Windows 10: I'm having trouble activating my windows license after building a new PC

Windows says that my key/license is not 'Valid' despite me buying this key from a retailer and still having the original packaging and key with me, after doing more digging my windows seems to believe that this is an OEM key which is simply not possible as I bought a FULL key 5 years ago with the intention of not having to buy again when I got a new PC, I've tried contacting microsoft support but the only way is to have them call back, which they haven't done in over 24 hours, furthermore for in the UK there doesnt seem to be anyway to Email or call microsoft for this issue, when I called the

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Building new PC giving current PC to wife - Windows license questions.

I'm about to build a new gaming PC for myself and my wife will be taking over my current PC. As part of my new build I purchased a fresh Windows 10 home retail license/digital download and was curious as to the best way to handle my situation as far as
Windows is concerned.

What I was thinking... please correct me if wrong or there is a better way:

1. Build new PC and install Windows 10 home via USB drive made from the official installer.
2. Use activation key from this new Windows 10 home purchase on new PC .
3. Reset current PC via: Start > Settings > Update and Security > Recovery.
4. Remove my current PC from my devices via my Microsoft Account online.
5. Have my wife create a Microsoft account and log in to current PC to take ownership.

Is this the best practice for my situation?

On my current PC I see via: Start > Settings > Update and Security > Activation that, "Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account". Does this mean I dont need to use the license I just purchased on my new PC build? Will
the activation/key for my current build that will go to my wife remain with that machine?

Thanks in advance all!

 

Having trouble activating Windows license

I am using Parallels virtual desktop to access Windows on my Mac for work purposes. I have a company domain Microsoft account and my employer purchased a Windows license for me. I can see the Microsoft license when I log into Microsoft in Mac/Chrome. However when I try to log into my Microsoft account through the Windows settings to link the license, it says I do not have a Microsoft account.

These are the steps I am doing:

1. Open Parallels virtual desktop and launch Windows
   
2. Open Settings. Activation state reads: "Windows reported that no product key was found on your device".
   
3. Click Troubleshoot.
   
4. Click "I changed hardware on this device recently".
   
5. Put in my email for Microsoft. I get the error message here that my Microsoft account doesn't exist.
   

 

Activating digital license on new PC Build

Hello,

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

If Windows 7/8/10 came preinstalled with 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:

(Not applicable to you)

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:

Ten Forums - Windows 10 Help and Support Forum...

Uninstall the keyhttps://winaero.com/blog/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:

(Not applicable to you ends)

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.