
     
    krimetal, Oct 16, 2019
    #3
  4. LvxOne Win User

    After hardware upgrade can't transfer windows 10 license. Not an OEM key.

    Can I transfer Windows 10 Pro license to another computer?

    If the license is retail, then yes you can transfer it.

    If the license is OEM, then no, you cannot.

    If the license came with your laptop (or you upgraded from the license that came with your laptop), then it is OEM and not transferable.

    Source: Windows 10 License Key
     
    LvxOne, Oct 16, 2019
    #4
Thema:

After hardware upgrade can't transfer windows 10 license. Not an OEM key.

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