Windows 10: need to transfer product key from a crashed PC to a new PC

My PC crashed. It is unrecoverable. I have the key to a Windows 7 operating system that was on the PC. I need to transfer that key to a new PC.

:)

 

Can I Transfer an OEM Product Key to New PC?


I built a new PC and want to install windows 8.1. For this I need to buy a product key. I was told that OEM product keys are "married" to the motherboard for life.

But lets say I install win 8.1 and use an OEM product key yo activate it. And lets say in the future I get rid of the old motherboard and install a new motherboard. Will I be able to transfer the product key to the new motherboard? Or would I need a retail product key to transfer the key to a new PC or motherboard?

 

Is Product Key Transferable to New PC?

Hi, if your original license was OEM, it cannot be transferred to a new PC.

If it was retail, it can be- as many times as you like. Which was yours? That's the - er - key question.

There is no product key for Win 10 in the same way as for previous editions.

I'm not quite sure if you're referring to a completely different PC, or simply reinstalling Windows on the same PC. If the latter, activation should be automatic. It may be harder if you're making significant hardware changes.

If you have a retail key, please see:
Clean Install Windows 10 Directly without having to Upgrade First

Uninstall Product Key and Deactivate Windows 10

Activate Windows 10

Finally, if you're confident that you have the right to Win 10 on your target PC and still have difficulty, you can contact your regional MS activation centre.

 

Is Product Key Transferable to New PC?

I have decided to build a new PC instead of trying to fix the unsupported UEFI Disk problem I've had for the last year with my current PC. I have downloaded the Windows 10 Media and installed it to a USB drive. When the install routine asks for my product key, I would like to be able to enter it. Problem is, I upgraded my current machine from Windows 8 to Windows 10 Pro for free and never had to enter a product key. I think the last key I had was for Windows 7.1, which is what I originally installed on this current PC.

So, is the product key stored somewhere on my computer, or can I get it from Microsoft somehow? Or do I have to purchase a new product key? I know I don't have to enter a product key right away, but I'd like to have it from the start and not worry about it later.

Thanks for any guidance on this.

Jim