Windows 10: license and product key on multiple computers...sort of

here is the scenario. I have old desktops not in use and without operating systems and no hard drives. in two different locations. With the cost of SSD Drives being pretty inexpensive, lets say i have a 2TB SATA SSD with licensed and activated version of windows 10. Using the SATA Cable from the MoBo Can i connect that "portable" drive with windows 10 installed to a different computer fire it up without need for a separate license for each computer. At no time would the one copy be running on two systems at the same time. I have done it and it does work pretty flawlessly. just wanted to know if this would eventually cause something to happen to this licensed copy of windows 10.


i am just wondering if licensing does address this. I have one extra copy of windows 10 with an unused activation key. was just wondering if it could be physically switched between the 2 desktops multiple times as i outlined above.

:)

 

Transfer Windows 10 license to another computer.

Hi,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



Please note that one license key is valid only for one hardware. However you can try the steps mentioned below to check if that helps. Make sure that you have the 25-alpha numeric product key (Retail version). Here are some steps that you can follow:



Step 1: Uninstall the key from your Mac (Bootcamp). To uninstall the license key, follow the steps mentioned bellow:

1. Open command prompt (search CMD on start menu) and run it as administrator.
   
2. Then type: slmgr /upk
3. The following command will uninstall the product key from your Bootcamp partition.
   

Step 2: Install the product key on new Computer.

1. Open Run (Windows Key + R) and then type: SLUI 3
2. You will be prompted to enter the product key.
3. Please type the product key and try to activate it.

Step 3: If step 2 does not work, then you will need to install the product key manually and perform phone activation.

1. Open Command prompt once again and run it administrator.
2. Then type: slmgr /ipk XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX
   
   Note: replace XXXXX with the product key.
3. Once you receive a confirmation prompt that the product key has been installed.
   
4. Close the Command prompt Window.
5. Now open Run (Windows Key + R) and type SLUI 4.
6. Then choose your country and click on Next and follow the on screen instructions.

Hope this helps.

 

Convert a Windows 8pro product key to a Windows 10pro produkt key

Hi Andre,

Thank you for contacting Microsoft community.

I suggest you to Uninstall the license using the following steps.

• Press Windows key + X
• Click Command Prompt (Admin)
• At the command prompt, type: slmgr.vbs -upk
• Press Enter, this will uninstall the product key from the computer.

Further on, install Windows 8.1 activate the copy with the product key on the new machine. Then again upgrade the same to Windows 10 using Window Update or Media Creation Tool.

Hope this information was helpful and do let us know if you need further assistance. We will be glad to assist.

 

Same Product Key for Multiple Devices

I have four computers that were eligible for the Windows 10 upgrade. Three of the computers were eligible for Windows 10 Pro while one was eligible for Windows 10 Home. Upon checking the product keys on the three machines upgraded to Windows 10 Pro,
the product key was the same for all three computers. What gives? Is there a multiple device license for the operating system and if so, what is the maximum number of devices that can have the same product key?