Windows 10: I want to transfer my retail version of windows 10 from my dead computer to a laptop with a...

My desktop computer died and won't turn on and I have a retail version of windows ten on it and I want to transfer it to a laptop that my friend gave me with a forgotten password which also has windows 10 on it. The laptop my friend gave me had a n OEM version of windows 10...she told me she tried everything to get the laptop going but it wasn't in the cards. So, I want to put my retail version on it and I don't know how to do it...my desktop will turn on but won't boot....even to DOS.

:)

 

Upgrade editions, retail versions and transfers

Apologies if this has been asked before, I couldn't find any definite answers.

I have a few concerns regarding the free upgrade because I'll want to update all our home computers (5 total). 3 of them are running Windows 8.1 Professional Retail version, one is running Windows 7 Professional and one Windows 8.1 Home Edition OEM.

• Can someone confirm the upgrade edition assumptions below are correct?

• Windows 8.1 Professional Retail -> Windows 10 Professional Retail
• Windows 8.1 Home OEM -> Windows 10 Home OEM
• Windows 7 Professional Retail -> Windows 10 Professional Retail

2. Regarding the Windows 10 Professional Retail (once upgraded), are you able to transfer the OS to a different computer if needed like I'd be right now? Meaning you de-activate on current machine and then install / activate on second machine?

3. I also have a Surface 2 RT. Will there be an upgrade available for this too?

Thanks

 

Has anyone moved the free windows 10 'Retail version' to another PC successfully?

I read on a questions and answers thread on Microsofts website that the free Windows 10 becomes the type it was upgraded from (e.g retail version).

Other threads seem to conclude it still acts like an OEM even in the case of the retail version binding only to the hardware it was first installed on.

Has anybody managed to reinstall Windows 10 on a new computer upgraded from a retail windows, or did it lock to the First hardware?

The EULA states "you may transfer the software to another device that belongs to you" so it looks possible ...

Steps to try:

• Install windows 7/8.1 retail on machine A
  
• Upgrade to windows 10 for free.
  
• Uninstall windows completely from machine A
  
• Install the same windows 7/8 retail on machine B
  
• Upgrade to windows 10 again (here's hoping)
  

If someone has already done the first to steps feel free to try see if it works!

I personally don't want to try the first to steps just in case I can't transfer it after if anyone has done this or has some insight please let me know.

 

Building a new rig to transfer Windows 10 but not sure if it's OEM or Retail

If you upgraded from a retail box copy Windows 7, it has retail transfer rights.

Use the following to see if you can find the original Windows 7 key. If you can't find the original Windows 7 key, you won't be able to transfer it.

Step 1: How to Find Your Product Key After Upgrading to Windows 10

Step 2:

• How to Transfer your Windows 10 License to a New Computer